Tangled Webs -Oscar Diaz-

Chapter 25

"Have a nice day," Sofia smiled at the last customer of the evening. It was only her third day at Dwayne's BBQ, but she loved it. Being closer to home and spending time with her boyfriend's little brother was enjoyable. Cesar was having a really difficult time. Oscar wouldn't let him come back home. He blamed him for what happened to Ruby, and Sofia tried to understand. But Cesar was a kid. He should have never been in that situation in the first place. Luckily, Monse's dad was willing to let him in while Monse was with her mom.

As the man left, Cesar locked the door behind him. "I can not wait to sleep."

Sofia chuckled, "I have to agree. It's been a long day." Working at Dwayne's was still exhausting, but the time went by faster because she enjoyed it. "Are you headed to Monse's?"

Cesar winced at her name but tried to hide it. "Yeah, I am."

"I'm glad you found somewhere to stay." Sofia wanted Oscar to let Cesar come back home. He deserved to be there. "If you want, I could talk to Oscar and-"

"No," he cut her off. "No, don't do that."

Sofia placed a hand on his shoulder, "I wouldn't mind."

"No, Sofia," Cesar took a deep breath. "No, it's your problem. I don't want him mad at you too."

That caused her to laugh, "Oscar doesn't get mad at me."

Cesar gave her an annoyed look, "he gets mad at everyone. I'm pretty sure he is in a constant state of annoyance."

"Not with me."

"Ew," he shivered. "I could have gone my entire life without knowing that."

She laughed loudly and nudged his shoulder. "I didn't mean it like that."

Cesar wiped down the counter, "I know. But I saw it in my mind, and now I can't unsee it."

Sofia rolled her eyes and shut the blinds. "Well, have fun at Monse's. I'm glad you have somewhere to stay."

"For now," she wasn't meant to hear him, but she did. Sofia closed her eyes, not wanting to think about Cesar not having anywhere to go.

"What does that mean?"

Cesar sighed, knowing he had been heard. "It's nothing."

"Cesar, if you nee-"

"No," he was louder. Sofia winced at his tone. "Sorry, it's just-" he looked down at the ground. "It's my problem. I will figure it out."

She wanted to tell him that he wasn't alone. Sofia would be willing to help him, but it was Cesar. He wouldn't be so easy to accept help, especially from her. "Okay." It was easier to agree now, but Sofia wasn't going to let it go that easily. "Can I at least get you something to eat? I know BBQ can get old."

At first, he went to deny the offer, but Cesar's stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear. "I like cheeseburgers."

"Cheeseburgers," she nodded. "You're just like Ruby." Sofia grabbed her phone off the cabinet and stuffed it in her pocket. "Come on, let's get some cheeseburgers."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sorry," Sofia spoke into the phone. She forced the front door of her house open and stepped inside. "I got held up."

"Doing what," Oscar questioned her.

Sofia hated lying to him, but Oscar wasn't happy with Cesar. If she told him that she skipped out on a Santos party to get Cesar dinner, he wouldn't be happy. "Cleaning. I want to make a good impression. I'm still new there."