Mi Amor - Oscar 'Spooky' Diaz/On my block Story

20

It was a Saturday, which meant another shift at Dwayne's BBQ Joint, flipping burgers and clearing tables. The last few days had been quiet—Oscar hadn't bothered me again, maybe because I'd barely left the house except for school and work. And with a new phone number that only a few people had, my world felt momentarily peaceful.

But, like always, peace never lasts.

When I went to clear some tables, there they were. Oscar and his homies, strutting through the door. I instinctively turned to rush back to the kitchen, but Dwayne intercepted me.

"Elly, I don't need you in the back today," Dwayne said. "You're working the front."

I hesitated, fumbling for an excuse that wouldn't make me look completely crazy. "I thought I could—"

"Could what?" Dwayne asked, confused.

I sighed. Hide from my crazy ex.
"Nothing," I muttered, trying to mask the frustration building in me.

Dwayne just shook his head, oblivious. "Okay, well, keep going. There are new customers waiting." He gestured toward Oscar's table.

Of course. Who else would it be?

I grabbed four menus, taking a deep breath, and walked over to them with the most forced, friendly tone I could muster. "Hi, welcome to Dwayne's Joint BBQ. Here are the menus. Can I get you something to drink, or do you need more time?"

Oscar barely looked at the menu before smirking. "We'll take four cokes."

I jotted it down and hurried back to the kitchen, heart pounding in my chest. Stay calm. Just keep swimming. Filling up their cokes, I returned, placing each glass in front of them.

"Have you decided on your food yet?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. They placed their orders, and when Oscar handed me his menu, our fingers brushed—just barely, but enough to send a jolt through my whole body. I blushed, betraying myself for a split second.

I practically fled to the kitchen to put in their orders. Until the food was ready, I kept myself busy taking care of other tables, hoping to avoid Oscar's gaze.

When the cook called out their number, I braced myself and took the plates to the table.

"Here's your food. Enjoy. Call if you need anything else," I said, trying to make my escape.

But Oscar wasn't going to let it slide. He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Actually, there is something I need."

My fists clenched at my sides. Don't punch him. Don't punch him.
"What is it?" I asked, feigning patience.

"Your new number."

"Sorry, food service only," I shot back, turning to leave.

Oscar, unbothered, called after me. "Then how about a burger with a note on top? You can write your number down on that."

I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they'd stick that way. "We're not allowed to give personal information to customers," I said firmly, before practically running back to the kitchen.

Unfortunately, the moment I stepped back in, the cook called out another order. No hiding, huh?

I delivered the plates to the next table, where two men were sitting. I tried to push Oscar's presence from my mind as I forced a polite smile. "Here's your food, enjoy!"

One of the guys grinned. "Looks amazing, just like you."

Seriously? This too? I kept my professional mask in place. "Thank you, let me know if you need anything else."