First aid kits always come in handy.

"Gracias Lizzie." My coworker Señor Ramón holds up his bandaged finger.

My shoulders bounce, "De nada,"

I told him not to dance and cut limes synchronously dancing to El Tuscanzo but he said it's the only way to enjoy this dreadful Thursday rainy night at Cinco de Mayo.

I guess I didn't discourage him either. I mean, who doesn't like to have a kitchen dance party with the kitchen staff? Plus, the owner Fat Luis isn't here, so even better.

With a snap,I shut the first aid kit and place it back in a safe place within reach for me.

I sigh, resting my elbow on the hostess station, turning and gazing at the poorly authentic decorations Luis bought from Amazon. Serape tablecloths are hung over the windows and knotted for curtains, fake cactuses sit as centerpieces on the tables, and donkey-shaped piñata's hang from the ceiling. The papel picado flags are not even handmade, just made out of plastic to pollute the earth.

The worst part is the forty-minute loop of mariachi band music played on repeat in the restaurant, which thankfully Ramón runs out in the kitchen with music we actually listen to.

This place is a joke but honestly this place is the only sparkle of home in its twisted, degrading way of my country and I can be myself.

The only place I can be myself.

I really don't think anyone not even my roommates know how hard it was to be in a new country let alone speak a different language. I couldn't be myself and when I found this place I could use my native tongue and feel at home.

Unfortunately this place was my saving grace.

"Ugh, Lizzie, do we have any Tylenol?" Our day time bartender, Elena, winces, holding her head dramatically.

She is another Amazonian just like Max and Lexi as her long limbs slouch over the hostess table. The poor ambient lighting highlights her golden brown skin perfectly.

"When was the last time you had it?" I inquire, arch my eyebrow.

"Oh, don't do that," Elena growls, watching me pull out the first aid kit once again.

At this point I might as well leave it out, considering someone is bound to need something out of here.

I pull out the last small packet of Tylenol, knowing good and well Elena has been going crazy over these. I know because look at this, ripped open packet with one left in there.

"Don't judge me!" She snatches it out of my hand and I giggle.

"Judging" I snicker.

"You're such a nurse." Elena rolls her eyes as her lips curl up into a smile.

Elena is like my big sister I never had besides my prìma Mariana. I think those two have to battle it out if they ever meet.

When I applied here in my freshmen year, she immediately adopted me into life. I don't think I could be any more appreciative than that.

Especially her opening her home for the holidays and summer because I wasn't able to go home and if I did it would be a real hard process getting back here like the first time when I got here.

I'm not sure why everybody is so overprotective to me. Sometimes I think it's my height... I'm more than capable of reaching things with a chair or standing on the hostess station like I did earlier to change the stupid loop of the mariachi band.

"What time do you get off?" Elena asks, capping her empty water bottle.

"Closing" I roll my eyes, leaning up from the hostess station.

"Me too, I'll take you home." Elena combs her long silky silver ombre hair.

"Are you sure? I can always uber." I slip out my 'Introduction to Critical Care Nursing' textbook from my bookbag since I couldn't study from being traumatized from yesterday's events.

I shiver thinking about how I spent extra time at chapel this morning trying to purify my thoughts.

Max has been extra nice today. She gave me a whole dozen boxes of insomnia cookies in compensation for losing my 'eyes' virginity. However, she got mostly nuts, yucky coconut, and raisins knowing I hate anything healthy!

I'll take what I can get.

Max said if I had any questions about what I saw, then she would be more than happy to explain. But I know what sex is. She thinks just because I've never had it personally that I'm some kind of fragile porcelain doll.

Besides, watching Amor En La Calle treinta y tres educates me more than enough.

"And waste your money?....De ninguna manera loca (No way crazy)." She pushes my forehead to knock some sense into me and I giggle.

She is right; I need to save money. I mean I have been trying since being here but Papà doesn't make it easy sometimes. The last time I transferred money made me think about whether I should continue.

Elena grunts, crinkling her nose and throwing her towel as a hollering from outdoors makes her roll her eyes.

"Just when I thought we would get away with an easy night." Manuel grabs the neatly menus I fixed roughly in his hands.

