The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 9

Lukas

I sit at the small table outside the café, my fingers tracing the edge of the warm latte cup. Little Italy is buzzing this morning, filled with the hum of conversations and the clinking of dishes from inside the café. The scent of fresh coffee mingles with the sea breeze, but I'm too on edge to enjoy any of it. I take a slow sip, trying to calm my nerves, but my thoughts are running wild.

Why did Alejandro ask to meet? I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled in my chest ever since I got his message. After everything that happened at the rooftop lounge, it feels strange that he'd want to talk. An apology, maybe? Part of me wonders if he's going to try to justify what happened that night. Honestly, I'm not even sure I want to hear it. I agreed to meet him because, deep down, I'm curious. Maybe I just want some closure on all this.

And then there's JJ.

JJ messaged me recently, out of the blue, saying he'd love to finally have a much-needed talk once he gets back from London. That text was like a lifeline. A piece of hope after the whirlwind of confusion and mixed signals. But until that conversation happens, I'm stuck here, in limbo, wondering if everything between us will make sense—or if I'll be left more uncertain than ever. He's been posting a few things from his trip, like he always does. It's typical JJ, running away to some distant city to deal with personal drama. This time it's London.

I'm not sure if I'll ever understand how JJ processes things, but maybe that's why I'm drawn to him in the first place. The mystery, the unpredictability. But it also makes it harder for me to get a read on where we're headed, if anywhere.

A figure catches my eye, breaking through the crowd on the sidewalk. Alejandro. Of course, he's dressed impeccably—Italian loafers, tailored slacks, and that effortless charm that always seems to follow him wherever he goes. I straighten up in my chair, my pulse quickening as he approaches.

"Lukas," he says, flashing me a warm smile, like we're old friends catching up over coffee. He leans in for one of those half-hugs, half-handshakes that feels both overly familiar and awkward all at once. "Good to see you."

I force a smile and nod, masking my surprise at how casual he's being. "Alejandro. Yeah, you too."

He takes a seat across from me, completely at ease, while I can't help but feel a little thrown. Is he really just going to act like nothing happened? Like he didn't cause a scene in front of everyone?

I take another sip of my coffee, using it as an excuse to gather my thoughts. "So... why did you want to meet?" I ask, not wasting any time. I'm not here for pleasantries, and I don't have the patience for small talk.

Alejandro smiles again, but this time there's something different in his eyes—something softer, maybe even a little regretful. "I've been thinking a lot about what happened at the rooftop," he begins. "About how I approached JJ... and you. It wasn't right." He leans back, letting out a small sigh. "I guess I wanted to apologize. I was caught up in the moment, in my feelings for JJ, and I didn't consider how it would affect anyone else."

I blink, surprised by his honesty. I didn't expect him to admit that so easily, but now I'm curious where this is going.

I take another sip of my latte, letting Alejandro's words sink in. It's not exactly what I expected to hear, but then again, Alejandro's always had a way of surprising people. I place my cup down and lean forward, locking eyes with him.

"Why did you really reach out, Alejandro?" I ask directly, cutting through the pleasantries. "What are we really doing here?"

He holds my gaze, his expression softening. For a moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability behind that polished exterior. "Lukas," he begins, leaning back in his chair with a sigh, "I've been thinking a lot about JJ... about you. I didn't handle things well, and I regret confronting him like that, especially in front of everyone."