Eric Fong’s relationship with his family hasn’t been great ever since he came out of the closet, but he owns a dim sum restaurant that’s quite successful, and he’s happy at least one aspect of his life is proceeding smoothly. Granted, his life would have been much better if he had a boyfriend because then he wouldn’t feel quite as lonely. However, overall, he’s satisfied with his life.<br><br>Benjamin Wen is the owner of The Crossroads Diner. Eric thinks Benjamin is cute, and something about the owner of the diner is intriguing. Most importantly, Benjamin prepares food that tastes identical to the ones Eric’s late maternal grandmother used to make for him. There are other aspects of the diner, such as the strange customers who gawk at Eric and only stare at their food and drinks instead of enjoying them, that he considers to be fascinating. He visits the diner night after night, hoping to solve the mysteries behind its existence. Along the way, he finds himself falling for Benjamin. But Benjamin is hiding quite a few secrets from him. Things Benjamin seems unwilling to reveal.<br><br>Can Eric and Benjamin’s relationship survive in spite of the secrets? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

The Crossroads Diner

“I’ll be waiting for Ryan by the river. The ferry will be here in an hour. If we miss that one, Ryan’s journey to the other side will be postponed by another seven hours.”


“I know. Each one-way trip takes three and a half hours to complete. I’ve done this for nearly a thousand years.”


Catrina smiled a little. “I know. Anyway, I can’t bring him through the direct portal into the underworld because he’s an innocent soul. The color of his soul will be golden, and it shines too brightly. The portal is made for souls who are fully tainted by the darkness. It’s reserved for the worst of the humans. The pure ones, and those whose souls are the same color as the blue of a burning fire, will get to ride on the ferry.”


Benjamin chuckled. “I remember all that. You don’t have to impart the information to me again. I’m not senile.”


“Good,” Catrina said while grinning widely. “Now, go and fetch Ryan’s soul. He’s in San Antonio, Texas. The address is on the paper. You know the drill.”


Chapter 7