Page 134 of Only Fate

“Really?”

“No.”

She frowns.

“Butyou can come over to my abuela’s, and we can have a bake date together. She’ll teach us.”

“Is that your way of asking me out on a date?”

“If it works, absolutely. If not, I’d like to give it another shot.”

“Let me get back to you on that.”

“You have my number.”

I wink at her, and she shoves my shoulder.

For a moment, it’s like we’re the old Essie and Adrian.

The ones who could joke with each other with no expectations or hurt.

“Now, listen,” my abuela says to Rex, catching my attention. “How about you show me to your wife’s booth so I can taste those chocolate chip cookies you’ve been raving about?” She looks over at us. “I’m sure these two can watch the booth until I get back.”

“Well—” Essie starts.

“Oh, you got this.” She flicks her hand through the air. “Be right back.”

“Grab some cookies for me,” I call to her as she starts walking away. “To pay for my wages here.”

My abuela laughs, giving me anI’m helping you out herelook.

“I must admit, Valeria is quite the trickster,” Essie says, joining me behind the booth.

“She only wants what’s best for her grandson.”

I hold out a piece of sweet bread, offering it to her, and she takes it in her mouth.

“Mmm,” she moans, swallowing it. She does a once-over of the booth and snags one of my business cards. “Look at you, adding solicitation with the snacks.”

“She put them up there, not me.” I smirk. “You can add yours there as well. I don’t mind sharing real estate.”

“I prefer not to bribe people for business. Though it seems to be your thing.”

“Hey now, those sports tickets werenota bribe.”

“Says every single person accused of bribery.”

“I’d purchased them for a game, but my abuela told me I couldn’t cancel our dinner plans to go. So, I thought I’d put them to good use.”

“Bribery,” she sings out. “To get into the partners’ good graces.”

“Did I think it’d prevent them from firing me at any time?” I shrug. “Yes, but I didn’t think it’d score me a promotion. All that was in my head was, if they fire me at any point, that would kill any chance of my making amends with you.”

Foster stops at our booth, interrupting us, and smiles smugly. “Is it this common to see two people in competition with each otherthis close?” He grabs a pastry and takes a bite. “I’d be happy to welcome you into our family, Essie. You know what I’d also be happy about?”

Essie stares at him warily.

“Tell Ava to go out on a date with me.”

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