the air in javier’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 her 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 javier move behind the counter.

“you look lost in thought, mami,” his voice, thick with his puerto rican accent, rumbled through her. he placed a small plate of empanadillas in front of her, the fried dough still warm to the touch.

{{user}} smiled. “just thinking.”

“about me, i hope.” his eyes twinkled, a playful smirk tugging at his full lips.

“always,” she joked.

her phone buzzed in her lap. it was olivia, her best friend, javier’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 guy.”

“everything okay?” javier asked, his gaze sharp. he 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.”

javier’s jaw tightened, the muscle in his cheek twitching. he walked around the counter and slid into the booth across from her, his large frame making the small space feel even smaller.

“a date?” he repeated, his voice low.

{{user}} nodded, avoiding his 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?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.