He smirks. “What? A guy can appreciate good wings.”
Cecilia laughs softly beside me, her eyes glancing at the menu in front of us. “Are the wings really that good?”
I chuckle. “They’re decent. The burgers are better.”
The conversation flows easily—light banter, quick laughs—and for the first time in a while, I feel myself relax. Cecilia’s leaning into me, her shoulder brushing mine, and there’s this comfortable rhythm between us tonight. After everything we’ve been through, this feels like a break. Like a moment to just be us, no expectations, no drama. I needed that.
Adriana catches my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow as if she’s reading my mind. She knows. She knows I’m enjoying this rare bit of peace. She flashes a smile, almost like she’s telling me it’s okay to let go for a bit. I forgot that about her. How well she could always read all of us.
Kenji keeps the jokes coming, pulling laughter from all of us. Turns out the guy’s got more than just puck skills; he’s got a great sense of humor too. Even I’m starting to warm up to the guy. I mean, he’s not one of my boys, but he’s not terrible to be around.
“Alright, wing challenge,” Kenji announces, leaning forward with a grin. “Let’s see who can handle the heat.”
I snort. “Man, don’t even. You’ll be the first to tap out.” He does realize I’m Mexican, right? There’s no way some Japanese kid is going to handle heat better than I do. No offense.
Kenji raises his hands in mock defense. “Hey, if you’re afraid, it’s all good. I don’t wanna embarrass you in front of your girl.”
Challenge accepted. “You’re on.”
The lightheartedness is contagious. The energy at the table is good, and I catch Cecilia’s smile, her eyes glowing as she leans into me. This is what it should feel like. Easy. No heaviness pressing down on my chest, no drama hanging over my head.
But then, my phone buzzes again. This time, the vibration cuts through the haze of beer and laughter. Julio. Again. The guy just won’t let it go.
Cecilia glances at me, her eyes straying to my phone. “Everything okay?”
I nod, reluctantly pulling my phone from my pocket. “Yeah, all good.” I discreetly skim my messages.
Julio: So, what’s up with this Kenji dude?
Julio: Is Adriana into him? Like, for real?
He’s not even trying to pretend at this point. My boy’s got it bad.
Julio: You’d tell me if she was, right?
Julio: I mean, I’m not saying I care, but ... don’t you think it’s weird she said yes to going out with some random guy? Doesn’t she realize how dangerous that is?
Julio: You should tell her how dangerous it is. She can’t just agree to meet up with complete strangers.
Julio: Hey! Cabrón. Answer me.
He needs to take a serious chill pill. I’m betting he’s pacing the house right now, probably trying to decide whether or not to crash our date. Fucking hell.
Me: Chill the fuck out. It’s not dangerous. I’m here. Now go do something because I’m turning my phone off.
I drop the phone face down on the table, out of sight, out of mind.
“All good?” Cecilia’s eyes are soft, concerned, but I wave it off.
“Yeah, just Julio being ... Julio.” I shrug. “He’ll get over it.”
Cecilia’s fingers tighten on my leg, her smile reassuring. I lean in and capture her lips in a quick kiss. “I like this,” I tell her.
“Double dates?” she teases.
I shrug. “Just … being with you.”
She opens her mouth to reply but before she does, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. A guy stands at the edge of our table, his presence casting a shadow over our group.
