Morgan's Writing Blog

As you pass all the town businesses, the summer air flows into Javier’s truck. Then, finally, he pulls into a parking spot, his door facing the sidewalk.

“Thank you for dropping me off. You know I could've just biked to work?” you ask him, closing his door. You circle to the driver's side, leaning on his open window. 

“I like driving you to work. Dinner tonight?”, He suggests.

“I could go for some wine-ing and dining,” you play with the thought. Unfortunately, Maria’s been on vacation for the last week, so you’ve taken care of the shop yourself. 

“Ok, I’ll pick you up at closing.” he leans his head out the window to connect his lips with yours.

“I love you,” you say, pecking his lips once more, then turning away from him to walk to the shop's door.

“I love you more,” he says quickly, rolling up his window. Then, before you can retort, he drives off. 

It's corny, but you both argue about who loves who more. He’s so frustrating.

You snort, unlocking the door and stepping inside. 

Today’s going to be different. You can feel it.

----

Javi

“Did you pick it up?” I ask Steve.

“Yes.” Steve throws the ring box at me.

“How did you get all that money past the misses?”

“Told her I lost a bet to you.”

Steve snorts. “So today is the day? The day Javier Pena settles down. We really should have cake.”

“I am so nervous.”, I say, bracing my head with my hand.

-

For the last month, Javier Pena has been driving himself absolutely nuts. Should he propose? Should he not? There are so many things he has to take into consideration. He’s never felt this way about a woman before. This week, she’s been covering for her boss and the empty hours without her has brought him to snoop around her stuff. He has read approximately 5 of her books. Fantasy books about men in flowy white shirts on ships, some hot and heavy scenes that would make a nun pass out. But they all ended up with the man saving the woman and passionately kissing her. Demanding she marry him.

 One day he was so invested that he forgot the time. Y/N was unlocking the door and he nearly tripped on the carpet putting the book back on the bookshelf.

Grabbing the dictionary, he barely reached the couch before she got inside. 

“Honey! Im home”, she shouts out.

Acting surprised, he lifts his head, “Oh! Hi! You’re off earlier.”

She walked in clutching four paper bags, clearly struggling. “Yeah, the cafe was super dead so I locked up early. The weather was nice so I thought I might walk.”

He hopped up in a flash. “Let me help you with those”

She twisted away in rejection. “You need to take it easy. The doctor said no heavy lifting. Anyways, so I remember we needed bread so I dropped by the grocery store and I was shopping hungry. So, now im making chicken alfredo for dinner.”

“I wouldn't call bread and milk ‘heavy’ but”, you put up his hands in surrender, “you’re the boss”

“Can you set the table”, she shouts back, making her way to the kitchen. “Did you feed Avery!?”

“Once this morning, and a little bit before you got here,” he says placing the dictionary back on the shelf.

“You hear that, little girl? You’re dad already fed you. Hey! Don’t yell at me, young lady!”. She’s yelling at the cat again, he thinks. Javi laughs to himself. I couldn’t love her more than I love her, right here, right now. He feels for the ring in his pocket. It’s gotta be today.

----

Y/N

You’re faking a positive attitude for him. You’ve been running yourself ragged all day. You had multiple wrong orders. Lemon tea in espresso, mistaking heavy cream with half and half. So when the midday rush clears, you decide to close up early. Some fresh air will do you good. It’s been a long week without Maria and you are bone tired. Cooking might be the stress relief you need right now.

Javi was acting weird. He’s been different since the accident. You can blame it on some kind of PTSD but that doesn't seem like the only thing circling his brain. Whatever it is im sure you guys can figure it out. Unless he breaks up with you. 

Oh no, he’s breaking up with me.

 “I found this red wine at the store and I thought I could try it out”, you pour two glasses of wine. Taking a sip, you cringe at how bitter it is. The longer you spend cooking the more the nasty thoughts get to you. 

He realizes he wants better than you can give him. You down the glass.

He found someone else. You pour another glass.

He knows your secret. You down the second glass. 

You start to feel woozy. 

“Corizón”, he walks in. “You ok?”. He looks you in the face, searching for an answer.

“Yeah!”, you enthusiastically breathe out, “Im good!”. You give him a half-baked thumbs up.

“Here.” He comes around behind you, grabs you under the elbows, and leads you out of the kitchen and to the table. “I’ll finish dinner, you just sit there and look pretty”

You're spiraling. Javi accidentally burned his finger testing the sauce, “FUCK!”, he yells out, sucking on his digit. 

He’s mad. We’re breaking up. He knows.

You try some calming breaths. In and Out. Inhale, Exhale. Now you’re tearing up. You hold your face in your hands, sobbing.

He comes walking out, just then looking up at you “Hey do you know where th-   What happened? Honey, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

Kneeling, he turns your body to face him, “Heyyy…” he croons, “What’s going on?”, he’s rubbing your knee.

“It's just..” you sniffled, trying to collect yourself. “It’s been a long week and you've just been kind of distant. And I thought maybe you were mad at me for something”

He’s scanning the hurt on your face. “My love, Im not mad. I wasn’t mad. What made you feel like this?” He starts brushing circles on the backs of your hand.

You just sob a little bit more, shrugging.

“I love you… so much. In fact”, he starts patting his pockets, he’s shifting onto one knee. It's much worse, he’s proposing. TELL HIM

“Wait. Wait.”, you stretch your arms out in protest, shaking your head. “We need to talk”

Pain crosses his face. “Ok.”, he swallows, “Let’s talk”

---

“Haha, very funny. You’re a vampire”

“Immortal. None of that blood stuff”

“Immortal, who’s been living since the 1800s”

“Correct.”

“You’re pulling my leg”, he scoffs. “I get it. Big joke on the doofus”

“Im not joking.”

“I don’t believe you”

“Okay.”, you lift a single finger, running off to find the box under your bed with things you've collected over the years. One reallllllyyy old picture of you. The only one you have to remember your old life by. She looks so lively...

You hand it to Javi. He looks at it closely.

“So you have an ancestor you look exactly like”

“That’s me, in the summer of 1901. There was a giant storm on St. Simon’s beach, I was pulled under by an undertow.”

He flipped the picture, writing on the back says “The Day of the Big Storm”. 

“I drowned, Javi. But before I could cross over, I was pulled out, dragged onto the sand, and resuscitated. I was”, you measure an inch between your pointer finger and thumb, “close to dying. I was 20. That’s the day my life changed. After that, I didn't age a day. I have been 20 for 74 years.”

“Do you remember who pulled you out?”

“No idea. Do you believe me?”

“I do. Just give me time. Have you been keeping this from me the whole year we’ve been dating?”, he speaks softly.

Tears start running down your face again. You’re shaking. 

“I didn’t know how to tell you… I’ve never told anyone before. I usually move town before I could get close to anyone”

He’s squeezing his temples.

“This is a lot to process.”

“I know. I’d understand if you left right now”

“Goddamit. Hold your horses for two seconds.”, he gets up from the couch, pacing. “I’m not going anywhere. I just need a fucking moment.”

“Javier”, you can barely recognize your voice as it escapes your mouth. “You were going to propose weren’t you?”

He stalls. He shakes his head and utters, “Yeah” he slides his hand down his jaw. “Yes, yes I was”

“And you’re having second thoughts?”

“Yes. No. It’s not like that. Just give me a day to process this. Would you have said yes?” His brows furrow.

“I think we both need time to think about this. “, You stand up and kiss his cheek. “Hey”, you place your hand on his cheek, “We’re gonna be fine. I have to clean up at the shop anyways. I’ll see you in the morning, ok?”

“Go home. I’ll be fine”, Javi speaks across the room to where you're sitting in a worn leather armchair, half asleep. You don't know if it's guilt eating you up inside or the need to desperately know he’s ok every second he’s in the hospital. You just know that you are exhausted but can't seem to fall asleep. It has been four days since you got the call.

“I’ll go home when I get to take you with me,” you replied, your eyes half open. 

“Here,” he slides over, “At least come lay in a bed. This is my good side.”

“You just miss me in your bed,” you snort, walking over to the right side of the bed. 

“I miss you, period.” he catches your eyes. His are filed with softness and warmth. You try not the let the hurt in your eyes.

--

He was your home, your home. He had become everything to you in these last couple of months. Made you soup when you were sick, took care of Avery when you couldn't get out of bed. Let you invade his bookshelves with your novels. Heck, you convinced him to paint his kitchen green. Something about the two of you clicked. You never wanted to be parted. Even at night, he kept you warm. The smell of tobacco and cologne welcomed your nostrils because you knew he was right there. And he wasn't going anywhere.  It sometimes got hard; he’d go on missions and come back to a spotless house days later because you couldn't sleep without him. Finally, you took up journaling for three days to get bored. You just ended up doodling, sometime Javi's face.

