Chapter Seven: Alexandra’s POV
979 Words
I was fumbling with my keys when I almost collided into her in the hallway.
“Ay, Lexi!” Camilla’s voice rang out, soft but startled. She caught her balance, cradling a drowsy little Miguel in one arm. “Mira nomás. Would you look at that? Judging by the time you’re getting in, I’ll say you got the job.”
I couldn’t help but grin, the fatigue in my bones momentarily pushed back by her warmth.
“I did. I got hired on the spot and had to resume work effective immediately.”
Camilla laughed and it sounded like tinkling bells. Miguel stirred, his tiny fingers twitching near her collarbone, but he didn’t wake.
She adjusted him gently, her voice softening. “Congratulations, chica. You deserve it. And you need this. Going out and getting a good inhale of that air will do you some good every once in a while.”
I was touched by her sincerity. “Thanks.”
She nodded once, then tipped her head toward her door. “I better put this one to bed before he wakes and decides we’re doing another round of karaoke.”
I chuckled as she disappeared into her apartment, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
Once inside mine, I kicked off my shoes and exhaled deeply, embracing the silence.
Finally I could breathe in my air again.
I leaned against the counter, rubbing the back of my neck, already feeling the dull ache of tomorrow’s work creeping in.
Still, there was a strange sense of pride nestled in the tiredness. I said I was going to go through with this plan, and I did.
How would Eden have said it?
Celebrate small wins. A win is a win, after all.
Then, there were three quick knocks at the door. I paused, knowing only one person knocked like that.
I opened the door, and there she was, with her pixie cut slightly tousled from wearing the waitress’s cap all day, a takeout bag in hand, and that familiar gleam in her eyes.
“Tell me you didn’t eat,” she said, brushing past me without waiting for an answer.
“I didn’t.” I closed the door behind her. “I just got in. How’d you know?”
She dropped the bag on my table. “Because I’ve got telepathy? Because you always forget to eat when you’re anxious? And because I told Luis not to let me leave without this.” She flashed a wicked grin. “Chicken enchiladas. And flan. I fought for that flan.”
I smiled at her bright museum-printed shirt and somehow laughed when she pulled off the matching shorts and tossed it on the small sofa in the living room.
Eden could be wild like that and I loved her that way.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Always, girl. Now tell me more about that Alessandro guy.”
We talked more about the Moranos, more specifically my current boss, as we ate. Eden was solid on her advice to stay by his side and investigate more from there. She also told me to milk up every opportunity I had on this job because, whether I liked it or not, my work experience here would spice up my resume.
After we finished the first meal, we opened another plate, and Eden changed the topic to something I didn’t see coming.
“So there’s this guy,” she started, not looking at me yet.
I arched an eyebrow. “Always a great beginning.”
She finally glanced up, and sure enough there was a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Eden, blushing?
This had to be very good.
“His name’s Javier. He’s new. Started bussing a few weeks ago.”
I paused mid-bite. “Javier? Okay. And…?”
“And he’s cute,” she said with a shrug, like that somehow didn’t mean anything.
I narrowed my eyes. “How cute are we talking?”
“Like… dangerous smile, great arms, tattoo peeking out of his sleeve kinda cute.”
“Oh.”
She covered her face with her hands for a second, then laughed. “He’s been talking to me more lately. Helping me close, sticking around after shifts. Tonight he stayed late to help mop, even though it wasn’t his job.”
“That’s suspiciously sweet.”
“Right?” She peeked at me through her fingers. “But I don’t know. I get the feeling he’s just trying to… you know, get in my pants.”
“Just your pants?”
Eden snorted and pointed her fork at me. “I’m serious!”
I grinned. “I know. But, hey, doesn’t mean you’re wrong to be cautious. Do you even want something serious?”
Eden hesitated, her fork still in midair. “I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not with him. He’s charming, but I don’t think he sees me like that. Like a real thing. Just flirty banter and stolen glances.”
I nodded slowly. “Well, if he’s just looking for something casual and you’re not, then that’s good to know now.”
“Yeah. I mean, he’s hot. But I’m not gonna be someone’s little secret after hours. Look at me; I was born to be in the spotlight.”
“Yes, girl,” I said, nudging her leg with mine. “You deserve more than late-night mop flirts.”
She smiled at that. “Thanks.”
We went quiet for a moment, then giggled about something random.
Eden and I joked about boys and men alike, but it didn’t go beyond the teasing remarks. That’s because neither of us had considered wanting anything serious, like an actual relationship with a guy.
For me, it was just... not in plans for now.
More important things, like getting justice, was the main focus.
- Writer
