Now and Then: A Steamy Romantic Novel | A Pilsen Story by Everalda Ocampo

Author:Everalda Ocampo [Ocampo, Everalda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grace and Sun Publishing
Published: 2024-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

Pies and Promises

“If you have one true friend, you have more than your share.” ― Thomas Fuller

Alex pulled into the diner parking lot, the familiar neon sign casting a warm glow on the asphalt. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and unbuckled her seatbelt.

They'd almost kissed again. They would have, if Javy hadn't... well, been Javy. The memory sent a flutter to her stomach, a mix of excitement and lingering frustration.

Sliding out of the car, the crisp autumn air nipped at her cheeks. She glanced around the parking lot, hoping to catch a glimpse of Carlos' car, but there was no sign of it yet. With a shrug, she decided to head inside.

The aroma of fresh-baked bread and coffee greeted her as she pushed open the diner door, washing over her like a warm wave. It was a stark contrast to the cold perfection of the party they'd just left. Sammy's diner buzzed with a new kind of energy, a friendly, familiar chaos that instantly put Alex at ease.

Red leather booths gleamed under the soft glow of hanging lamps. Checkered tablecloths, worn with the patina of countless meals, covered the worn wooden tables. A long counter, its chrome gleaming, curved along one wall, topped with comfortable swivel stools. The walls were a visual history lesson, adorned with framed photos of old Chicago celebrities and landmarks, each one a story waiting to be told.

The jukebox, tucked into a corner, played classic rock and roll, filling the air with old songs that seemed to weave through the conversations and laughter.

Alex slid into a booth, the worn red leather cool against her skin. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she saw the waitress approach and blurted out, "I'll have a coffee and a slice of the pie with ice cream, please. Whatever the pie of the day is."

The young waitress, barely out of high school by the looks of it, smiled warmly and replied, "That's a great choice! We have a delicious lemon-pomegranate sherbet pie today."

Suddenly, a familiar voice startled Alex. "I'll have the same,” Carlos said, appearing behind her.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments, allowing the ease of the familiar diner to settle around them. Finally, Alex broke the silence, her voice tinged with a hint of forced cheer. "It was a beautiful party—your mother really outdid herself."

Carlos offered a tight smile, the tension evident in his voice. "She's got a knack for landscaping and catering, I'll give her that. Plus, she's constantly renovating that house, so any excuse to show it off, right?"

Alex took a hesitant sip of the coffee the waitress had served, the warmth doing little to dispel the chill she felt creeping in. Ignoring the memory of the almost-kiss and the pressing conversation she yearned to have, her focus shifted to Carlos. His shoulders were tense, his jaw clenched, and a deep frown creased his forehead.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently, her voice laced with concern.

“You seem rattled by this anniversary. We

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