He’d come back, and you’d make him his favorite food. You never thought he meant the food. You were a terrible cook. Nonetheless, he ate everything you gave him. Happy to be in your presence, be to be home with you.

His smell would drift over you as you fell asleep, and everything was ok again. 

--

You slipped the hospital sheets back to slide in next to him. You adjusted yourself, so your head was on his shoulder. His scent drifted to your nose, and everything was ok. Your eyes flutter closed. He was here. He wasn't leaving. You felt a tear roll down your cheek. 

-----

Javi’s P.O.V.

Y/N fell asleep. I have never seen someone tire themselves so much. She looks so peaceful, wet with tears forming under her eyelashes. That woman could knock me down with a wind current with those beautiful lashes. One bat of any eye, and I would do anything. I've never had partners long enough to see my work play out like this. One hopes that their significant others will never see them injured. I never want her to feel this way.

The nurse walks in the door. “HEY.. Oh! I'm just here to check your vitals. I’ll make sure not to wake her up” she goes on to take my blood pressure and makes sure I'm breathing right.

“Heartbeat is good, breathing’s good,” She says matter-of-factly. “You’re on track to go home tomorrow. No working for another work. I’m sure your wife will have a blast nursing you back to health.”

“Oh, she’s not my-” I start to say

“OH! Uh, I'm so sorry for assuming”, she rushes her words. “I'm gonna get going; I’ll be back in an hour to check up on you.”

Wife. That sounds real good. Fitting. 

Y/N’s snoring on me, leaving a sizable drool stain on my chest. Yeah, that’s my wife.

---

Javier was discharged the next day. He was sent home in a sling. The nurses told you about his medication and when to change the bandages on his right side. Connie and Steve came to pick the two of you up.

“You’ve looked better, buddy,” Steve says and winces when Connie sucker-punches his arm. 

“Even like this, I look better than you. You ever gonna shave that dumb mustache?” Javi retorts. You’re just glad he’s like this again.

 “I’ll shave mine when you shave yours. Get in the car.”

First, you help him into the car, then run around the other side to slide in next to him in the back seat. “Don't you dare shave,” you threaten with your pointer finger. 

He throws up his right hand, “Yes, ma’am.”

Most of his bruises faded, and his right side still had stitches.

“I'm not broken; you don't have to look at me like that,” he whispers so close to your ear that you can feel his breath on your neck—bad time to get horny.

You bite your lip and turn to look out the window.

“Oh.”, it clicks right then to him. “Oh?”

He draws his finger up and down your leg, making circles on top of your thigh.

You give a warning look, and between your teeth, you speak, “Not now.”

He gives you his best puppy dog pout.

“Pobrecito”, Poor thing, you coo back.

“I am, you didn't even kiss the boo boos away.” 

You kiss his cheek, “until we get home, you can hold on to that one for me.”

Steve called out and looked in the rearview, “Don't ruin my seats back there, lovebirds.”

-----

The fifteen-minute drive was agony. You wanted nothing but your bed and Javi. Finally, the couple drops the two of you off at your apartment. Avery didn't even wait two seconds after you opened the door to scream bloody murder from on top of the couch.

“I missed you too, princess,” Javi scratched under her chin. She rubbed her head against his hand. “Me too, girly, me too:” you find yourself thinking. 

You put your bags on the kitchen counter, pulling out his medicine. 

“Let’s get this out of the way,” you say, pouring out different doses of antibiotics and pain pills and handing them to Javi. Then, you go to pour some water into a glass.

“Thank you,” he says, throwing back his pills and water. He leans against the counter and looks so human like this—your human. You’ll tell him when he’s recovered. Right now, you just want to be here with him.

You wrap your arms around him, careful not to hurt him. He rests his chin on your head, brushing his hand down your hair.

“I love you so much, Javier Pena,” you whisper into his shoulder.

“I love you so much more, Y/N Y/L/N,” he whispers back, kissing your forehead.

“Alright,” you pull back, clapping your hands once, “Time for a shower; you smell like a hospital.”

He chuckles and then follows you to the shower. You careful undress him, being careful to unwrap his bandages. Finally, your hand reaches for his belt and zipper. His bulge grew considerably from the few minutes of contact you had with him. 

“Mr. Pena,” you exclaim as you judge, leaving your mouth open in surprise.

“You can't judge me on human nature, love. I have a pretty girl undressing me.” he smiles a wolfish grin.

You start to undress. 

“Shit, I was kidding,” he laughs it off.

“If you thought I was going to let you shower alone. You were wrong five minutes ago. If you thought I wouldn't join you after THAT, you are very wrong now.”

He manages to step over the lip of the tub without your help and reaches out his hand to have you join.

“You are going to be the death of me, I swear.”, you say, stepping in and kissing the tip of that glorious nose. “Turn around”

You squeeze a glob of the shampoo out of the bottle, return the bottle and wash his nasty hair. He was like putty in your hands, softly moaning at the contact. You let him wash out the shampoo before depositing body wash into your palm. You rub your hands over his back, his backside. You’re surprised he has pounced on you yet. You let your hand wrap around to his front, sliding your hands over his stomach, tracing a circle around his navel, and then down. His cock was twitching at the anticipation. You wrap your hand around it and start pumping, leaving kisses on his shoulder. His head relaxes back, moaning softly. 

“That's right, baby. Just like that”, you whisper into his ear. His release comes to him, and his cum washes off and down the drain. He turns around, looking exceptionally soft.

“Feel better?” you raise an eyebrow.

“Much. Here”, He tries to kneel, but you catch him. 

“Absolutely not. I’ll be fine.”, you chuckle.

“I have one good hand. At least let me use it.”

“Maybe in a week.”, you reply, clasping his face in your hands. You kiss him so sincerely. You never want to know sweeter lips. His mustache tickles just a little. You step out of the shower, wrapping a towel around yourself.

“M’ere,” you gesture.

Your relationship with Javi was pretty normal for a while. Within the following year, you move in with him. There’s nothing hotter than a rugged man with a soft spot for cats. Avery got highly used to being spoiled, and spoil he did. The first thing he got her was a pretty new pink collar with a bell. You always knew she was the princess type. Javier’s apartment was two blocks from your work. Most days, he dropped you off, but you made sure to keep your bicycle on the first floor chained up. 

Tonight was your night to close, and you had two more hours to go. Sundays were always slow. You lean on the counter, doodling on an old receipt: the front door dings and incomes your handsome boyfriend.

“I brought you dinner. Hungry?” he shakes a brown bag in front of you.

Your eyes widen, “From the taco shop across town?!”

“Yeah”

You grab the bag and pull out the most delicious al pastor tacos. You bite into one and moan just a little.

“Better than sex.”

“Oh yeah?” he raises his eyebrow. He leans in close enough to whisper into your ear, “You weren't saying that last night… over and over. And to think I was nice enough to get my good girl something she deserves. Tsk tsk”

That makes you bite your lip. 

“Don't make me take you into the back and remind you. Is that what you want” his breath hits your ear, tickling your throat. 

“Uh…”, you were a second from being persuaded when a tall blonde man walked in. 

“Oh,” you clear your throat, “Hi Steve, I haven't seen you in a minute. The usual vanilla latte?”

“Oh no, thank you, y/n. I'm here for Javi”, he gestures.

“What's going on?” Javi turns to him. 

“We might have him. We just got the whereabouts of some of Escobar’s men. We gotta get going right now.”

“Ok, let me just say goodbye real quick.” Javi walks up in front of you, grabbing your hands.

“ 

“I might be gone for a while. I love you. Take care of my girl.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I was talking about Avery.” he stares into your eyes and then laughs.” I'm kidding. Take care of yourself while I'm gone.  back soon.”

“I will. Please be careful. I don't want to lose you.” you bring your hand up to rest on his jaw. “I love you.”

He leans down, taking a little extra time to kiss you deeply. Then, he steps back, slipping his hands out of yours as he turns away and out the door. You have a bad feeling about this.

---

It's been three days since he left, and you have been restless. But, luckily enough, you have the perfect person to spend time with. Since getting serious with Javier, you also got close to his partner. And in that respect, with his wife, Connie. 

You both were sitting in her living room, having coffee and cake, talking about nothing and everything all at once. You just wanted to get your mind off of him. Every single bad situation was sitting in the back of your mind, getting worse as the days dragged on. 

“You really love him, don't you?” Connie says to your dissociated face.

