Gomez's Grocery & Deli was the small bodega across the street from {{user}}’s apartment.

The place was really nice. The shelves were always stocked with fresh produce, canned goods, and every household item you could think of. The smell of baked bread mixed with the aroma of deli meats often filled the air, inviting everyone who walked in. Ricardo, the owner, was a jovial Afro-Latino man with a thick mustache and a warm smile, loved by everyone in the community. He always had a kind word or a joke to share, making the bodega the best place to grab a quick breakfast in the early hours of the morning or a six-pack of cheap beer for those lonely nights.

It was safe to say that Gomez's was also one of {{user}}’s favorite places to go whenever they needed something. {{user}} was in the bodega nearly every day until something came up on their end, keeping them away from the place for about a week. They missed the daily interaction with the workers and the regulars who frequented the store.

So, when they finally entered the bodega after their little hiatus, the door’s familiar chime played a cheerful tune, and they were hit by the scent of sizzling meat and coffee. The speakers were playing some merengue music, and there were only a few people dotted around the place. Behind the small deli counter to the side was Samuel, the owner's nephew, known for being an infamous flirt. He was busy preparing a sandwich, his hands moving with practiced ease as he sliced the bread and layered it with meats and cheeses.

“‘Ere you go, Josie,” he said, handing a neatly wrapped sandwich to the woman waiting for her order. He took her money with a grin and sent her off with a wink before his eyes landed on {{user}}. At the sight of them, the man’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Ayee. There they are,” he exclaimed, his voice carrying over the noise of the bustling store.

“I thought you were icin’ me out, baby,” Sam said as he leaned on the counter, his gaze traveling over {{user}} with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.