Torn in two

Chapter 16

I drive in the direction towards Cindy's favorite coffee shop. It's further away, but I knew it would help cheer her up.
She was currently on the phone with a local glass repair company scheduling a time to fix the bay window.
Which left me with my thoughts.
What if Greg really did plan the break in, what were his intentions?
And if he did, what would I do? Report him to the police?
What was Greg caught up in?
I want to give Greg the benefit of the doubt and address him with an open mind, instead of accusatory.
"They'll be at my house in an hour," Cindy hangs up the phone, with relief in her tone.
"Who will?" Interrupting my thoughts.
"The glass people?" Cindy shakes her head at my momentary lapse of confusion.
"Sorry. I'm glad we're getting caffeine," I force a laugh.
"I don't blame you. It's been an eventful weekend," she sighs.
"How did your date go last night?" Finally getting around to asking her.
"Oh, he is such a gentleman, Nikki. He took me to this adorable Mexican restaurant and then we walked around Calle Ocho. He bought me flowers and then we ate ice cream. He even gave me his jacket when I got chilly," she gushes.
I'm actually impressed by Diego's chivalry.
I was about to answer, but she cuts me off.
"Andthenwehadsexinhiscar," she rushes out peeking at me.
See, now that's more of what I expected from Diego.
I was turning into the parking lot now, so once parked in a spot, I look over at her.
She was frowning as if expecting me to chastise her.
"It is a very nice car," I agree with amusement.
Cindy visibly relaxes and giggles.
"You know what's even nicer?" She asks smirking.
"Do I even want to know?" I groan, praying she's not referring to his manhood.
"How much he likes to spoil me. Like seriously, he treats me like a princess," I could see the adoration forming in her eyes.
Exhaling in relief, "that's cultural, honey."
"He calls me Chela," she says in confusion.
I chuckle.
"You're the light beer that everybody wants," referring to her white ethnicity.
"Oh wow," rolling her eyes, chuckling while she opens the door to the Tahoe.
We enter the quaint coffee shop that make some of the best cappuccinos in downtown Miami. Their rich blend of espresso and frothy steamed milk was always precisely measured for the perfect ratio. The baristas also knew how to make beautiful foam art which Cindy always uploads on her influencer blog.
We both place our orders and find a seat at a table facing a window.
"Is it just me, or is Zak too nice?" Cindy randomly asks.
"Too nice?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Well, you've only known him for a total of three days and he's already been your knight in shining armor for two of those days,"
In my opinion, she's over analyzing this past weekend.
"You're forgetting the first day he arrested me," making fun of myself.
"And still took you to his bed that night," she amusedly responds. 
"You accepted the offer of staying at his place last night, so, technically he was your knight in shining armor" I point out.
"Still. Too nice." she clicks her tongue as if to signify she had a point.
But she didn't.
I shake my head and roll my eyes in her seated direction. I was honestly too tired to tell if she was being serious or not. 
If she wants to over analyze this past weekend, then I have a question of my own.
"Out of curiosity, how come Diego took you to a Mexican restaurant in Little Havana rather than a Cuban spot?" I thought that was odd considering the demographics.
Some of the best authentic Cuban cuisines are served there.
"He said something about not being allowed," she uses air quotes.
"Don't you find that suspicious?"
"No. Should I?" She tilts her head out of confusion.
I wait for our coffees to be placed on the table before explaining.
"Well, the only reason he wouldn't be allowed is if there was a turf war between gangs," piecing together Diego's possible occupation.
"Are you insinuating that Diego is involved in an organized crime operation? Hence by taking me to Little Havana he places me in direct proximity of his rival gang?" She looks taken aback.
Well when you put it that way.
I only nod, taking a sip of my steaming coffee.
My idea sounding completely implausible when Cindy reiterated it, but at least my coffee was good.
The robust flavor of hazelnut sweetly swirls my tastebuds. The coffee warms my insides like a comforting hug I didn't know I needed.
"Here you go again, reading into a situation when you don't have hard facts," she stares at me in astonishment. 
"I'll hand you my full bibliography once I obtain all my resources," I quip.
"Maybe he had a bad experience with Cuban food," she mumbles before sipping her coffee.
"Or maybe his ex-girlfriend was Cuban so now he doesn't want to bump into her?" I thought that idea was probably the most plausible.
But again, she stares at me in bewilderment.
"The way your brain comes up with ideas amazes me, Nikki," and we both laugh. We place our empty mugs into the dirty bin and we  get back into the car.
"I'm sorry Diego walked in on you guys," she attempts not to laugh and ends up snickering.
"If the roles were reversed you know you would have cried," I tease.
"Yeah, you're probably right," nodding her head now laughing. 
I drop her off at her house so she can get her glass repaired.
And I mentally prepare myself for a tough conversation with my brother as I finally drive myself towards home.