"At least their is something to do." I sigh deeply, walking to the waitress station to grab my notepad......... pen

My shirt rises up as I bend down trying to get my pen that rolls underneath the station. The hair from my ponytail tickles my back, making me leap, bumping my head on the top shelf and rattling the folded utensils.

"¡Ay!" I squeal, rubbing my head that's currently radiating a dull pain.

I'm definitely taking that last Tylenol now.

I roughly pull down Lexi's black shirt, only for it to ride up again. I told her this black shirt was too tiny. My mangoes take half the shirt but all my black shirts are in the wash. Lexi is smaller than me in the mango department but said it was for me to get more tips and what Max doesn't know won't hurt.

No wonder she can bring home about two-hundred fifty or more, this shows off our belly rings easily.

I try to snicker as I grunt, grabbing the pen and remembering our trip to Virginia Beach our junior year of college. Max wanted a souvenir to always remember us when we depart this May.

I sigh sadly, tucking my pen in my jeans pocket wondering what I'm going to do after this school year.

"Ugh, table four is ready when you are." Manuel combs his fingers through his brown messy gelled hair.

"It's not that bad is it?"I curl my lips.

I turn the corner of the restaurant where we normally have private parties.

"Damn... damn she fine.. shit." A line of raspy whispers said as my eyes meet a herd of sixteen guys who are all the size of full-grown Groot compared to me.

A few are so tall that they bump their heads on the nearest piñata as they get up and shuffle their seats around two girls in their group. Even sitting down, they're all huge. Long tattooed arms, legs, and muscles are everywhere but one fact about college students remains.

Looks like it will be ten dollars, if that, for a tip.

I sigh, fixing my face into one that looks like I love my job and go right to the table.

"Hi I'm Elizabeth, I'm your waitress for this evening... What can I get you started with?" My throat dries up at the end from looking at all these beautiful shades of melanin men up close and personal.

"Wh.ho wants to go first?" I sink my teeth in my lower lip, waiting while all of them look at the menu and back at me. Each one with puff chest and smirks pulling from their lips.

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

"I'll take a Corona." One of the dark brown skinned guys shares a dazzling smile. My eyes capture a hand tattoo that is similar to every guy at the table.

"Okay what else?" I flash a smile at him, making some of the guys laugh at him.

"Your number!" Another guy with beautiful brown eyes with plaits.

"Oh!" I squeak softly at how forward he is and the guys laugh.

"Dude, she don't want you. Besides, it's my birthday, I'll have a Corona too." The over bubbly, beautiful pecan complexion guy shoots me a wink.

The girl sitting next to him, so close she's almost sitting on his lap, touches his face protectively and glances at me posessively. "I'll take a frozen lemonade." She hiss as she kiss birthday boy on the cheek.

I mentally roll my eyes, still observing the reminder of the group when my eyes catch sight of Marcus.

His lips curl up into a smile given me a quick wave. "S'up Marc Anthony fan." He teases.

My cheeks warm up and all the guys look at him with arch brows or leaning in. "Hi Marcus," I wave.

The guys were eager to know more about our interaction as their eyes bounce back and forth. 

Surprisingly, he has a shirt on this time. My eyes avert to my notepad, trying to break out of the fact I saw him and Maxine making their own episode of 'Amor en la calle treinta y tres after dark episodes... And no they don't have that.

"I'll take a Modelo." Marcus chuckles, making me glance up at him and sending a wink.

My cheeks warm up so quickly and a few snickers come after.

"Me too! And me" They chime around the table.

As I make it to the end my throat becomes drier than the apple flavored rice cake Max made try without anything to wash down.

He is so hot.

No more than Hot...

He is beautiful.

No he is a masterpiece.

My eyes made a complete head to toe nursing assessment of this beautiful man. He has a beautiful brown skin, and the gold chain and piercing on his nose gleams in the light, highlighting perfectly. With his captivating smile and his perfectly groomed beard, he would perfect for a commercial for Crest toothpaste.

My mouth is watering so badly that you'd think I was a baby teething from the amount of drool dripping from it.

He is a god.