“Hmm?” you hum back, finally landing your attention on her.

“You genuinely love Javier Pena. I didn't know that that stubborn son of a bitch could land someone.” she laughs, lighting a cigarette, “You know he talked about you a lot before yall started dating. He didn't even like coffee, yet he insisted on seeing the ‘cute barista’ in town. And here you are, waiting for that man to walk through those doors.”

“I do. I do love him. How do you do it, Connie? Wait for Steve to come home, not knowing if he’ll be ok.”

“I took up a hobby. I got really into crocheting. Soon, I didn't know what to crochet.”

“I don't think I’d be any good with that. But maybe I will get back into baking. That seems to make the time fly pretty fast.” you shrug your shoulders. “Yeah, a couple of those recipes have been handed down, generation to generation,” all of which you’ve lived through.

She starts to ask if you were any good, and you get into a tangent about growing up baking with your mom in the states. You were being careful enough not to find out that you really are an old lady. The recipes that you remember are all from the 1800s. 

“You’ve got to show me sometime.”, she encourages.

“I’ll be right back. Gotta pee, first door on the left, right?” you call out.

“You got it!”

The phone rings. Connie picks up. You heard a faint: “Murphy Residence.” she pauses to listen. “This is she.”

You’re finishing up washing your hands, opening the door, and hearing: “Yes, she’s here.” she holds out the phone to you. “It's for you.”

“Y/N Y/L/N, how can I help you?”

“Hi, Ms. Y/L/N, we’re calling because Mr. Pena was shot, and he put you down as his emergency contact.”

“Shot?! Is he okay?” you exclaim.

“We’re trying to get him in stable condition. He asked for you. He’s in surgery right now”, they reply.

“Can I see him?  I mean, when he’s out.Wh, wha, what happened? Oh god, can I see him?” you’re on the verge of tears. Your head is spinning, and your chest is starting to cave in.

They let you know what hospital they sent him to, and Connie offers to drive. 

“Um, do you have any water? My mouth is a little dry.”

“Of course, sit down just a moment. It's a lot getting this type of news.” she runs to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. “Just breathe for one moment. I’ll go get the car started.” she leaves you sitting on the couch with the glass. You can hear the car start, but you’re just frozen in place.

“Let’s go,” she touches your shoulder. You hold onto it for a moment and then get up. 

----

“Can’t you drive any faster?” you’re impatient. You have to see him.

“Trying my best.” she really is trying her best. Connie is driving 15 over the limit. Part of you knows she needs to see Steve too. 

The four lanes of traffic on the road are all trying to merge into one. God, you hate cars. I wish they had never been invented.

“WHY’D YOU WAIT UNTIL THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT TO GET OVER, ASSHOLE” she screams, followed by a couple of colorful Spanish curses that made absolutely no sense in English. Oh, yeah. She definitely just became your best friend. “GOOOOOOOO,” she honks.

You were stuck in that traffic jam for twenty minutes.

“I promise, time trying to get you there, sweetheart.” she sees you starting to dig your fingernails into your palm. Your leg is shaking so much; it might fall off.  

-----

You couldn't even wait till you parked to leap out of the car.

‘I’ll meet you in there! Go get him!” she shouts, pulling off to park in the lot. 

You run through the doors to the front desk. 

“Im here for Javier Pena. Is he out of surgery? “you rush the front desk attendant, tapping your fingernails on the desktop. 

She checks her clipboard. ‘Doesn't look like it; if you don't mind sitting in the waiting room.”

“Y/N?”, you hear Steve’s voice.

You whip your head around to see Javier’s partner. “Is he going to be okay?!” you get hysterical; you can’t stop shaking. He leads you to a chair and helps you sit. 

Connie runs in and tackles Steve, ‘You’re ok, thank god”. He holds the embrace until she’s ready to let go. 

‘All thanks to Peña. We came under some really heavy fire; he tackled me out of the way. I'm so sorry, Y/N.”

Your mouth is dry as cotton, and the only thing you can muster up is a nod. But, you know, Steve would do the same thing if it came down to it. The couple has been nothing but nice to Javi and you. Connie was the closest thing you had to a family for a while now. 

For close to two hours, the three of you sat in the waiting room. The air was so thick that anyone could pierce it with a needle. Wait for any kind of news to come. 

“Want anything from the vending machine?” Steve asks Connie and then turns to you. Connie shakes her head no.

“I'm ok, thank you. “, you reply. Then, you turn to Connie, “I'm going to get some fresh air. Get me if the nurse says anything?”

“Of course.”

You walk out of the sliding doors, putting your hands into your jean jacket pocket. Then, throwing back your head, you close your eyes and let the cool breeze take you for one moment of peace. And like that, the shell you’ve been keeping around yourself today breaks. You feel the warm tears roll down your cheeks. You weren't very religious, but you sat there just praying to whoever heard you make him ok. 

You were alone for a long time. How does one spend their immortality? Your answer now was clear: With Javier Pena. If he survives, you have to tell him. Tell him everything.

“Hey, he’s awake.”, Connie speaks softly.

You take a deep breath. He’s ok. You wipe off your tears. She waits for you, and you join her in walking to his room. She holds your hand, and you’re thankful, giving it a short squeeze. 

You walk into the room where Javier’s hooked up to machines. His eyes are lazy, and he’s smiling.

“Y/N,” he whispers; his smile took so much weight off of your chest. He’s ok. 

“Javi, my love,” you smile, tearing up. Connie gestures to the seat next to the bed, letting you have it.

“Don’t cry, beautiful. I'm here, aren't I?”, He reaches out his hand to yours. “I held on just for you. Needed to see my girl again.”, He says softly. 

Steve walks in behind you.

“Don't scare me like that, you son of a bitch”

‘Someone’s gotta keep you on your toes” you squeeze his hand and give him a stern look. “Hey, I didn't do it on purpose.”

“I'm serious when I say I'm glad you’re ok,” Steve says. “Hey, Connie. Let’s give them some space for a little bit.”

“‘Hey, hun. Do you need anything before I leave?” she puts her hand on your shoulder. You bring your hand up to it. 

“I'm ok, thank you. For everything.” 

“Anytime.” She turns to leave the room, closing the door behind her. 

----

You spent the next 6 hours with Javier. You watched tv, talked, and sat in silence. Everything, nothing. Watching the nurses change out the bandages on this stomach and arm.

Guilt weighed heavy in your stomach. You’ll tell him when he’s out of the hospital. But, for now, you're just glad he’s alive and happy. Your head begins to drop out of exhaustion. You’re crying has you all tuckered out. 

“You’re sure you don't want to go back to the house?”

“I want to be here with you.”

“Hospital couches aren't the most comfortable, baby.”

“I don't want to leave you.”

“Get some sleep.”

“I’ll go home tomorrow. I asked Our neighbor to check on Avery tonight. I’ll shower and get some of our things, but now I'm staying with you.” you yawn. Then, you get comfortable using your jacket as a pillow on the leather chair. “Goodnight, love.”

“Goodnight, cariño,” you can almost hear the smile in his voice. 

---

You were awakened to loud beeps coming from the heart rate monitor. Your heart jumps out of your chest when you open your eyes. The room was still, the light in the hallway being the only thing that illuminates your surroundings.

“Shh, it's ok.” He replies to you. He points to the iv in his arm. “I just bent my arm wrong; I'm ok.”

The nurse comes in to check up on him, reset the monitor, and check his chart. Then, it's time for some pain medication. She leaves shortly after that. You get up to stretch your legs after being a human pretzel in that chair. 

Two o’clock hits. Thank god. That was the longest shift ever, you think to yourself. Javi won’t be off for four more hours. You offered to make dinner for him tonight. It’s good for him to meet the other important being in your life, your cat. Avery’s acting like you won’t ever come back to her every time you walk out of the door. 

You needed to grab some groceries before heading home, walking your bike down the block. So you turn left, rolling your bike into the bike rack outside of the grocery store. 

“Hi, Dolares!” you call out, waving your hand to the cashier and grab a basket.

“Hi, darling! How’s the cat?” she responds. 

“She’s good, thank you!” you call out behind you. Hmm, what’s for dinner? You think. Chicken Marsala sounds good.  You throw the ingredients into the basket and head to the spirit aisle: white wine and Chicken Marsala. 

“All right, I think we’re done,” you say to yourself, heading to the cash registers.

“Hi, Y/N,” a young man smiles at you and starts ringing up your items. His skin is a warm brown, and his eyes were so golden they could be sun rays. He was considerably tall for a 20-year-old.

“Hi, Daniel. Did you just get on? I didn’t see you when I came in.”

