It’s strange how something so small can make life feel a little lighter. Valeria hadn’t realized how much she missed this.
CHAPTER FIVE
CAMILA
Camila’s first stop before work is Valeria’s favorite coffee shop. It’s a little out of the way, fifteen extra minutes stitched on to her commute, but she doesn’t mind a single bit. She’s been eager to check this place out ever since Valeria mentioned it was her favorite on the list.
The moment she steps inside, Camila is wrapped in the rich scent of freshly ground coffee beans, and she finds herself smiling. There’s something about walking into a coffee shop first thing in the morning that always puts her in a good mood; she can’t quite explain why.
She joins the line, half-distracted, reading through Valeria’s notes on the place, when she notices a head of unruly, dark curls ahead of her. Something about it tugs at her attention. Camila leans slightly to the side, careful not to be obvious, just enough to see.
“Can I help—” Annoyed icy brown eyes meet Camila’s, sharp and assessing, before recognition flickers across Ella’s face and melts the edge right off.
“Cam?” Ella says, her brows knitting together as a small, surprised smile curves her lips.
“Hey,” Camila says. “I thought that might be you.” She isn’t usually a hugger, but something about a familiar face has Camila pulling Ella into a quick hug. “Wow, it’s so good to see you.”
“You too,” Ella says, still smiling. “How’s the move been?”
“Surprisingly, a lot smoother than I expected.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Yeah.”
Silence settles. Camila shifts her weight, glances toward the counter, then back at Ella. Before the quiet has a chance to stretch into something more awkward, the barista calls for Ella’s order. Ella turns back toward the counter, and Camila exhales, a light tension easing from her shoulders. Small talk has never been her thing. She always ends up feeling off, not quite sure how to continue a conversation past the basics.
It makes sense, really, that she chose a job that keeps her alone most of the day.
Once Ella finishes placing her order, she turns back toward Camila.
“Hey, my girlfriend and I are going to a game night tonight if you want to join,” she says. “Nothing fancy, just a chill hangout to end the week.”
Camila’s first instinct is to pass. Thethanks, but I can’t tonightready on her tongue. It should be so easy, but she’s been cooped up at home for weeks, only ever leaving to go to work and, surprisingly—even to herself—the idea of a few hours away from home sounds like exactly what she needs.
“Yeah, that sounds great. Do you mind if I invite a friend?” Camila asks, the idea clicking into place as she realizes it’s the perfect excuse to hang outwith Valeria. They’ve been texting back and forth for a few days, and maybe it’s hasty, but Camila feels comfortable with her. It might be nice to have a familiar face around Ella’s friends.
“Yeah, that’s perfectly fine, I’ll text you the address later.”
“Sounds good.”
The barista slides Ella’s drink across the counter, and Camila gives her a small wave as she heads off. When it’s Camila’s turn to order, she pulls up Valeria’s note and orders her favorite. An iced cherry matcha with almond milk and three shots of espresso. If nothing else, Camila ordering that proves she’ll do anything a pretty face tells her to.
You shouldn’t be thinking that, Camila scolds herself—her better angel wagging an invisible finger.Valeria has a girlfriend.
The thought barely settles before another one poofs into her mind, and a little demon shrugs. She’s not doing anything wrong by recognizing a pretty face for what it is. Valeria is taken, yes—but finding someone attractive doesn’t automatically mean anything. She finds people attractive all the time.
Exhibit A: the barista making her drink.
Her finding the barista attractive doesn’t mean shewantsher. It’s just ... an observation.Totally harmless, she decides as she continues to watch the woman prepare her drink.
When she sets the cup in front of her, Camila hesitates, watching the faint condensation beading along the sides. Her fingers close around the cup, the chill seeping into her skin. She gives it a cautious sniff, bracing herself as she takes a small sip, her expression faintly pinched. But just as she swallows, Camila swears she’s in heaven. She pauses. Blinksat it in confusion and takes another sip. It’s ... delicious. It’s sweet, rich, and smooth, with the right caffeine kick.This place is going to take all my money, she thinks, already resigned to it. Suddenly, the extra fifteen minutes added to her commute feels well worth it.
Once she’s back in her car, she pulls out her phone, snaps a picture of her cup condensation beading along the plastic, and sends it to Valeria.
Camila 7:45 a.m.:
This is magical. I had 0 faith, but thank you for the rec!