Get it together Lizzie.

I softly clear my throat since he's too busy with the Asian girl who's speaking and giggling in his ear. The ambient lighting emphasizes his brown skin, allowing me to see all of his tattoos more clearly. He was dressed in a vintage Chicago Bulls shirt that fit snugly over his strong chest, and his jeans were without creases.  The black reverse hat, correctly tilted, is superb. 

"Yo," Marcus waves his hand in his face.

He turns away from the girl, flashing breathtaking smile that makes my heart spring out of my chest. He brings his attention to me, his eyes syrupy-brown and warm, as if they could make pancakes taste so nice. I gasp for oxygen as he laughs at whatever the girl murmurs in his ear.

Even his laugh is hot

Must be his girlfriend... Only guys like that are always taken off the market.

"Sorry, I'll take a Dos Equis." His deep and thunderous voice said making my knees feel like jello.

"Courtney let him breathe." Marcus chuckles at me for stumbling forward slightly as if his voice shook the floor.

"Um, I'll have that out for you all," I squeak at the end. I spin my shoes, quickly walking to Elena who is shaking her head in annoyance.  "I really want to go home now."

"We got two hours." I snicker, handing her the drinks order.

Elena yanks the order with a sly smirk, complaining about not being able to pick up any shifts beyond twelve o'clock. I laugh, turning my head and catching another glimpse of Mr.Syrup's eyes as he licks his bottom lip at me giving me a nod.

My heart just stopped.

Internally squeaking, I turn around holding my hand over my heart space which is making an imprint on my chest.

"Those pervs," Elena grits her teeth, clinking some of the beers on the counter.

"Elena." I place my hands on my hip.

"Si veo algo raro llamó a Antonio ahora mismo! (If I see anything funny, I'm calling Antonio right away!)" she spits fire.

Last time her boyfriend Antonio threw a couple guys out by their collars for constantly spilling their drinks for me to pick up. I'm not sure why guys are the way they are.

"There is no need, it's his birthday." I point to the overly bubbly guy shimmying his shoulders to Es Mentiroso. I snicker at the fact the song is about men lying to get you in bed.

Probably something all of them do.

I roll my eyes, eyeing the 'sombrero of shame' on the counter for the birthday boy. All birthday-celebrating customers get this sick, dark joke to my culture. I leave it on the counter since Manuel hands me four baskets of chips and four bowls of salsa.

God, please don't let me drop any of these and humiliate myself. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

I mentally crucify myself as I make myself over to the table.

"Oh yeahhh," the birthday boy hoots, rubbing his hands together.

"Enjoy." I snicker, placing the chips and salsa on all sides of the table, with the excitement already going to town.

I set down the chips basket next to Syrup Eyes, whose burning gaze sets my skin on fire. I feel like I'm an egg frying in the sun, which is cool by the way.

That's something I should attempt again on National Experiment Day.

"Thanks sweetheart," Mr. Syrup eyes gruffly says. The warmth on my body from his eyes hitches my breath.

If my voice couldn't possibly sound any higher, I let out a soft "Mhm." Swiftly, I distance myself from his side of the table and make my way towards the polite guy seated at the opposite end.

As I walk past, he gently clasps my wrist, causing me to stop in my tracks. "Elizabeth, right?" His deep, captivating brown eyes meet mine. They are nothing like Mr. Syrup's, but I could definitely get lost in them.

I bite my lip, trying to hide my surprise. "Can I help you with something?"

I glance down at him, noticing that he's softly tapping on the menu.

"What do you recommend?" he asks in a soft, raspy voice.

"Umm..." I nibble on my lip, because honestly, nothing here would be good if it weren't for Ramón and Manuel.

"The Ceviche tostadas," I point to the photo.

"Ceviche?" He struggles to pronounce it.

I can't help but giggle, drawing the attention of a few guys nearby. "It's okay, it's just fish and shrimp, but it's really good."

"Sounds like I know what I want," he says confidently, looking directly into my eyes with his hot gaze.

"Okay." I gulp, feeling the intensity of his gaze, and manage to smile, only for the entire table to burst into laughter in the half-empty restaurant.

