My Mister

Chapter 39

Sebastian's lips curled into a gentle smile at the sound of Mia's stomach growling, a moment of light-heartedness amidst the weight of their conversation.

"Hungry?" he asked, his voice warm with amusement as he glanced down at her.

Mia nodded sheepishly, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. "I couldn't eat at the party," she admitted, her words tinged with embarrassment. "I was too nervous. Plus, I was so caught up in everything that I didn't even realize how hungry I was until now."

Sebastian's smile softened, understanding evident in his gaze as he offered her his arm. "Well then, let's not keep your stomach waiting any longer," he said, his tone playful yet sincere. "I know just the place."

"No. I know just the place," Mia exclaimed.

Sebastian's brows furrowed slightly in surprise as Mia led him towards a bustling taco truck parked just around the corner, its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas drawing in a steady stream of customers. He glanced uncertainly at Mia, a hint of nervousness flickering in his eyes.

"Tacos?" he echoed, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "I've never had them before."

Mia flashed him an encouraging smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Trust me," she said confidently. "You're going to love them. Everyone loves tacos."

With a hesitant nod, Sebastian followed Mia to the front of the line, where they were greeted by the welcoming scent of sizzling meat and freshly grilled tortillas. As they placed their orders, Mia guided Sebastian through the menu, recommending her favorite fillings and toppings with infectious enthusiasm.

Sebastian watched with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as their tacos were prepared before their eyes, the vibrant colors and savory aromas only adding to his intrigue.

Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced down at his impeccably tailored suit, a stark contrast to the casual atmosphere of the bustling taco truck. "I feel like I'm a bit overdressed for taco night," he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Mia laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Nonsense," she replied with a grin. "Even a man in an expensive suit can appreciate the simple pleasure of a good taco."

With a shrug and a smile, Sebastian followed Mia's lead as they approached the counter, placing their orders amidst the lively chatter of the crowd. Soon, they found themselves clutching steaming hot tacos in their hands, the tantalizing aroma making their mouths water.

Surveying the crowded sidewalk, Mia's eyes lit up as she spotted a vacant spot just a few steps away. "Over there," she suggested, nodding towards the open space. "Looks like we found ourselves a spot."

Sebastian followed Mia eagerly, settling onto the pavement beside her as they joined the eclectic mix of diners scattered along the sidewalk. The vibrant energy of the bustling street enveloped them, the sound of laughter and conversation mingling with the sizzle of grilling meat and the rhythmic clatter of utensils.

Mia couldn't suppress her surprise. "You've never had a taco?" she exclaimed, eyebrows shooting up in disbelief.

Sebastian nodded sheepishly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I know, it's hard to believe," he admitted. "I suppose I've been too preoccupied with... other things."

"Unbelievable," Mia chuckled, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Well, today's the day we change that. Everybody loves tacos!"

Sebastian flashed her a wry grin. "I suppose I've been too busy enjoying my caviar and champagne," he teased, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice.

Mia laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but tacos might just give caviar a run for its money," she quipped, nudging him playfully.

As they bantered back and forth, Sebastian couldn't help but revel in the easy rapport they shared. And as he took his first bite of the savory, flavorful taco, he realized that perhaps there was something to be said for embracing the simple pleasures in life, even if it meant trading in his champagne flute for a humble taco.

Sebastian tried his best to eat the taco gracefully, but the juicy contents had other plans. Before long, salsa dripped down his fingers, threatening to stain his pristine suit. With a resigned chuckle, he glanced down at the mess, realizing the futility of trying to maintain his usual level of immaculateness.

"I think I'm losing this battle," he admitted ruefully, looking down at his now-splotched attire.

Mia couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Welcome to the messy world of tacos," she teased, gesturing to her own slightly disheveled appearance.

Sebastian sighed in mock defeat, but there was a lightness in his expression that Mia found endearing.

As salsa threatened to stain Sebastian's suit, Mia couldn't suppress her laughter. "You know what? Let's just embrace the mess," she declared, reaching over to loosen his tie and undo a few of the top buttons on his shirt.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in surprise, but he didn't protest. Instead, he chuckled as Mia worked her magic, easing the constrictions of his formal attire.

"Feeling more comfortable now?" she asked with a grin, admiring her handiwork.

Sebastian nodded, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Much better, actually," he admitted, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing.

As they settled back into their seats on the sidewalk, Mia couldn't help but notice the newfound relaxation in Sebastian's demeanor. With his tie slightly askew and his shirt collar loosened, he seemed more approachable, more... human.

"See? Tacos have a way of making everything better," Mia remarked with a playful smile, taking a bite of her own taco.

Sebastian chuckled, mirroring her actions. "I'll have to take your word for it," he replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

In that moment, amidst the chaos of the bustling street and the messiness of their impromptu dinner, Mia felt a flicker of something... something she couldn't quite put into words. But as she met Sebastian's gaze, she knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning.

As they savored the last bites of their tacos, Mia and Sebastian found themselves engrossed in conversation, their laughter mingling with the lively chatter of the street. With each passing moment, the tension between them seemed to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of camaraderie.

Sebastian's genuine laughter was infectious, and Mia found herself joining in, her worries melting away in the warmth of their shared amusement. It was as if, in this moment, nothing else mattered but the simple joy of each other's company.

As the evening air grew cooler, Sebastian noticed Mia shiver slightly, prompting him to gallantly drape his jacket over her shoulders. "You're cold," he observed, a touch of concern in his voice.

Mia smiled gratefully, relishing the warmth of his jacket. "Thank you," she murmured, the gesture not lost on her.

With their impromptu dinner drawing to a close, they reluctantly bid farewell to the taco truck and began making their way back to the Saint Liber. The walk was filled with easy conversation, their steps falling into rhythm as they strolled side by side.

As they arrived back at the venue, the echoes of the evening's festivities lingered in the air, though the dinner party had come to an end. Sebastian, ever the gentleman, offered to drive Mia home, but she politely declined, explaining that Mandy was already waiting for her in the parking lot.

Before she could make her way to the waiting car, Sebastian's family emerged from the building, bidding their farewells to Mia. Sebastian's mother embraced her warmly, expressing her gratitude once again for Mia's invaluable contributions to the literacy program. Mia smiled graciously, touched by their kindness.

Sebastian's siblings, Scarlett and Sterling, also approached, offering their thanks and well-wishes. Mia exchanged pleasantries with them, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance in their presence.

As she finally made her way towards Mandy's car, Mia couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance to leave.