Strictly Business (Miguel O'Hara x Reader)

Chapter 13

Finally, the exhausting series of business meetings had come to an end. All I wanted was to retreat to my hotel room and rest, but my colleagues had different plans in mind. They insisted on going out for dinner to celebrate, and Miguel, ever the persuasive one, managed to convince me to join.

As we arrived at the restaurant, I scanned the surroundings, searching for my colleagues, but they were nowhere to be found. Turning to Miguel for answers, I could sense something amiss as he nervously laughed before speaking. He admitted that we were in the wrong place, much to my frustration and hunger.

"It's fine, let's just go to the other one then," I said, trying to maintain my composure despite the annoyance brewing inside me.

"The other restaurant is actually... an hour away," Miguel reluctantly confessed, hoping I hadn't heard the last part. But I had, and my irritation flared up.

"AN HOUR AWAY?" I snapped, unable to hide my frustration. "You told me you were going to handle it! You said I should trust you because you know this place the best and you grew up here...blah blah blah." I couldn't help but mock him, my patience wearing thin.

"Hey, it's not my fault! I've never been to this restaurant, and it's been years since I've been back here!" Miguel defended himself, trying to justify the unexpected detour.

Frustrated, I retorted, "Then you should've just let me stay in the hotel room instead of forcing me out here, you—"

Before I could continue, the hostess, a warm-spirited woman, approached us and greeted us in Spanish. "¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a 'Hecho con Amor'! ¿Mesa para dos?" she asked with a friendly smile.

I rolled my eyes at the name, not in the mood for pleasantries. But Miguel, ever the adaptable one, replied, "Sí, para dos, por favor."

"Por supuesto, síganme," the hostess said, leading us to our table. As she guided us through the restaurant, Miguel tried to defend his decision.

"Look, we're both starving. It's too late to drive an hour to get food somewhere else. Let's just eat here, and then we can go back to the hotel," he reasoned.

Reluctantly agreeing with his logic, I replied, "Fine," my annoyance still evident in my tone.

I passed by him, heading to the table the hostess had led us to, not bothering to look back at Miguel. Despite his good intentions, his actions had only added to my frustration. I sat down, trying to shake off the annoyance that lingered. The restaurant's name, "Hecho con Amor," meaning "Made with Love," seemed to mock me at that moment.

As we settled into our table, the hostess greeted us with a warm smile and "I'm so happy to see another happy couple. We can bring over the free champagne and free dessert whenever you guys would like, just let us know."Miguel begins to explain, "No actually we're not-" but a swift kick under the table silenced him.

"We would really appreciate that!" I said, beaming at the hostess, leaving Miguel baffled by my sudden change in demeanor.

Once the hostess left, Miguel sought an explanation. "What? You don't want free stuff?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide the real reason behind my actions. I mean if he was able to make the decision to come in without discussing it with me, then why should I discuss this with him?

"I mean I guess... but does that mean we're back together again?" he joked, testing the waters.

"Don't push it," I retorted, dismissing any idea of reconciliation. I begin to look at the menu. "Only for tonight though... and ONLY for the free champagne." I continue, not looking at him for any reaction.