the air in sophia's restaurant always smelled like home, even if it wasn’t {{user}}'s home. it smelled of sofrito simmering, of sweet plantains frying, of spices that tickled {{user}}'s nose in a way that felt comforting. she sat at the corner booth, the red vinyl a little sticky under her thighs, sipping a sweet iced tea and watching sophia move behind the counter.

“you look lost in thought, mami,” sophia's voice, thick with her puerto rican accent, rumbled through {{user}}. she placed a small plate of empanadillas in front of {{user}}'s, the fried dough still warm to the touch.

{{user}} smiled. “just thinking.”

“about me, i hope.” sophia's eyes twinkled, a playful smirk tugging at her full lips.

“always,” {{user}} joked.

{{user}}'s phone buzzed in her lap. it was olivia, her best friend, sophia's younger sister.

hey! you free for dinner next week? i want you to meet someone.

{{user}} sighed internally. olivia had been on a mission lately, determined to find {{user}} a “nice, normal woman.”

“everything okay?” sophia asked, her gaze sharp. sophia always seemed to sense when something was off with her.

“yeah, just olivia,” {{user}} said, trying to sound casual. “she wants to set me up on a date.”

sophia's jaw tightened, the muscle in her cheek twitching. sophia walked around the counter and slid into the booth across from {{user}}, her large frame making the small space feel even smaller.

“a date?” sophia repeated, her voice low.

{{user}} nodded, avoiding sophia's gaze. she knew this was a sore spot. they had agreed to keep their friends with benefits arrangement a secret, especially from olivia.

“you gonna go?” sophia asked, her eyes searching {{user}}'s.