"Trying too hard," Mr. Syrup eyes cackles, causing him to shrink into his seat. The guys join in the laughter.

That's not nice.

"I know what I want is that bad." Rashad eyes capture mine making my cheeks warm up.

"Do you Rashad?" The olive skin guy grins, wiggling his eyebrows next to him.

Rashad laughs it off but I could tell he is embarrassed by the way he's fiddling with the end flap of the menu.

Poor guy.

I walk back to the bar, where Elena is still cranky about all these guys, knowing she's not going to get a good tip either. I grab the sombrero and the few drinks on the tray and she follows. I playfully put the sombrero on Birthday Boy's head, who smiles big like he is Elmo.

"Let's get this party starteddd," Birthday Boy moves his shoulders up and down.

Elena discreetly rolls her eyes, passing the beers around along with me and once again I place Syrup Eyes' beer right down in front of him. His female friend eyes me up as she whispers something in his ear, with her mangos close to his face with her low cut shirt.

Despite me clearing my throat, she ignores me. "Does everyone else know what they want now?"

"You please," the birthday boy overshares, earning a slap against his head at his female guest.

"Slow your roll," Marcus jokes, who discreetly pounds his chest like he's got me.

Only because Max will send any of these guys to Neptune, if I even mention that these guys were giving me the slightest sweat.

Oh, Neptune is so beautiful.

Taking all the table's orders, Syrup Eyes breaks his attention from his guest to me as she continues to whisper and kiss on his neck.

He releases a quiet chuckle at a spot she reaches behind his ear. He rolls his shoulder back to move her away from his tickle spot. When I stop in front of the order across from him, his guest bites the bottom of his earlobe. He leans over and whispers back something that spreads a blush across her cheeks.

Not sure how this is polite.

He catches me glancing and whispers into the girl's ear for her to sit back and look at the menu. Everytime I move around the table, his eyes don't leave my body. We keep catching gazes at each other as most of the guys held up their menu trying to pronounce what they want.

Unfortunately, I have to lean forward because I didn't have my glasses, so consequently my mangoes are right where they want them. As I get to Mr. Syrup Eyes, he's still looking specifically at the Birria Tacos.

"You should get it." I quietly say.

"Is it good?" He looks directly at me, taking full observation of my face and making me feel like I am going to have an evisceration with baby butterflies flying everywhere.

"It is." I gulp and step back slightly. I face his date, who's looking at the little kids menu.

Mira Nomas

"What's in it?" he continues, placing the menu down. His gold expensive watch and chain bracelet glistens, giving me a glimpse of his half-covered tattoos.

I try to ignore how his girlfriend is comparing calorie counts between two-and three-hundred calorie kids' options. "It's stewed beef, and our cook roasts it overnight."

He nods, licking his lower lip that glistens with Dos Equis. "Alright bet, I'll get that"  His eyes linger at me more.

"What can I get you?" I ask his date.

"A cheese quesadilla is fine," she snootily dismisses me, making mentally roll my eyes.

How American.

A smile comes across my face looking around the table who are rough housing like typical boys.

They are all a bunch of Mateos.

"I'll have everyone order out as soon as we can," scanning the table of all hungry college boys chowing down the salsa and chips. "And the guacamole cart will be out soon."

I spin my shoes, heading to the kitchen and feeling like I have a wool sweater on mainly on my conga drum.

"¡Que tienes para mi! (What do you got for me)" Ramón hoots, taking the giant order out of his hand. I feel like sometimes he gets lonely back here when the restaurant gets like this on the weekdays.

"¿Quieres ayuda Ramón (Would you like help, Ramón?)?" I ask, grabbing a white apron, only for my hand to be slapped by Manuel.

"¡Ve a estudiar, Nurse Lizzie! (Go study!!)" Ramón demands, making me giggle and guilting me.

A shattered plate sends a sting to my heart. It begins to pound, freezing me at my spot. My throat swells slightly from a swarm of bees jamming up in my throat.

"A la verga." Joshua, the dishwasher grumbles, walks over to the broom rack.

My hands clam up and I swallow the bees back down hard, blinking a few times.

