back to black.

“Okay but Santi, it’s super unfair you won’t let me smash out a wall for the hell of it,” she pouted up at the man and let out a long sigh. “I think it’s a good way to blow off some steam.”

“I think it’s crazy you think that’s a good way to let off steam. Plus, there are ways you smash a wall.” he continued. “I’ll think about it, but ain’t no promises.”

“C’mon, I just want to go get nipple piercings with someone. Why won’t you get one with me? You could just do one, you don’t have to commit to two like me,” she giggled.

“Ah, yes. Nipple piercings. I’m so the kind to get those.” he chuckled. “I would go for moral support, but can’t say I’d join.”

“Technically I only asked four times and I just don’t understand why you’re being such a grouch about it. I think you’re lying and you do know how to merengue. You just don’t wanna share.”

“Four times too many. I might know it, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be sharing. It’s difficult, anyways. Can’t just teach it to beginners. And I have no tequila in me. See? Recipe for disaster.”

“But I haven’t even asked the question yet…” Catherine said with a little frown. “You didn’t even get to know what I was going to ask anyway.”

Santiago laughed. “Okay, fine, what were you going to ask? Now I’m intrigued.”

“Come on! Ride the damn mechanical bull! Don’t be a chicken!”

“I have! And it’s rigged. C’mon, why don’t you try it, see how it goes.”

Biting back the urge to make a comment that could get her in trouble, Luna tucked her pen behind her ear as she tucked her notepad into the pocket of her apron. “If it’s not much to ask, why on earth would you come to The Whole Enchilada if you had no plans on buying something to eat? It’s obvious that whoever you’re waiting for isn’t coming.”

Santiago hated admitting it to himself, but the woman was right. His online date was obviously not going to show. This was the last time he would ever try such a thing. “I-you’re right. Sorry. Uh, can I get...a sweet tea and the chicken enchilada dinner?”

“Just give me a chance.” Joel hated begging, but he had been nearly everywhere looking for a place to work and no one seemed to want to give the Abernathy a chance. “At least interview me.”

Joel certainly wasn’t the type that Santiago usually hired, and his surname already provided a lot of added drama it seemed, but he hated to see anyone beg. “Fine. One chance, I’ll give you an interview.”

“For the millionth time, I ask, how do you know you can’t land one if you’re not willing to attempt one?” 

“Look, I’m old, I’m not flexible. If I try, I might just break my hip. I’m not saying I won’t ever do it, but, try to go easy on me.”

“Well, I think the witch does exist. And one day I’ll prove it to you.”

“Oh, really? Well, I’d love to see you try. Bring out the ghost hunters and spirits while you’re at it.”

“I’m just saying, dude. If you’re single – you’re a successful guy, easy on the eyes, and I’m trying to marry my sister off. You should at least consider it.”

“I get it, and I appreciate the gesture, but I think she’s a bit young for me. Why are you tryin’ to marry her off, anyways? Don’t you have better things to do with your time?”

“Something from this century, old man.” 

“You’ve obviously never heard of respecting’ your elders,” Santiago laughed. “Anything besides another old country song.”

“–C’mon, I ain’t that bad of a dancer, I’m a quick learner– honest.” Colton grinned as he took a sip of his beer. “Just teach me a couple of moves and I won’t bother you ‘bout it again.”

“You know what? Only because you’re my favorite bartender.” Santiago laughed, getting up from his barstool. “So, what do you want to know? I can’t guarantee it will turn out well.”

“Well I seen Aileen and Travis..” The names coming out of her mouth tasted absolutely vile but she tried not to make a face. “I also seen uh.. I think Roshan was there? I think she’s a lovely lady.”

“Travis? Well good luck for her,” Santiago chuckled, shaking his head. At the mention of Ro, a smile lit up his face. “Oh, well that she is. I need to get together with her again, ask her how her night went.”

“I’m gonna make you fat? Okay Mr. Double Cheeseburger at midnight.”

He’ll never let that go, mostly because he secretly approves of it. “Besides, these are Wild Flour cookies. You know they’re worth it.”

“Hey, everyone’s got their cravings and guilty pleasures.” He laughs. 

“Oh man when I moved I like totally forgot about spending future Christmases here. I’m so used to being snowed in.”

“Snowed in? You mind me askin’ where you’re from? You’re a long way from snow.”

“And who said I wouldn’t like that, hm?” She grinned, combing out some of his hair. “I am indeed! Well… there are a few I could think of. But as it is, I am open! I’d wager I know most people in this here town, but I’d love to get to know someone, extra special.”

“I was about to say, don’t you think most of the people in the biddin’ will be people you know, but I guess it could always be a special night.” He grinned. “What’s that show...The Bachelor? You could be the star of it.”