DUKE Chapter 3

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I grabbed the bag from the floor and gestured her to my desk

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I grabbed the bag from the floor and gestured her to my desk. "I won't stay long. I know you're working," she was so sweet. She hasn't changed since I met her. I got a whiff of the deliciousness from the bag. "I made you some empanadas," she sat on one of the chairs.

Empanadas were Emilio's favorite dish, they are a traditional Mexican dish that is a baked or fried turnover pastry. It's filled with ground beef and diced vegetables, it depends who makes them. There are many ways to make empanadas but these were Emilio's favorite.

My throat constricted and my eyes got watery again. "Thank you. I know it was Emilio's favorite dish."

Her chocolate eyes got glossy but she still brightened the room with her smile. "Yes, they were. I made enough that you can share with some of your fellow workers," she always thought of everyone but I wasn't sharing.

"I think I'll take them home," I finally smirked at her. She giggled.

She reminded me so much of Emilio, she had the same structure of eyes as him and the same dimple. Emilio got more of his looks from his dad, Brian. But it was no doubt he got his personality from his mom. His dad is wonderful but Esmeralda was a saint, she accepted Emilio for who he was and loved him deeply. Emilio was their only child so it was devastating when they got the news.

I took a peek inside the bag and it was filled with more food on the side. It smelled delicious and made my mouth water. I can't wait to go to lunch.

"How have you been?" She asked sweetly.

"Some days are good, some are great but most of the time I can't deal a day without him," my words stuttered.

"I know what you mean. I stare at his photos for hours and break down into tears. He was my baby. Mi hijo bello." She looked down as a tear dropped onto her jeans.

"I broke down today as well today in the morning."

"I know me too but I heard his voice. He told me to be happy, that he was in a better place," I passed her a box of Kleenex. She wiped her nose and under her eyes.

It was silent for a couple of minutes but she broke the silence. "Remember when you first came over. Emilio was so nervous to introduce his boyfriend to us but between me and you," she leaned in and whispered. "I already knew he was gay," we both laughed softly. Her laughter brought me joy.

How could I forget that time? We have been dating for a couple of weeks. He first asked me to be his boyfriend and then he took me over to meet his parents. I was nervous as hell but all I wanted was to be with him, my Emilio.

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*SENIOR YEAR*

He parked his truck under a tree outside on the street. The sun was coming down on the horizon. Emilio wanted me to meet his parents tonight so he picked me up from my house. He put his truck in park and turned on the ignition. He glanced at me and grabbed my hand over the console.

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