Days And Nights (Book of Life and Maya and the Three One Shots)

See You At Seven

Joaquin goes out with the new girl in town.

One midmorning, Joaquin and Manolo were running errands. Joaquin became confused when they stopped at a bakery. 

"What are we doing here?" Joaquin asked. 

"Maria’s been craving cake recently." Manolo explained, looking at the options displayed in front of them, "She wants tres leches right now."

"Why not just pick up a random one? She won't know the difference."

Manolo side-eyed his friend, "Anyone would know the difference. Besides, if I don't get the right one, I'll never hear the end of it." Manolo saw something in the corner of his eye, "Hey, I think that girl is looking at you."

"It's probably just Claudia and her sisters again."

Manolo grabbed Joaquin’s face and turned him to see what he saw. Sitting at a table in the corner was a young woman with tanned skin and straight black hair. She had blue eyes and was wearing a white blouse with a blue skirt. When she saw the two men looking at her, she quickly looked away and pretended to read her book.

Joaquin turned away, "Gah- Don't look!" He whispered.

"Do you know her?" Manolo asked.

"I've seen her around town this week, but I don't know her name."

Manolo smirked when he noticed the blush on his friend's face, "I know that look. You like her."

"What? Pfft, don't be ridiculous. I don't even know her."

"Then go introduce yourself."

"Uh… I'm shy."

Manolo grabbed Joaquin’s arm, dragging him toward the woman, "Come on, what's the worst that could happen?"

"Manny, no!"

"Hola, señorita." Manolo greeted the woman.

"Oh, hola." The woman smiled. 

"I don't think we've seen you around here before."

"I just moved here last week. I'm Alma."

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Manolo and this is Joaquin."

"H-Hi." Joaquin stuttered. 

Alma smiled at Joaquin, "So how long have you two known each other?" She asked.

"Oh, practically our whole lives." Manolo said, "Isn't that right, Joaquin?"

"Uh… ye-yep." Joaquin said, "All… my life."

"I-I haven't been out much since I got here." Alma glanced at Joaquin, "Would you two be willing to show me around?"

"Joaquin would love to." Manolo said, nudging Joaquin, the latter's face turning pink.

Alma smiled, "Great. Does tonight work?"

"To-Tonight. That's… it… I…" Joaquin stuttered. 

"Tonight is perfect." Manolo translated his friend's stammering.

"Wonderful." Alma said, "Where should we meet?"

"The spot… where there's… water." Joaquin said. 

Alma stared at him blankly before Manolo said, "There's a fountain in the middle of town. You can't miss it."

"Oh, yes, I've seen it before." Alma said.

"You could also meet at our home. My wife and I-"

Joaquin covered Manolo’s mouth, "Uh, just meet me at the fountain at seven. Ok, great, see you then!" Joaquin dragged Manolo away.