"Lizzie? ¿Estás bien? (are you ok?)" Ramón asks.

I nod, moving my cement feet for the first time. I sigh heavily, walking out the kitchen and glancing over at the table's their upbeat socialization and bonding. I clear my throat, trying to shove the bees coming up again and shift my eyes at the rowdy table.

Rashad is on his phone, smiling and agreeing on the conversation. I go over to the hostess station and grab my textbook and my spiral black notebook. Walking over to the bar, I sit at the bar, watching Elena count inventory of the beer. A sigh leaves me as I rest my chin on the palm of my hand and begin to read.

The basic treatment of acute and chronic respiratory failure grounds for the use of mechanical ventilator support. However, this kind of treatm-

The sound of glasses clinking together diverts my attention to my table of the guys and girls bringing their drinks together. Mr. Syrup Eyes stands up confidently, looking at everybody at the table. He is so tall.

"Ah shit" his head bumps right into the piñata.

I giggle as he bats it and his eyes meet me averting my eyes away from him.
Syrup eyes walks over and pats Birthday Boy on the shoulders giving a tight brotherly squeeze.

"Speech" they all hoot.

Elena mumbles under her breath "give me a break."

"Even though you get on our last fucking nerves Jordy, from all of us, we just wanted to wish you a happy birthday man. May your cheesy ass jokes be as bright as your smile you bless us with everyday." He pats again and they all lift up their beers and glasses again.

"Salude," he says it so poorly, making Elena and I cringe.

"Salude," they all say together.

"¡Salud!" Manuel and Ramón say loudly for them to hear it the correct way. They all laugh, saying it again and going back to their conversation but I notice all the chip baskets only have crumbs in them.

I guess I'll bring out more chips and salsa.

I hop off the stool and go in the back to see Manuel and Ramón dancing together in the back to their own fiesta back here. I giggle, going to the sink to wash my hands and watching them really get into it with Justin and Carlos.

I dance playfully, joining them and making them howl in excitement. A louder giggle leaves me as I shake my head, putting gloves on. I grab a clean black basket, bobbing my head as I reach into the chip heater and load up chips.

I was happy I could work with people just like me, without a country to call home. They all have experienced homesickness. I honestly don't see how Ramón does it, considering he is from Chetumal. That is 4,815.9 miles away and I thought Monterrey was far enough.

I sigh, scooping salsa into the black Molcajete bowls. Ramón playfully takes it out of my hands as he puts it on the guacamole cart. I follow him out the kitchen, where Elena is just shaking her head in disgust at my table. A glance over shows they're filming a Tik Tok with birthday boy in a sombrero.

He is seriously having the time of his life. Ramón is no help, playfully dancing as he begins to make the guacamole.

"Yasss!" All the table claps loudly as Ramón begins.

Elena groans loudly like Max. They both have a short fuse for masculine immaturity.

As I assist Ramón with making the guacamole, Syrup Eyes does not move. His eyes lock on me, which flushes warmth into my cheeks.

Ramón on his soapbox at his Mamà's special recipe for making guacamole from love. Everyone leans forward on the arms, not missing a beat on Ramón tricks of tossing the onion behind his back and chopping it quickly on the board like Chief Louis from The Little Mermaid.

He better be careful.

My eyes capture Syrup Eyes, which are blazing hot, making me clear my throat except it isn't a bee it's a small baby butterfly. As my skin grows hotter I step back, beginning to collect the empty beer bottles. When I reach for Syrup Eyes' bottle, he catches my hand, revealing a million tattoos. They cover his skin, not leaving any room missed, but each looks strategically placed.

Woah, he is like a coloring book.

"I'll take another one, sweetheart." His husky voice's request makes my trachea feel like it is going to shift from being midline.

His female guest hands the glass bottle to me snootily while snuggling up close to him. His arm drapes around her chair.

"Sure." I squeak

Sure? That's all I can say? I'm such an idiot.

I walk to the bar with Elena hot on my feet and I turn bumping right into her.

"Girl, He is completely into you-" she stops herself whispers loudly and I widen my eyes at her.

