The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 20

Martina

I can't believe I let Ricardo into my life like that, thinking he could be something more. It's not even the fact that we had fun—it's the fact that he turned out to be that masked man from the party. I can't shake the disappointment. But honestly, Desmond's well-being means so much more to me than any fling. Ricardo is history, and I'm fine with that. I should've seen the red flags sooner, but we live and learn, right?

I push those thoughts aside as I walk toward the café. The sun is out, and Little Italy is already buzzing with people heading to brunch. I spot JJ from a distance, looking relaxed but still carrying that JJ energy—charming, effortlessly cool. I smile to myself as I approach, feeling a bit lighter knowing I'm about to catch up with one of my closest friends. JJ and I don't need much, just good food and a good laugh, and I know we're both due for that after everything.

"Hey, you!" I call out, and JJ turns, grinning as I give him one of those casual friendship kisses on the cheek. It's our little thing—light, playful, and familiar.

"Martina, darling," he teases back, his eyes sparkling.

We settle into our seats at an outdoor table, and I take a deep breath, letting the breeze lift my mood. It's a beautiful morning—San Diego always knows how to put on a show when you need it. The café has the perfect view of the street, and there's something about sitting outside, coffee in hand, that just makes me feel like everything's going to be okay. Even after the Ricardo mess, even after everything.

JJ is sipping his coffee, looking at the menu, but I can tell he's got something on his mind too. Maybe it's Lukas, or maybe it's something else. Either way, I'm ready to dig into whatever he's thinking about. That's what we do—balance each other out, check in, make sure neither of us is carrying too much without unloading.

"So," I say, folding my arms on the table, "how are you holding up? After everything?"

JJ looks up from the menu, gives a soft laugh, and I know it's going to be an interesting conversation.

JJ leans back in his chair, looking a little tired but still managing to crack a smile. "You won't believe the morning I've had," he starts, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, do tell." I raise an eyebrow, already curious. With JJ, there's always a good story waiting to unfold.

"So, I'm leaving Lukas' place, right? Everything's going great, we had a good night—" He gives me that cheeky grin, and I nod knowingly, "—and then we get to the lobby. We're about to say goodbye, and I'm ready to kiss him, like, actually kiss him in public for once, when suddenly..."

I can tell something's coming. "Uh-oh. What happened?"

"His dad walks in." JJ throws his hands up, laughing but clearly still a little thrown off. "I swear, Martina, it was like something out of a rom-com, except way more awkward."

I can't help but laugh along. "Oh, no. What did his dad say?"

JJ shakes his head, still grinning but with that glint of discomfort in his eyes. "He says, 'Haven't seen you in a while, JJ... You should bring a nice girlfriend for Lukas to this party we're throwing...' And I'm just standing there like... what?"

I burst out laughing. "You're kidding."

"I wish I was." JJ chuckles but then sighs, his mood dropping a bit. "I just laughed it off, but it was weird, you know? I don't care about being out, I mean, clearly, but it's just strange that Lukas still has to hide this part of himself around his family. It's like... we're fine, but I feel like we're not really us if it involves his family."

I nod, taking a sip of my coffee. "That's tough, JJ. Do you think it's something that's going to bother you more down the line?"

He shrugs, looking out at the street for a moment before responding. "Maybe. I don't know. It's not a huge deal, but I guess I just wish things were a little more open. It's hard to tell where we stand right now, you know?"