It Started at the Diner- A Devin Booker Story

Melanie:

The next morning, Melanie wakes up and does her usual morning routine. Once she's done with that, she gets on some black yoga pants and a white v-neck. She throws on some white slip-on Vans. She heads out to her kitchen to fill up her water bottle to take to work. Melanie looks at the time and sees that she still has an hour and a half. So, she takes the initiative to make herself a bowl of cereal. After she finishes her cereal, she decides to go in very early. Early is on time, on time is late her dad would tell her, and she figured she'd work more hours to get more money. She grabs her purse and keys and heads out the door.

She locks the door and waves to her neighbor, who was also on her way out. "Buenos días, Señora," she says. She doesn't know much Spanish, given that she grew up speaking Vietnamese, but she learned enough Spanish in high school to know the basic words. And living next door to Mrs.Villanueva gave her an opportunity to learn the language as well.

"Buenos días, mija," Mrs.Villanueva replies. Mrs.Villanueva was probably the nicest person in the building. She's in her mid-60s and was like a grandmother to everyone. She even babysits for some of the parents in the building. She immigrated to the United States from Honduras in the 1970s. She was married, but her husband sadly passed away a few years ago to stomach cancer. She has two daughters and three grandchildren, who all live out of state, but they come to visit at least once a month or so. And she has a thick Spanish accent. When Melanie moved in, Mrs.Villanueva introduced herself, and they immediately hit it off. "Are you off to work?" she asks.

Melanie nods at her. "Yes, I am," she replies, smiling brightly. "Where are you headed?"

"Oh, I'm just going to the store," Mrs.Villanueva replies. "My oldest daughter and her family are coming to visit from Nevada, and I'm just getting some things to make dinner for them."

"That's nice that they're coming," Melanie replies. She's met Mrs.Villanueva's grandchildren, and they're as sweet as candy.

Mrs.Villanueva nods. "Yeah, I can't wait to see my grandsons," she says. Her face then lights up. "And my daughter and her husband are expecting a third, a girl this time."

Melanie smiles. "Oh, that's so exciting," she replies. "Grand-baby number 4."

"Yeah." She sighs, happily. "Bueno, I better get going. I gotta make sure I have everything ready before they get here."

Melanie nods at her. "Okay, let me walk you to your car." Mrs.Villanueva accepts the offer, and they walk off to the parking garage. They make small-talk along the way.

They arrive to her car, which was conveniently parked right next to Melanie's. They turn to face each other. "Thank you for walking me to my car, Mija," Mrs.Villanueva says to her, with a smile of gratitude.

Melanie smiles back at her. "It's no problem, Señora," she replies. She hears a ding from her phone. She looks at it and sees it's a text from Rachel to the girls' group chat telling them to meet up at Starbucks-Rachel's treat. Guess her plan on showing up to work early was a bust. Melanie gives Mrs.Villanueva a sad look. "Well, I have to go. I'm meeting some friends for some coffee before work."

Mrs.Villanueva nods at her. "It's okay, Mija," she replies. "I have to get to the store. I have to make sure I have the food ready for my grandsons."

Melanie smiles as she sees her neighbors eyes light up at the mention of her grandkids. "Okay, well, I have to go or else Rachel is going to murder me in my sleep if I'm late." They laugh at her words.

"Okay, Mija." They wave at each other as the get into their cars. Mrs.Villanueva pulls out first and Melanie follows.

Melanie then drives off to Starbucks to meet her friends. During her drive, she thinks of ways to tell her friends what she thought about the night before. All while questioning if she should get out there. She's never actually dated before. I mean she's had a few dates, but her last REAL date was prom night. And that was six years ago. After she left Florida for college in Arizona, she's talked to guys during her time at GCU but never actually dated since she was studying one of the hardest majors and didn't have time for dating. But now, she's 23 years old and is very, no, extremely single. I mean, the poor girl hasn't even had sex, yet. And she's a little afraid of dating.