“Had to help Mrs. Hernandez find the banana peppers again.” He rolls his eyes. “The total will be $20.45 ”, he said, chuckling to himself.

“Right,” you snort.

“You have a cute laugh.”, he replies, rubbing the back of his neck, “Uh, hey Y/N? Would you like to go out sometime?”

Oop. There it Is.

“Daniel, I’m flattered… but unfortunately, I’m taken”. Were you? You and Javi never made it official. Maybe tonight will solidify that. 

“No worries. Lucky guy, whoever he is. Here are your items”, he says with a tinge of hurt. “Have a good day.” He genuinely smiles. 

You throw the bags of groceries in the basket at the front of your bike and ride home.

--

Avery meets you with the most brutal cry you’ve heard.

“You know, soon the neighbors are going to think I’m torturing you in here.”, you say, throwing the groceries in the fridge.

It was 3:45; you had time to kill before Javi came over. So you strip off your coffee-stained shirt and take a long shower. Soon you were wondering if you should shave and deep condition. You mean, if it happens, it happens. 

So to kill time, you get out of the shower and give your hair a good blowdry. Then, you put on your favorite outfit and perfume. It’s now 4:45; goodness! Can time go any slower?. 

You give Avery the one-on-one attention she so desperately craves. You pull her onto your lap on the couch and pet her, letting your mind wander. “Ooooh,” you stare at her with open eyes, “Do you want a snack, baby?!” she practically POUNCED off your lap and into the kitchen. You reach into the cabinet and pull out her cat treats. While you were here, mine as well start dinner. 

You check the time; it’s 5:30. At least, it’ll be ready by the time he gets here. 

At soon as it hits 6 o’clock, you get a phone call.

“Hey, baby. I just got out. I’m going home, real quick to wash up, and ill be over”, Javi says to you.

“Can’t wait,” You reply happily, setting down the phone on its holder.

--

There’s a knock at your door. You take your last looks in the mirror, rubbing your teeth and taking off your apron. You open the door, revealing Javi with a huge bouquet of flowers in his hand. 

“You look amazing.” he looks you up and down and chuckles.

“Oh, this? I just threw this on.”

“Uh-huh,” he gives you the bouquet, and you smell them. They smell lovely.

“Do come in. Make yourself at home”, you gesture to the house. You both walk towards the kitchen, and he hangs his jacket up on the back of his chair. 

“Nice place. Oh hi, beautiful”, he says when Avery rubs against his leg.

“Don't feed her ego.”, you laugh.

“So this is the infamous Avery.” he picks her up, “Hi, sweetheart,” he scratches under her neck. I guess he just has an effect because, before long, she’s purring loudly. 

“Food’s almost ready,” you inform him.

“Alright, I have to put you down and tend to my favorite girl.” he dips down to land her on the floor.

He comes up behind you. He wraps his arms around your waist, “It smells great,” he dips his head down to start kissing your neck. 

“Better stop that if you want dinner.”, you warn.

“And if I want you instead?” he continues, to then leave a peck on your cheek. “I'm kidding; I am starving.”

Dinner goes great. He talks about how work has been lately, and you fill him in on your newest neighborhood gossip.

“He should know better than to mess with my girl.”, he jokes. You both can just feel the sexual tension in the room. You get up to grab your plates.

“Here, let me help you with the dishes,” he offers.

“You know what?” you sigh, “fuck these dishes,” you put the plates down on the table.

  You grab his face and kiss him. He snakes his hand up to grasp your jaw and deepen the kiss. You take it as the opportunity to sit on his lap. The bulge in his pants becomes extremely apparent against your core. His hands grab your ass and your hands in his hair.

And like that, he’s set off like a bomb. He stands up, lifting you with him, not breaking the contact between your lips. He lays you gently down on the table, pulling up the hem of your sweater. He kisses up your stomach. It comes up to now exposed, lacy bra. 

“Sneaky, sneaky,” he shakes his head, laughing to himself. Then, he dives his head back down, kissing on top of your breasts. Next, he loops his fingers to pull down the straps of your bra and then exposes you to the air of your apartment. Your nipples harden, and he takes a left one into his mouth, entertaining the right one with his hand.

You gasp out in quiet pleasure to his warm mouth; you feel the heat between your legs and sit up to reach for him. You wanted him now. He pushes you back down. “Not just yet, Princesa. I want to taste you.”

OH. 

He unbuckles your belt and unzips your pants.

“You know you teased me pretty bad yesterday. I couldn’t get those pretty little moans out of my head all day. I wanted to hear those in person.” he slips your pants down with your underwear. And just for a moment, he lets his warm breath pass over your core. You let a whimper out; you just want him, his mouth, or anything else.

“Please,” you let out.

He moves your panties out of the way and lightly licks your dripping wet core. And then he dives in, dragging his tongue from bottom to top. Finally, he starts to eat you out like he hasn’t eaten in a week. A guttural moan comes ripping out of you. A small laugh comes rumbling out of his chest. 

“That's better,” he replies cockily, going back in.

He’s hitting your clit just right, adding one finger and two. It's mind-bending how perfect hits fingers hit. Before long, you’re right on edge.

“I'm gonn-” you gasp.

“Cum for me, baby, I wanna hear you cum”

Those worse took root in your mind, and you just shattered into a million pieces, letting out an almost high wheeze.

“My pretty girl. You did so good for me”, he said softly, tracing the silhouette of your body. 

You stay quiet for a minute before coming back from spacing out. He picks you up and lays himself on your couch with you on top of him. For a moment, you lay there, enjoying the warmth of his body. 

“You’re wearing too much,” you mumble into his neck. 

He smiles, “we can change that, here sit up,” you oblige, and he sits up enough for you to pull off his shirt. You take a moment to stand up and take off his pants and underwear. You strip off what is left of your clothes, making sure to go extra slow, showing off your curves. Javi bites his lip, “will you just get your fine ass over here and let me fuck you.”. You hitch your leg over, hovering over his well-defined cock. You slowly take him, inch by inch, until you're filled to the base. 

“You're so beautiful taking my cock like that,” he says, half-lidded, letting out a breathy moan. 

You take a minute just to adjust, kissing his neck, leaving your little marks down his jaw to his collarbone. Then, you get kind of cocky and bite and lick his earlobe. A groan comes ripping out of his throat. Within the minute has, you flipped and bent over the couch arm. He starts pounding the absolute shit out of you, making your brain go blank again. Soon, you're babbling small phrases like “so good, so good.” He makes you come twice before pulling your body flush to his grasping you by the throat and rubbing your clit in tiny circles, thrusting slowly into you. 

“You're so fucking hot. You like being fucked dumb?” he whispers in your ear. “Pretty girl. So pretty on my cock. Taking it so well”. 

He is coming close, you can feel it. 

“Ah fuck, going to cum. So good, such a good girl for me.” he pulls out and cums over your lower back. He lays you back across the couch arm. 

“Bathroom?” he asks

“Down the hall and to the right,” you reply. He follows your directs and comes back with a warm rag, cleaning up after himself. He pulls on his briefs and lays down on the couch. “Come here, cariño,” he gestures for you to lie with him. You put your head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat starting to even out.

“I'm losing my touch. I used to be able to make it longer; I'm getting old”, he muses.

“Losing your touch? You rocked my world.”, you laugh.

“I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I had a fantastic time.” he kisses the top of your head, “And dinner? So good”, you waves the ‘ok’ gesture. 

Soon, the two of you just lay there. He runs his fingers across your hairline, lightly tracing your head. You could fall asleep like this. And you do just that, letting that fluffy dream world come to you. 

-------

You wake up the following day to Javi snoring into your ear. You could get used to this, maybe in your much bigger bed, but still. Your dream state comes to an extreme holt when you make eye contact… with your cat.

“Don't you judge.” you mean mug her, scrunching your nose.

You gently remove yourself from Javi’s very asleep body. Then, you hop in the shower, cleaning a little bit of last night off of your body. Your soaps cover your body, leaving a smell of rose hips and vanilla. The door opens, you peek your head out to see if it's Avery. 

“Got room for one more?” Javi says, leaning against the doorframe.

“Of course. Hop in”, you answer. He steps in behind you. “here, let me. Turn around”, you pour out some body wash into your hands and massage it into his neck, shoulders, and back. You get to a particularly bad knot in his back and rub it out. 

“You are a goddess. That hurts so well. I haven't had someone rub my back in so long.” he keeps his eyes closed, enjoying it. He tilts his head back, and you take the opportunity to wash his head. Finally, he lets out a satisfactory groan. “This feels so good.”

“Just glad I can make you feel good,” you snort. 

You both hop out, drying off.

