You're a little late...

Waiting

ALEX

When I saw her at my bar, I had been shocked. I didn't expect this to be her scene. She was there with her sister, Sydney, and her other sister I have yet to meet. All three girls were gorgeous, but Britni was a sight in that red dress. Precioso.

She was different from how I've seen her. With her sisters she seemed more relaxed, libre. With me she was skittish. She was constantly blushing and avoiding eye contact. Part of me thought she might be a tad bit racist, but then again she did check me out. Twice. I smirk at the thought.

She had taken a shot of something before bringing drinks to their table. Her sister had tried her margarita and nearly gagged. Britni had busted up causing a peanut fight. She almost fell dodging some that flew by. Her and her sisters laughed hard at that. I wonder what her laugh sounds like.

She seemed carefree and happy. I texted her from the number her friend, Tasha, gave me. She texted back quickly asking who I was. I shot back, but by then she had gotten her sisters to go dance with her. They looked like a family down there enjoying themselves.

When the guy came up to her, I was surprised to see her actually go dance with him. Maybe she is just shy with me. Or maybe it was the amount of tequila she was downing. I watched her the whole night when I wasn't busy. I missed her leaving though.

I had thought about going down to see her. But I didn't want to look like a acosador. If Elías knew I was feeling her out, he would have forced me out of my office and down there. I have a feeling it's going to take a bit of work with her.

*******************************************
The next morning I'm unloading a shipment since Elías is gone, when I get a text back from Britni. She asks how I got her number. I smirk at the thought of her friend Tasha hitting on me. When she realized I was eyeing Britni, she instantly gave me her number. I didn't even have to ask.

I reply with a cocky, I'm a resourceful guy.

She guesses that Tasha gave it to me. I wonder if this isn't the first time Tasha has done that. She asked me why I'm so frustrating. I laugh at that. She has no idea. I tell her she brings it out in me.

Gee thanks. I can just imagine her making a sour face.

It's a compliment.

Oh really? Is she flirting with me? I hope so.

When I came to get Ángel, I saw a fire in her for her job. She was passionate about it. She seemed to know exactly what she was doing. Her reasoning for not being a veterinarian made sense, too. It showed that she has a big heart. When she went off on me, I saw that spark I knew was there. But as soon as she realized I wasn't judging her, she became closed off and nervous again. Something tells me I'm only scratching the surface with her.

I'm gonna do it. I'm going to ask her out. I know I should warm her up to it first, but I need to get to know her. What are you doing next Saturday night?

Why? She sure can be oblivious. Ay dios mio, this could take a while.

I straight out ask her out. Better to leave no room for confusing. She doesn't respond right away. ¡Mierda! I knew I should have waited. If I had called her or even texted her for a while, maybe she would have been more comfortable.

My phone vibrates and I dread to read her reply. Absolutely! I'd love to!

I'm dumbfounded, but also really excited. I don't know why and I don't really care. She says she can't wait and I tell her I can't either. I'm planning what to do for this date when I get another text from her.

I'm so sorry. When you asked me out, I dropped my phone and my sister stole it and sent those messages. I'm really sorry for the confusion.

My heart drops. Damn it. I should have known. The texts were a little too flirty for her. Oh. I thought my charm had finally won you over.

I'm not saying I don't want to go out. It's just Saturdays are usually a sisters day.

I point out that her sister would probably be fine with it seeing as she had said yes for her. Maybe I can still persuade her to say yes. She replies saying I'm right.

I let out a breathe before texting her back. Let me try again. Britni Nicole Nikki, will you go on a date to with me next Saturday night?

Yes.

Well, that is more of how I expected her to answer. Not quite the enthusiasm I was hoping for but I'll take it.

I'm sorry. I don't date much.

I find that hard to believe. I mean look at her! She's beautiful. From her sun kissed brown hair to her hazel eyes, there isn't anything about her that could scare a guy off. I ask her how that's possible. Guy probably swarm her.

I don't know about all that.

Well I do. I'm glad you agreed to going out with me.

I tell her to meet me at the hospital at 6 for the date. I know it needs to be memorable. Something to make her comfortable with me. I have some brainstorming to do.

*******************************************
Later that day, I'm balancing the till before the night shift. One of the waitresses, Marisol, comes up behind me. She places her hand on my back as she passes by.

"Hola, boss man. How's it going?" She asks leaning against the bar.

"It's fine, Marisol. ¿Cómo estás?" I ask finishing up the till.

"I'm fine. What are you doing tonight?" She asks leaning forward.

"Working."

"I mean after that, silly." She places her hand on my arm. I shrug her off and start to walk away.

"Home to sleep." I close the door to my office only for Elías to open it again.

"Man, Marisol wants you. Do you have to put her down so hard?" He asks leaning against the doorframe.

"First off, nice to see you're back from your uncle's. Second, I don't date employees. Plus she's friends with Luna. That girl is trouble." I grunt in response.

"Yeah, Luna wasn't your best move. But, hey, Marisol could be different. And if you're sure you're not interested, mind if I give her a shot?" He smirks.

"Have at it. Just don't come moaning to me when she ends up kicking you in the huevos."

"I think I can handle myself, hermano."

"If you say so." I mutter as he walks out.

Luna was a big mistake on my part. She was fun and the life of party. What I didn't know at the time was her version of the party include drugs and standoffs with guns. She grew up around the gang world just like the rest of us. Only difference was we wanted away from that life. I tried to get her to change, but she wouldn't listen to me. When she cheated on me for a gangbanger, I was through. There was no saving that girl. And if Marisol is anything like Luna, I want nothing to do with her.