Chapter 3 - We’re Not a Couple (She Swears)

The bodega feels different tonight. Not in any big way—same flickering sign, same shelves stocked with overpriced snacks, same too-loud bachata playing from the radio—but something's off.

Then I see it.

Luis isn't at the register.

Instead, there's some new kid behind the counter, barely older than twenty, eyes flicking between their phone and the few customers wandering in.

Alright. No big deal. Just a change in routine.

I head straight to the fridge, grab my iced coffee (quietly this time, because I have some self-control), and make my way to the counter. That's when I hear the door chime behind me.

I already know who it is.

I don't even turn around before the cashier suddenly perks up, looking between us with a slow, knowing grin. "Okay, wait—are you guys always here at the same time?"

Catherine and I both pause.

"What," she says flatly.

The cashier leans dramatically on the counter, eyes lighting up. "Because I swear, I was covering Luis's shift like two weeks ago, and you two were literally doing the exact same thing."

I glance at Catherine, whose expression is shifting rapidly between horrified, murderous, and looking for the nearest emergency exit.

Beautiful.

I take a casual sip of my coffee. "Finally, someone who understands us."

Catherine slowly turns her head toward me. It's the kind of look that could send a weaker man straight into cardiac arrest.

"Pierre," she says, voice dangerously calm. "Shut up."

The cashier gasps, gripping the counter. "Oh my god, she said your name like she's in denial about her feelings—this is SO good."

I grin. "Right? We're working on our communication issues."

Catherine slaps her tea onto the counter with enough force to shake the mint display. "I am pressing charges."

The cashier wiggles their eyebrows. "Enemies to lovers? Oh, this is gold."

I glance at Catherine's hands. They are balled into very professional, very controlled fists.

The smart move would be to stop.

But I've never been smart.

"Should we tell them about our secret engagement?" I muse.

Catherine exhales sharply. "If I commit a crime right now, do you think Luis would testify against me?"

The cashier hums. "Mmmm… hard to say. But I would livestream it."

I laugh as I pay for my drink, sliding my change across the counter. Catherine swipes her tea and storms out like she's resisting the urge to throw it at me.

The cashier watches her leave, then turns back to me, grinning. "Damn. She's totally in love with you."

I take another sip of my coffee, watching her retreating figure.

"Yeah," I say. "She just doesn't know it yet."