“Time to make you feel good,” he scoops you up.

Three weeks later

“There’s someone I want you to meet,” you say to Javier, who was eating a sandwich across from you. So the two of you decided on a lunch date this time, a little mom-and-pop place. It worked better with your work schedules. You’ve been on a couple of dates since the first one, a movie here, ice cream there, one very lovely picnic. 

“What, like your mom?” he asks, his face full of food.

“No,” and you laugh and swipe the mayo off of his chin. “Avery, my cat.”

“You’re serious.”, he raises an eyebrow.

“Dead serious. She means a lot to me, and I’ve been missing time with her so I can hang out with you.”, you poke at your salad.

“Ok. When?”

“After this? If you have time?” you shrug your shoulders.

“Not today. I’m sorry. We’re getting close to closing this case at work. So it’s going to be a long night tonight especially.”, he explains.

“Will I see you tomorrow?” you ask, trying to read his face.

“I can’t promise that, Princesa. I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok. I get it. Your line of work is hard.”, you sympathize.

He bites in his sandwich.

“And kind of hot. I love a man in a bulletproof vest. Does something for me.”, you add.

He chokes, “Excuse me?”

You look off. “You heard me.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Never said it was.”, you lift up from your chair to whisper in his ear. “Guess I’ll have to spend the night all by myself. With only thoughts about that toned body to keep me company”. You sit back down, leaning back in your chair and crossing your legs.

“Carino, you know I'd come over in a heartbeat. But this isn't one I can’t get out of”, he apologizes. 

“Fine,” you reply.

He gets up from his chair to kiss you on the lips. “I’ll have my thoughts of you keeping me going. I have to get to work. I’ll see you as soon as I can”. 

With that, he leaves the restaurant. You head back home to check on Avery. You pass through the door frame, and she’s already screaming at you.

“I know. I KNOW. You’re hungry. Poor baby, I haven’t fed you in 5 hours! You’re practically withering away.” You roll your eyes, pouring food into her bowl. “Sorry, kid, I know you wanted to meet him. But, unfortunately, he’s busy”, she lifts her head, meowing.

 “I KNOW! How rude?” you snort. You swear she had a mind of her own sometimes.

You leave her alone to relax on the couch. You pick up your newest novel, thumbing through a chapter in 10 minutes. You reluctantly started this book because of Maria. She had suggested it one day at work, thinking it would put you “in a love-y mood.”. It wasn’t all that bad, the writing was good, and the plot was interesting. It was about a girl who joined a crew on a ship and fell in love with the captain, like a sexy Captain Hook.

Time passed until it was dinner time. So you grab a frozen dinner and throw it in the microwave, hearing in pop and sizzle. Avery hops up on the counter, nudging your elbow. 

“Hi, pretty girl,” you smile, scratching her butt; she arches up into your touch. “I missed you too. Come on” you pat your shoulder, and she jumps up. The night is almost silent except for the crickets you can hear chirping through your open windows.

“What do you think, Avery? Is it a night for the fire escape?” you ask her.

She just raises her eyebrows. 

“I think it’s a night for the fire escape.”

You made it your own with a comfy chair and lights. It was your personal heaven, despite it being chilly outside. Avery curled up next to you, holding on to your warmth, kneading at the blanket you threw across the two of you. The city was booming. You can see groups of young kids playing soccer. Across the way, their parents are having a cookout. The food smells good, and the party sounds fun. A song comes on, and you can see people coupling up to dance. Their laughs are infectious. You catch yourself smiling, yearning to have those moments with Javier. 

“That’s right! Javier.” You find yourself remembering. You were serious about being left alone with thoughts of him. Ooooooh, you have just the thing. You say, finishing off your food, walking inside, and throwing it in the sink.

----

10 P.M.

“departamento de policía, ¿en qué puedo ayudarle?” Police department, how can I help you?

“Tengo información de Javier Peña. ¿Puedo hablar con él?” I have some information for Javier Pena. May I speak to him?

“Un momento,” the line goes quiet for a moment, and you hear footsteps walk away and back, and then a click.

“Este es Javier Peña. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?” Javier Pena. How can I help you?

“You’re sexy when you speak Spanish,” you say lowly.

“Y/N, I’m working.”

“Aww, but I missed you.”, you tease. “What are you up to?”, you say twirling the phone cord around your pointer finger.

“Desk duty. They benched me for the week. I’ve gotten through about half of these case files, and I think my brain will explode.”

“Hey, take a break.”

“You’re probably right.”, you hear him adjust in his chair. “What are you doing?”

“Thinking”

“Is that so? What are you thinking about?”

“About you”

“And what about me are you thinking about?”

“Mmhmm. What’d do to you if I was there in the office with you.”

“Oh? I’m intrigued. Pray, tell me your desires.”

“All the ways Id let you fuck me on your desk.”

You can practically hear his eyes widening.

He clears his throat, adjusting himself in the chair. It lets out a slight creak.  “I didn’t know you’re into that.”

“Kiss up your neck, across your jawline..” you trail off, ghosting your finger down your neck, tracing the slope of your breasts. “Javi. “ You moan out.

“Carino.”, he responds.

“I’m so horny,” you whisper.

“Tell me what you’re doing to yourself,” he demands. “I’m about to bust out of these jeans.”

“I’m unbuttoning my shirt. Imagining it’s your hands, so strong and able...” you hear the seat creak again. He must be leaning back in his chair. “Are you still listening?”

“Yes. Just imagining your body. Those beautiful breasts.”, he responds seductively.

“Touch yourself.: you whisper to him.

“Baby, you know I can’t.”

“More fun for me.”

“Pinch your nipples.” You follow suit, bring your right hand to your breast, pinching your nipple softly. The contact made you whimper. You hadn’t done anything like this in so long, but thankful for the familiar movement.

“God, you’re beautiful. Come on, baby, keep going.”

“You’d travel down my stomach,” you start to pull off your pants. “Rub me through my panties, but you’d get impatient and move them aside.” You let a quiet moan 

“I’m going to fuck you so good next time I see you. You have no idea what you’re doing to me right now.”

“I have a good idea.”

“I really should get back to work.”

“I’d love to cockwarm your cock while you looked over case files,” Did you really just say that? You insert two fingers, moaning loudly. The chair creaks; he’s adjusting. “Yeah, did that make you hard?”

“Rock hard. You can’t just say things like that; someone could be listening.”

“Let them listen.” He can hear your fingers slide in and out of your wet pussy. 

“Does the thought of me filling you up turn you on that much?”

“Uh-huh”

“And because you can’t be a good girl and let me work, you’d have to earn the privilege to cum. Gonna that pretty little pussy on this cock. Only when my work was all done would I slam you against the desk and fuck your brains out.”

God, you feel yourself get close.

“Javi”

“Yes, Princesa? Are you about to cum? Cum for me, pretty girl.”, he whispers.

It’s like something snapped in you. You were sent over the edge.

“Oh, goooood girl. Such pretty moans for me”, he croons. 

It took you a moment to respond. Then, clearing your throat, “....I’m back.”

“Yeah?” he teases, chuckling a little.

“What about you?” you ask.

“I’ll take care of it in a little bit.”

“I can’t believe I just did that.”

“It sure made my shift a lot more interesting,” He replies.

“What time do you get out?”, you say biting on your pointer finger.

“2 a.m., unfortunately.”

“I have morning shift. Wanna grab some dinner tomorrow?” you offer.

“Yeah, that sounds nice. Maybe you could make up teasing me tomorrow?”

“Oh, I can definitely do that.” 

“It’s a date.” He says.

Friday came, and you were ready for work. Your favorite customer comes on Fridays, and lord knows you were going to miss him. Unfortunately, you overslept; it was 5:45, and we were going to be late to open again. You throw on your clothes and grab a banana on the way out of the house. You decided on taking your bike today, having no time for a leisurely walk.  You’re speeding through the streets, passing the bakery and the flower shop.

“Slow down, Speedy!” Mrs. Rivera shouts.

You make it just in the nick of time to unlock the door for the first customer. 

“Hi, Ruthie. Pick any table, and ill be right there to get your coffee order.”. She sits at a table in the front, by the window. You walk back to boot up the coffee and espresso machines. You get the pitchers of tea steaming and the pastries baking. 

“Hi honey,” you greet her, “the usual?”

“Throw something together like you always do. Oh! And a scone.”

“Yes, ma’am. Be back with your order.”

The morning starts pretty slow and begins to get busy around 8. 

“Hiiiii Maria.”, you greet your boss.

“Hiiiiiiiii Y/N,” she mocks back, “Has he come in yet?”