We look back over to the table, where those two are in their own world however Mr. Syrup eyes catches my sight again making me turn my back to fully face Elena still whispering how Antonio used to give her those same looks of passion.

"Shoot your Shot," she winks, looking back at Mr. Syrup Eyes getting fed a chip by his female guest.

Oh, give me a break.

"Shoot my shot?" I puzzle.

"Yeah you know make a move" Elena looks back at the table.

"He has a girlfriend"  I roll my eyes, digging my hand in the cold ice for the coldest beer I could find.

"You should still go for it!" She whispers but her whispers are nothing but quiet.

"I'm not his type."  I brush off.

Elena sucks her teeth "Oh shut up, he definitely likes to adventure out." She arches her brow at the Asian girl.

"I'm too short"I shrug, not interested considering relationships and nursing school do not mix.

A relationship, what's that?

My shoulders bounce as I walk back over to the table and placing his beer right in front of him.  He takes the beer, opening the cap with his teeth with no shame.

"Thanks beautiful." Mr Syrup eyes
lifts the beer.

My lips part and look down as his date shoots daggers at me. I spin on my heels and go back to the bar to attempt to study. Again, I flip open my book with my spiral notebook hand and hand but my eyes catch Ramón carrying all the food. I am about to stand up but Elena holds her hand up to stop me. I sit back and smile watching them do my job for me just so I can study.

All the restaurant's noises become background music as I narrow my focus on how ventilator settings are important. I'm sure Professor Khan is going to have an unexpected pop quiz.

"So you go to UMD?" A strong voice draws my attention up to dark rich chocolate eyes looming over me with his tallness.

My lips twitch and he releases the most contagious smile.

"Rashad." He extends his hand.

"Elizabeth." His hand is warm, smooth, and swallows mine up completely, but I shake it firmly.

His eyes shift from our hands' contact to mine. "So do you go to UMD?"

"Mhm." I tuck my lower lip. He leans in resting his arms on the bar. He is so close me and I could smell his expensive smoked cologne.

I never been so close to guy like this before.

"Are you in nursing school?" His eyes flicker down to the book. I survey his face completely. He definitely is put together from his box hair cut to his perfectly shaped mustache.

"I am," I smile, looking down at my nursing book who shouting at me to pay attention.

"Cool." He flashes me a charming smile. "I am in the Pharm-"

"Rashaddddd!" Marcus grabs his shoulders tightly.

Great, now I have a Male version of Max.

I furrow my eyebrows and Marcus chuckles at me. He leans over and whispers in Rashad's ear, who curses under his breath and slumps his shoulders. He sends me back an apologetic gaze but I have no idea what he's sorry for.

"It was nice meeting you Elizabeth, I'll see you around." He knocks with knocks on the counter. He hops down from the bar stool, brushing my shoulder softly. I look straight at Marcus, arching my brow.

"Not him." He laughs, leaning coolly on the back of the bar and facing away from me.

I remain quiet, looking back down at my book and he flips himself facing me.

"Plus, for your sake and mine," he adds in a quieter voice. "I'd rather not have Max die of a heart attack."

"It's a myocardial infarction, but she has plenty," I chime and he laughs, rubbing his jaw.

I close my book, giving my attention to Marcus and trying my best not to picture him naked.

As if he's on the same mental wavelength, guilt slips into his eyes. "I actually came over to apologize for yesterday."

My cheeks heat up as he chuckles again as if making me lose my virginity from eyes was horrible enough. "I hope you like the cookies."

My nose wrinkles and I look back at him. "Not really, Max got all healthy stuff,"

He laughs again, flashing his perfect smile and nodding at my joke "I'm sorry she did that to you, I can get you some."

"It's the least you can do," I withdrawal out of my Lizzie Roast Fund.

His eyes brighten, not expecting this girl right here has a multi-million bank account of jokes. "For sur-"

The kitchen doors burst open, with Ramón strumming his brand new vihuela. It's his only way to show off his singing voice to make it big like Romeo Santos.

Ramón and the guys rush over to the birthday boy, with Elena rolling her eyes and carrying the massive beergarita margarita gag we make for all people's birthdays. Sometimes we would make cakes and smash our guest's face in the cakes. I really would love to see Birthday Boy's reaction to that.

