While you were Sleeping

22. Document the moment

Needless to say, Valentina's goodnight kiss, and all the others that led up to that moment, had checked all the boxes for a romcom movie ending. She had managed to sneak away again before Lupe made it home, thankfully without company.

Juliana was on the early shift the next morning, so they arranged for Valentina to come to the café before visiting Guille. It would give them a chance to see each other but more importantly, it would give Valentina an opportunity to experience the little café Juliana had grown to love. And the cherry on top, Barbara wasn't working, so it was perfect.

"Good morning, Juliana," Javier greeted her as she entered the café.

"Goo' mornin'," she yawned.

"Late night?"

"No, it's too early!" she smiled. "I've been getting used to the evening shifts. How are you?"

Javier turned quickly, "Good, why?" he asked suspiciously.

Juliana rolled her eyes, "Because I haven't seen you since Saturday! Are you avoiding me?"

"You? Why would I avoid you?" he asked as he moved around the tables placing the chairs on the floor. "I have no reason to avoid you!"

"I know..." she watched as Javier moved to the next table, "you seem a little agitated, is there something you want to talk about?" she asked casually.

Javier froze before turning to look at her. "She told you!?"

Juliana wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question but she decided not to answer.

"God! I don't know what to do! It was so awkward in here on Sunday." Javier flopped down onto the last chair he had placed on the ground. "She barely spoke to me! I think I fucked up!"

It was like déjà vu, Juliana tried not to laugh but she couldn't control it. She slapped a hand over her mouth as Javier looked at her in confusion. "Sorry!" she mumbled under her hand, quickly thinking of a way to save herself. "I think that's the first time I've ever heard you swear!" She lifted a chair from the table to sit beside him. "Do you regret it?"

"Kissing her?" Juliana nodded. "No! Yes? I don't know!" he sighed. "I think it's been building for a while; I like her but technically I'm her boss... so I think it was probably a bad idea?!" He winced as he looked at Juliana. "What do you think?"

"It doesn't matter what I think!" Juliana laughed. "But, because you asked..." she grinned, "I think you should talk to her. Avoiding her won't make it go away. If you have feelings for her, you should tell her."

"God! You're starting to sound like Barbara!"

Juliana's mouth dropped open in offence. "Take that back!" she shoved him.

"You'll be doing tarot readings next!" he teased.

"Whatever! My bullshit meter tells me you are full of it! I think you're afraid of Karla!" she said smugly.

"Is that just another way of saying you have psychic abilities?" he asked seriously before a huge grin took over his face.

"You know what...? I'm not helping you anymore!" Juliana stood and made her way towards the counter. "You can ask Barbara or Miguel for advice!"

"Awh Juli, don't huff!" he mocked. "You're still my number one guru!"

* * * * *

When lunch time arrived, Valentina was feeling very nervous. Her last trip to the café had opened a can of worms but thankfully they had moved past that, things were different now. And this time, Juliana knew she was coming but it didn't stop her nerves.