“Not yet.” You reply while pouring creamer into a customer’s drink. “Hot coffee for Jose,” you yell out.

As if by magic, he walks in, actually hobbles in with his cane. 

Mr. Abe, an old Asian man, reaches the counter.

“Mr. Abe! How are you doing today?”, You ask him, handing him his two hot teas with sugar.

His face stretches out in a smile, and his eye brighten. His glasses move up and down his face.

“Ladies. You remembered!” he raves.

“How can I forget? How’s the wife?!” you pipe up. How’s

“Oh, she’s as good as ever. Our garden is thriving. I can barely get her out of it. How are you, girls?”

“Good” “Great,” you both say at the same time.

“Well, I have to get back to Eleanor. You pretty girls have a good weekend.”, he says, adding a couple of dollars to the tip jar, and walks out. He always tips, and he ALWAYS compliments. You must’ve been so swept up with your interaction with Mr. Abe that you didn’t see Javier sitting at the table, right by the front door.

“Hi there, stranger. What can I get you?” you ask him. His hair is extra messy today. It looks good.

“I thought I told you my name?” he questions.

“Yeah. Javier, right?

He nods. 

“What can I get you, Javier?” you add.

“Black coffee. One sugar”

“Ooh, we’re going sweeter now?” you joke, “One day, you’ve got to let me make you a latte.”

“Maybe next time.” Next time.

“Ok, one black coffee coming u-”

He cuts you off, gently grabbing your hand, “Hey, what are you doing tonight?”

“Got a date.”, you slowly remove your hand from his.

“Oh?”

“With my couch.”

“Oh. Would you like to grab a bite?” Javier rubs the back of his neck.

“With you?”

“Who else?”

You stare back at Maria, who is holding two thumbs up.

It would be nice to go out. Ooh, and I just bought that top. Maybe I could humor Maria. What’s the worst that could happen?

You bring your eyes back over to Javier. “What did you have in mind?”

“Dinner? Italian?” he asks.

“Sounds good. One sec”, you run back to the counter to rip off a piece of paper, scribble on it, and run back.

“Here’s my number and address. But”, you stopped, holding the piece of paper to your chest, “You gotta promise me something.”

“What would that be?” he chuckles.

“Promise me you’re not like a mass murderer or something?” you scrunch your nose.

He puts one hand on his heart, “I promise.”

With that, you walk to the back to fix up his coffee.

“Oh my god,” Maria mouths. “He asked you out?!” she says out loud.

“Sure did.”, you pour his coffee into a mug, walking back to him.

You place his cup down. “Anything else I can get you?” you ask.

“That’ll be it.”

“Yell for me if you need anything.”

“Will do, beautiful.”

You try to hide your blushing cheeks on the way back, muttering something about having to make fresh coffee. Finally, you turn your back to the rest of the cafe, brewing a new pot of coffee.

You let a moment pass, calm down, and bring around the new pot, refilling the customer’s cups. You stop in front of Javier.

“Refill?” you gesture with the pot.

“Uh, yeah. What time am I picking you up tonight?”

“How’s 7?” you offer.

“Perfect.”

---

The day plays out like every other Friday. You get out at 2 pm and head over to the bakery. 

“Hey, guys.”

“Miss Y/N, how are you today?” the teenage boy running the front counter asks.

“Just peachy. Can I get a loaf of Sourdough?” you point at the bread.

“Right away. How’s business at the shop today?”

“Eh, Not too bad. A lot of regulars”, your face betrays you, turning red.

“You ok there?”

“Great, I’m great.”

“Uh-huh,” he says. “I know that look.”

“You’re like 16!”

“Hey, I know love when I see it. What can I say? I have an old soul. What’s his name?” Her name? I don't discriminate”, he jokes.

“Can I have that loaf now?”, you get impatient.

----

You do end up wearing the new top. It fits you like a glove, and it feels like a good sign. 

7 pm comes a little too early, and you hear a knock at your door. “So punctual,” you think, putting on your jacket. 

‘Avery, watch the house for me while I’m gone.” you call out to your furry friend.

You open the door and see Javier dressed rather dashing. He dressed up in a casual suit.

“You look beautiful. Ready?” Javier asks.

“Yep, lemme just,” you walk through the frame, turning to lock the door behind you, “There. Let’s go.”

The two of you reach the parking lot, where he opens his truck door for you. He’s just close enough for you to get a whiff of his smell. It’s almost intoxicating. He smells like bourbon, smoke, and expensive cologne. 

The drive to the restaurant is short. You get a table as soon as you walk in. “This date feels too perfect,” you think, waiting for something to go wrong. Did the universe decide that it was time for you to be happy?

“Here, lemme get that,” he offers, seeing you start to take off your jacket. He helps you slide it off, drapes it over the back of your chair. He then gestures for you to sit and then pushes in your chair. He sits across from you. He grabs his menu, eyes peeled.

The waiter walks over to get your order.

“What drinks can I get started for you guys?” the waiter asks.

“I’ll have a merlot, please,” you reply.

“Water. Gotta get this little lady back home safe”, Javier says.

“Be right back to get your order.”, the waiter informs you, turning walking away.

-----

“So Y/N, how long have you lived in Columbia? You don't sound native.”, he asks.

“Oh, just a couple of years. I’m originally from the US”, you say, sipping your wine.

“I’m from Texas myself,” he offers.

“Georgia.”

“Got two southerners in Columbia. Who would’ve guessed?” he laughs. His laugh is extremely attractive. 

“What brought you here?” you ask back.

“I work at the Embassy.”

“Ahh. ‘It’s confidential then’”, you say using finger quotations.

“You got it,” he replies.

The conversation goes off without a hitch. The food was delicious, and your company was delightful. In addition, you find about some of his favorite hobbies and his nicotine addiction. 

“What do you do besides sell coffee?”

“Well, I like to read. Mostly nonfiction, but I am enjoying mysteries at the moment. I enjoy listening to my records.”

“Have any favorites?” he asks, hand on his palm, completely engulfed in your presence. 

“Little bit here and there,” you smile back.

And like that, you’re arguing about what “good” music was and why his taste is better than yours. 

 He drops you off home, walking you up to your apartment door, hand in hand.

“I had a really good time tonight,” you declare, letting your arm float for a moment.

“As did I. See you Monday?” he inquires

“See you Monday.”

He lifts your hand, kissing it gently and then letting go.

----

The whole weekend you felt like you were floating on a cloud. Work went by like an instant; Avery started looking at you like you were someone completely different. “See if I give you extra treats again, ungrateful brat,” you chuckle. Not even your grumpy cat could get you down. Life had meaning again. The leaves you saw on the ground seemed extra colorful, and the sounds of children playing nearby seemed more lively.

By the time Monday rolled around, you were jumping out of your skin just to see Javi again. “I’m calling him Javi now?” you question yourself. Nevermind that. You get dressed and put a little bit more effort into your appearance, and Maria notices right away. 

“Someones in a chipper mood. How did the date go?” she beams.

“It was good. The food was delicious. You should try it sometime.” That made her give a stern look.

“You know I wasn’t asking about your dining experience, right? Give me the details. I haven’t had a date in years”, she begs.

“What is there to say? So he picked me up; we went to dinner, we talked a little bit, and he took me home.”

“Did he kiss you?”

“No” “Did you want him to kiss you?”

You think about it for a moment. Did you? You bite your lip.

“I guess I kind of did. But, Maria, it was only one date. He did say he was coming in today, though.”, you say offhand, just throwing it out.

-----

He didn’t come in. You waited all day for Javier to walk in, even going as far as making sure the coffee was fresh every time it seemed he might come in.  Did you scare him off? What did you do wrong? How can a man that nice seem so perfect and then ditch you a few days later? 

You’re wiping down the tables when you hear the bell above the door ding. 

“We’re about close.”, you call out, not looking up from your rag.

“I told a girl id see her Monday, and I’m a man of my word. I’m so sorry I’m late”, he softly calls. He tilts his head to get into your line of sight.

“Sorry, I just poured out all my coffee,” you reply quietly.

“You’re mad. I get it”

“I’m not mad.”, you let out a breath, flattening out your apron, meeting his gaze. “I was just waiting for you. I thought I wouldn’t see you again. Thought you might’ve skipped town, maybe met a supermodel..”, you start to ramble absolute nothings.

Javier grabs your face and kisses you. The air around you sparks; his lips are soft and warm and perfect. Then, your faces part, and he looks you in the eyes.

“What was that for?”, you ask searching his face.

“I’m sorry. For standing you up. Won’t happen again.”. He has very kind, warm brown eyes. 

