It was just like old times.
Nora had come in possession of the keys to her parents' restaurant (read: stolen them while they were too busy obsessively following the newest episode of whatever telenovela was the hottest in their circle of friends and relatives).
It was a Christian holiday, one of the smaller ones, but the restaurant was closed nonetheless and Nora saw it as a perfect opportunity to sneak into the kitchen and do some magic, let herself be creative but not too much (her mamá would’ve killed her on the spot). Now, she could dine alone, but where was the fun in that?
Her parents’ restaurant specializing in Cuban cuisine brought back most childhood memories, as well as the sense of familiarity, warmth and innocence. And usually it made her think of one person in particular. Their paths had drifted apart, Nora'd ended up entangled in thorns, but Sarah couldn’t have had it easy either. Either way, a proper reunion was due so Nora, all determined, reached out and received a positive response, somewhat unexpectedly. Somewhat, because Sarah was the nicest person Nora had ever encountered, and it would’ve taken a lot for her to say no. That was why Nora had decided to put some extra effort into the dinner itself but also tried to create a nice atmosphere too, decorate the interior and bring some entertainment for Sarah’s daughter, too. The trinklet sounded, announcing her guests’ arrival and Nora wearing her mother’s tackiest apron peaked through the round kitchen window and greeted with a wave, a soft smile instinctively lighting up her features.
“Hey, you two! Come on in, the dinner is almost ready, just follow the smell of beef, tomato and peppers!” A chuckle. “I’ll be right with you, just need to get rid of the evidence first! I may or may not be here illegally.” Old habits die hard.
.
She could still remember the first time she and her parents had gone to the restaurant. She hadn’t even been able to see over the counters, she’d sat with her legs curled under herself in order to be able to act more adult at the table, but the best part had been the other little girl who had been there. Who Sarah and promptly introduced herself to, which wasn’t typical, she tended to stay off to the side, to observe, but there was something about the other girl that had made her talk - and then her parents started taking her to the restaurant more often and soon she and Nora had become quite close.
They hadn’t stayed in touch to the degree that she might have liked, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t still think about the other woman from time to time - hope that she was well, that she was making the best life for herself that was possible. So when she’d gotten a message from her friend she’d immediately agreed - not a single ounce of hesitation present. Of course Clara had been thrilled, though she was only two and was an easily excitable child to start with, but she’d taken it as a good sign.
They’d arrived at the restaurant and it felt so much like home - comforting and inviting and warm, and Sarah had picked up Clara and entered, the door making the same sound as it had all those years ago to announce their entry. “Hey.” She smiled at Nora, “we’re good at scavenger hunts, so this’ll be easy for us. It’s quite an honor to get the special sneaky treatment. Brings me back to us being about - what was it - thirteen, fourteen? My cooking’s gotten better since then, at least.” She set Clara down and gave Nora a wave. “You were always good at everything you did, though.”
@noravidal​