Some people like La Mordida and some don't, especially Max. I thought she was going to bury me under the Lincoln Memorial smashing her face hard into her chocolate cake.

At his request he wanted the beergarita. Ramón serenades as all the kitchen guys clap, singing Happy Birthday. Birthday Boy gets giddy when Elena leans over with her overly large coconuts in his face by accident, placing the beergarita in his face with sparklers.

"¡Salud!" The kitchen guys shout and I say it too.

Everyone claps loudly as Birthday Boy tries to blow out the sparkler.  I glance over to see Mr.Syrup eyes soften at him as Birthday boy rubs his hands together in excitement

"Well, have a good night Lizzie," Marcus teases.

"You too," I toss back, looking at Elena rubbing her forehead but I shake my head no because not enough time has passed for the medication to take effect. She grumbles, folding her arms and grabbing her water bottle. I giggle, shutting my notebook at the lost cause of studying and will try tomorrow.

I sigh and put my stuff in my bag by the hostess table. With a time check my phone, my heart tugs at the background photo of Mateo, Isabela, and I at Playa El Mezquital. It was our last family trip before I left home and it's probably going to be the only family trip we take together.

I sigh, tucking my phone in my jeans pocket and turning to see my table stuffed and ready to leave.

Thank God. We're out of chips.

I walk over to start clearing plates and, of course, Rashad neatly stacks his stuff for me.

"Would anyone like dessert?" I scan the table's lazy grin yet Birthday Boy's mouth is gapes open but his female friend slants her eyes, making it close shut.

"Nah we good," Marcus answers for everybody.

"How would you guys like your checks?"

"Don't worry, I got it." Mr. Syrup Eyes takes out his black leather wallet.

Everyone looks stunned but no one complains, I slowly walk over to him as he hands me his bank card with confidence. Our fingers gaze, popping out a million baby butterflies populating in my tummy.

I turn around and walk to the register by Elena, who's dancing out the care in the world to Bailando por el mundo and wiping the counters because it's time to go. I giggle, hip bumping her and she grunts when I mess up her groove.

Wow, a college student would pay for all his friends, especially a three hundred and twenty-eight dollars worth of food and drinks.

Yeah, I'm not getting a tip.

I sigh and swipe the card. The receipt comes up, as long as ever. I walk back to the table where everyone is getting their jackets on.

"Here's is your card." I extend it to Syrup Eyes. His hand grazes on top of mind, sending electricity in my body.

"Thanks beautiful, have a good night," He flashes the most endearing smile at me, opening his wallet full of cash.

I avert my eyes and begin bussing the tables as they push their chairs in.

No cash, go figure.

"Have a good night and Feliz Cumpleaños." I smile at the birthday boy, who's now stumbling a bit from his beergarita. The girl with him doesn't seem to mind, by the way she smiles as he drapes an arm over her shoulder.

They get everyone. His BAC will go back to normal in like four hours.

They wave goodbye to me. Rashad lingers back but Marcus gives him a look, so he sighs and gets up. I send him a soft smirk. He waves a twenty, sliding it under his beer. I mouth 'Thank you' and he gives me a head nod.

Twenty is better than nothing.

By now, the restaurant is completely dead. After two hours of hooting and hollering, it's actually kind of nice.

Picking up the dishes and a few napkins that have their phone numbers, I roll my eyes, wad them into trash, and buss the table quickly with Elena. She grumbles at all the mess they made for us to clean.

Men.

I sigh, finishing up the rest of the table and sliding in the five dollars more than what I honestly expected from this group. When approaching the end, I get to where Mr. Syrup Eyes sat and freeze. Instead of a useless set of digits, two hundred crisp bills sit folded under his empty beer.

My eyes widen at the gesture because what college student has this kind of money?

Elena echoes my reaction, "Vaya mira! (Wow, look), is tha-"

I nod, handing her the other hundred.

I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, especially when it's full of pictures inside.

She shoves it down her chest just like Max. I giggle, shaking my head and continue to wipe the table, pondering the fact what just happened.

Edited by still_just_me