You grab his face, kiss him back. His stubble rubs against the palm of your hand; his mustache tickles your upper lip.

“So we’re ok?”

1975, a random fall Tuesday 

I don't know how it even happened, or how I met him. At the time I was living in a small town in Columbia run by Americans, keeping to myself, not drawing any attention to myself. He walked into my cafe and got a small black coffee. He stayed a while, reading his small novel.  

“Hi there, stranger, I got your coffee”, you said as you set down his drink. “Anything else?”

“No ma’am. Thank you”

“No problem”, you went to turn away but you had to know, “Um, hey?”

“Yes?”

“You've come in before.  What's your name?”

“Javier”

“Javier. I'm y/n. Let me know if you need anything. Maybe next time you could try a latte”, he lets out a snort. You go back to cleaning. It was extremely slow today so you got the go-ahead from your boss to close up early. 

“Miss?”

You turned around and saw Javier leaning up against his truck with a smile. 

You grasp your chest. “You scared me. I didn't notice you there.”

“Were you about to walk home?”

“Yes”

“Would you mind a ride?”

“My apartment isn't that far from here, but thank you I appreciate it.”

“Anytime.”

And like that, you were walking home, enjoying the weather. It was chilly and the leaves were falling beside you everywhere. You didn't mind the ten-minute walk to your apartment. You don't even get in the door before your cat starts meowing at you. 

“Avery, give me one moment. I'll feed you I promise.”. You love the hell out of the black cat but the girl is so needy.

You flick off your shoes by the front door, bending down to pet Avery. You walked past her to shake some food into her bowl. With how she rushes to it, you'd think she never got fed. Silly girl. You walk over to the couch and lay out, grabbing the blanket to get comfortable, a few moments pass and your cat hops up to snuggle up to you. You flip on your tv to find something to have in the background and settle on Hawaii Five O. There's something about cops that attracts you so much. You find yourself falling asleep, Avery radiating heat on your stomach. 

---

You were woken up the next morning by your alarm clock; another day, another dollar. You were on second shift today so you didn't have to be in until 11. You got up and made yourself toast and eggs, making sure fatso had her food too. 

“Pretty girl”, you say scratching her chin and heading towards the door, adding an “I’ll be back later. Byeee”

The walk to the shop today was extra nice. You can smell the aroma of a pumpkin pie as you pass the houses in your neighborhood and hear the sounds of children playing outside. The giggles brought life to the quiet afternoon. As you come closer to the city, the more you hear the sounds of cars passing and smells of bread being baked at the bakery down the street. The bakers wave at you as you pass the front window. You hold up two fingers, gesturing back. Two shops down is Mrs. Rivera trying to hang up plants, struggling to steady herself, AND the hanging ivy pot.

“Here let me help you.”, you say as you come behind her and catch the pot, succeeding in hanging it up on her awning.

“Thank you, sweetheart!”, she says as she wipes her hands on her apron.

“No problem. I have to get going but come by for a latte?”, you ask.

“Yeah. I’ll see you” 

And with that, you were back to it. Half a block down and you come to the shop's front door. It dings as you enter.

“You're late”, your boss, Maria, gets on to you.

“Mrs. Rivera needed help again.”

“Uh-huh. Get your butt back there”, she snorts. She's not mad. Thank god.

“Been busy today?”You ask about taking off your backpack and hanging it up. The shop was basically vacant. The only customer you could see was a college kid studying in the corner. You walk around to pick up mugs and empty plates from various tables.

“Not really. The usuals mostly… Oh! A guy was asking about you! He asked if I knew if you got home safe?”, she asked, confused.

“Ah yes, Javier. He offered to take me home last night.”, you say while walking the dirty dishes to the back.

“He’s cute. You should get in there, girl”, she yells to you. “In there?”, you come around the corner and scoff, “I'm not that interested in dating right now.”

“You should. You can't just spend all your free time with your cat and nonexistent characters in your books.”

“Can.” You point out “And will” 

“You're only 24, do you really wanna throw away that opportunity?”

You could only muster up an eye roll.

----

The rest of the shift went off without a problem. Maria went home shortly after her talk with you. The next few hours included a couple of customers but mostly some cleaning. Mrs. Rivera actually came to see you, even getting a hot chocolate for her grandson when she got her latte. You hold a conversation with her for a while, talking about her daughter’s new job at the school. Maria said something about that a couple of weeks ago. The rest of the regulars got their usual drinks, only sticking around long enough for their drinks. The clock soon hits 7 pm.

“Another tea?”, you ask the college student in the corner. He’s been here for your whole shift and has gotten two hot green teas with sugar.

“No ma’am. I'm about to leave but I appreciate it.”

‘Alright. Don't be a stranger”, you say, taking his cup and saucer to the back to clean it off. You place it in the strainer to left it air dry. As you are in the back, the customer packed up and left, leaving the shop empty.

You walk past every table, wiping it down and stacking chairs on top, then grabbing the broom. You quite enjoy the quiet chill night, humming a simple tune. The night offers an array of noises through the open door: Grasshoppers chirping and the soft whistle of the breeze. You finish sweeping and put up the broom. “The tips were pretty good today”, you think, pushing the money into your pocket, removing your apron, locking up, and heading home.

----

You had Thursday off and planned to spend it accordingly. You slept until you couldn't anymore, got up, and fed Avery, offering extra pets to the needy cat. She snuggles up to you on the couch, laying in the space in front of your stomach. Your newest interest? Murder mysteries. So you are relaxing on the couch reading Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. 

You get pretty far into the book before hearing a knock at your door. Weird. Then walk to unlatch the door, swinging it open.

“Uh... hello?”, you questioned the man in front of you. He’s standing there with his hand to the back of his neck, looking nervous

“Hi. Umm, I'm new to building. I live across the hall. I’m Anthony”, he reaches his hand out. You take his hand and shake it.

“Y/N”, you respond, smiling.

“Nice to meet you, Y/N”

“Would you like to come in for some coffee? I just put on a fresh pot”, you invite.

“Yeah, that sounds nice.”, his face sparks up in happiness. He takes your invitation and walks into your apartment, you close the door behind him.

‘Wow. Nice apartment. How long have you been living here?”

“Eh, a while”. Boy, you have NO idea.

He sits down at your dinner table and you bring over two coffee mugs.

“Cream? Sugar?”, you ask.

“Yes. Both please”, he responds and you hand him the containers of cream and sugar.

“Just moved here?”

“Yeah. From Arizona. The owner told me that you're one of the only Americans renting here. Thought I might come by and say hello.”

“Arizona, huh?”

“Yeah. I used to live in Georgia when I was a young girl but I’ve been around the world a lot. Been a while since I’ve been in the United States”, you drift off for a second but reel it in. “ Where in Arizona are you from?”

“Tucson. Wasn’t a bad place to live but I went to college for a major in the Spanish language. I wanted to visit places where I could hear the different dialects and see the different cultures. Thus, I am in Columbia.”

“Ah, you see I just wanted to see the world. I’ve been almost everywhere”

‘What was your favorite place to visit?”, he asks, fully focused on the conversation and not realizing Avery’s furry body rubbing against his shins. She meows. “Oh, well, hello there pretty girl. What’s your name?”. He reaches down to pet her back.

“That’s Avery. But back to your question, I was living in Greece for a while and I just adored the blue waters and sandy beaches.”

He takes a sip of his coffee and asks, “So what brought you here?”

“Need a change of scene. I had a friend who lived here but she passed away a couple of years ago”, you reply back nonchalantly, shrugging your shoulders.

“Oh, im so sorry to hear that. Not too pry but we’re you close?”

“Yeah, We knew each other for a while.”

“How’d she die?”, he asks further

“Old age”, you let slip.

“Old age? he responds surprised.

“Uh... yeah. A family friend.”, you try to make up a better story to keep suspicion off of you.

That conversation kind of ended before it started, instead opting for a conversation about Anthony’s studies in places like Cuba and Spain. The talk circled around to different places you’ve visited, Rome being a topic that seemed to trail on and on. The sun outside seems to start to set.

“I’ve got to get going but it was nice to meet you, Y’N”

“You too, Anthony. Let me know if you need a cup of sugar or anything”, you say following him towards your door. He steps through and across the hallway to his front door. When he shuts his door, you follow suit. You turn around and you can feel Avery’s judging eyes on you.

“I know, I almost blew my cover”, you tell your feline friend. She meows.

-----

You weren't wrong when you told Anthony you’ve been living in Columbia for a while. The problem is his definition and your definition of “a while” were completely different. The truth is you lived in Columbia for 40 years and in this town for about 20. You didn’t age. The only person who could possibly know is Mrs. Rivera but she is very good at minding her own business. You were one of the only ones who came to her husband’s funeral a year ago. You’re practically family. The town’s oldest residents have passed and the owners of the apartments change every couple of years. The rent is paid in cash and the tenets come and go. Every couple of decades you move to another small town in another country. 

You lived a normal life but you didn’t know your parents. You lived in the orphanage until you were 18. It was then you took up a job, reading in your spare time, and traveling when you could. You didn’t even realize your immortality until you were 40 looking 20. And then 50 looking 20. You did try to date but soon came to realize that you’d outlive them, leaving a trail of broken hearts. You were pretty sure you were incapable of love. 80 years old and not prepared for what happened next.

---------

The week is over, work is done, so now it's time to have some fun

The place is old and there's money owed, tonight forget that heavy load

The sky is clear without a cloud, the air hums with music loud

The moon is full and shining bright they'll come from far and wide tonight

And will I get to steal a glance at the one who sends me in a trance?

If not, at least you'll get the dance down at the Ballroom of Romance

__

The tavern boomed with music and spirits. You had a lot of your regulars and luckily enough you didn't have to throw anyone out. It was a good Friday.

“More ale?”, you ask walking up to a table of six men. They've been here all day and paid very well.

“How much for a night?”, he grabs your ass.

You gasp. “Sir, I don't know whom you've mistaken me for but I am not her.”. You shoot daggers through your eyes.

“I know who I'm looking at.”, he retorts

‘You're drunk. I suggest you take your hand off of my ass.”. He takes his palm off of your butt cheek.

The afternoon air was filled with the sound of rain, pitter-pattering against the stained glass windows. The lanterns were lit and you swept the floor, making small piles of green leaves and broken glass. You take advantage of the sound of rain and sit next to an open window, opening your journal and writing. Today you were writing about falling in love in a village far away, with a prince. 

“Princes are unrealistic.”, you scratch that suggestion off of your list.

---

The night was slowing down. It was dinner time and you were wiping down the bar and tables. A man you’ve never seen before had come in not too long ago to sit at the bar. He had shaggy brown hair and facial hair. He was hunched over. You walked over and smiled across the bar.

 “Would you like another drink? Maybe I could interest you in a piece of Shepards Pie?”. You looked into those beautiful, sad eyes. What had this stranger been through?

“Another drink, please”. His voice was warm but melancholy.

As you pour his next ale, you ask him “Rough day?”. You send him a caring look, ready to listen.

“You've got more important things to do than listen to my problems, lass”, he takes a drink.

“Ok then. Let us start with names maybe? Mines y/n”, you say with a smirk and hold out your hand

“Francisco Morales. But my friends call me Frankie”, he shakes your hand

“Francisco, huh? Spanish?”

“Si,hablas español?”

“Unfortunately, I can understand the basics. The “dame otro” and “senorita hermosa”

“And you get that a lot, the ‘hermosa’?”

“Not from anyone that matters” 

“To better times then, señora y/n”, he lifts his drink to cheers you and takes a sip

You space out for a moment… Taking in his forewarning.  “She really broke your heart, didn't she?...... Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud”, You scramble to pick up a glass and clean it.

“It's that obvious?”

“Takes heartbreak to know heartbreak”

“Im sorry to hear that, coriña”

“Don't worry about that. He was no good anyway. What happened, if you don't mind me asking?”

“I was gone on a trip with a couple of my men. We were supposed to bring back all this money and I was going to come back to her. We were supposed to pack up and move to the next puebla. Start a new life. The trip went worse than we thought it would. One of the men in the group was killed. The trip was cut short.”. You nod to let him know you were listening. “I came home and she was in bed with another man.”

“Oh, Frankie. That's horrible”

“In the past now.”

“Let me buy your next drink”

The night had progressed on and you were trading stories like you've been friends for years. Before long, the band was showing up and the bar was filled with lively people drinking and dancing. You had to leave him a couple of times to fill the mugs of thirsty men at various tables. He stayed right there, waiting for you to come back.

“I thought you would've been gone by now.”

“I like your company”

And it's then that the band picks up a little ditty. A favorite of yours.

On summer nights when the barley's high and the stars are twinkling in the sky

Take a walk by the river side and let the music be your guide

“C’mon”, you say grabbing him and pulling him to the dance floor. 

Whack fol the dah, now swing your partner, leave your troubles at the door,

We will dance until the morning light, come take my hand and we'll take the floor

You rush through a group of people and land in the middle. The lights illuminated your smiles. His laugh is intoxicating.

“You know I'm a horrible dancer, right?” He laughs out. If he was, you did know because he held you perfectly. You were close enough to know how good he smelled, it was delightfully attractive. His body weaved to each side as you step side to side. Your hands intertwine, your fingers lightly brush. The air is bright and it felt as if you were the only people in the world. There was magic in the air. He placed his hands on your waist, lifting you up. He moves them to place them under your bottom. Slowly letting you slide down, you make eye contact. You wish you could look into those eyes for centuries.

“I'm leaving town Monday. I know we’ve only just met but come with me?”

You laugh and respond “Where would we go?”

“I could care less but I'm willing to find out with you”

------

“I'm serious Frankie! Where are you taking me?”

“Don't worry about it!”, He chuckled. “You’ll like it, I promise.”

-----

This whole week has been a drag. You just wanted to get home from work and sit down with a nice glass of wine. You didn't even want to SMELL coffee much less make it. He noticed your tension the moment you stepped into the house. You flopped on the couch with a huff.

“Baby, what's wrong?”, He kneeled next to you. He takes your hand into his and rubs the top of your hand with his thumb.

“Work has been really rough lately. Evie keeps ordering the wrong products and I have to fix it. We’ve been so dead slow lately.” You scoffed to yourself, “I've made three new drinks for the menu in the past week. Oh, and Mark hasn't been showing up for his shifts.”

He snaps his fingers and says, “Go take a shower and get ready. I have just the thing.”

“Bu-”

“No buts”

“Fine. Better be worth it”

That shower hit the spot. You managed to work that knot out of your neck and felt pretty good stepping out. You managed to put together a nice outfit and throw on some makeup. You met Frankie in the living room. His eyes widen. 

“Whatcha think?” You gesture to yourself.

“You look great. Wow, I am so lucky”

“And you're a huge goober. Ready?”. You grab your coat and follow him to his truck. He opens your door and helps you in before circling to the driver's seat. 

-------

“Farmer’s market?!”, Your voice jumped ten octaves. “Dude! No way!”. You practically ran to the entrance. 

He was beside himself with laughter. Did you just call him dude? He drove you guys thirty minutes away. You always talked about the market in your hometown and how none of the grocery stores came close to the fresh fruits you were used to. So he went to the best source for goods: his aunt. She needed her kitchen sink fixed, he needed advice.

“Slow down speedster! We’ve got time”, he rushes up to you and takes your hand. 

The market is just gorgeous. It was lined with cobblestone and right by the river. The vendors were under this giant wooden roof. Every couple feet a lantern would illuminate your path. You spend the next hour smelling lavender soap, sampling local honey, and shopping through the many vendors. Before you knew it, Frankie and you are sharing a cartoon of fresh blueberries. 

“Hey, watch this”, he throws a blueberry up into the air and catches it in his mouth. You literally could not be any more in love with this man.

“Nice! My turn.” You try your darndest to catch it in your mouth but it ends up bouncing off your nose.

“Aww”, he chuckles, “You'll get this next one. Lemme try”

He tosses a blueberry towards your mouth and you catch it. 

“Hey! That was great”, he smiles. Your smile makes his heart race twenty miles an hour and your laugh could make the sun rise on the darkest day. It was a delight to find that fruit stand. You were holding a big bag of juicy peaches, berries of all kinds, and the sweetest looking cherries.

You rushed over to a homemade jewelry vendor, admiring his wirework and jewel placement. While you were preoccupied talking to the stand owner, Frankie slipped over to the flower shop next door.

“Can I have a bouquet of sunflowers?”, he asks politely. The shop owner nods then wraps the flowers in a soft yellow tissue paper.  “Thank you. Have a nice night.”. He glances over to you, now excited over your new necklace, oblivious to Frankie. He walks up behind you, tapping your shoulder.

“Oh, Frankie! Do you like my neckl-”, He stops you in your tracks when he pulls a bouquet of sunflowers from behind his back. “For me?”

“Yeah, I know they are your favorite”

“Francisco Morales, you are too good for me”

“I’d like to disagree. And to answer your question, Yes, I like your necklace. Ready to head home?”

“Yeah, it's getting a little bit chilly……..Thank you. I really needed this”