“Nervous,” my sister answered for her, smirking slightly.
“I’m not nervous,” I shot back automatically.
“Mmhm,” she hummed, unconvinced.
Melo climbed into his seat, swinging his little legs. “I want pancakes.”
“It’s not breakfast, Melo,” I said, shaking my head.
He frowned. “But you make pancakes.”
Pops chuckled. “He's got a point.”
“I’m not making pancakes right now, buddy.” I replied, already distracted because Gianna was moving. And she was moving in our direction. I watched her approach, menus tucked under her arm, that same warm smile on her face—completely unaware of who she was about to greet.
My pulse picked up.
She gave me a quick smile. “Hi, welcome in,” she said smoothly, stepping up to the table. “My name’s Gianna, I’ll be taking care of you—” Her eyes landed on Melo, then shifted across the table. She paused as a flicker of recognition crossed her face. But she didn’t miss a beat.
“…taking care of you today,” she finished seamlessly, that same smile settling back into place.
I exhaled slowly, tension easing just a little.
“Have you dined with us before?” she continued, her tone warm as she looked between them.
Mama smiled. “We have, baby. My son owns this place.”
Gianna’s brows lifted slightly, her gaze sliding to me for a second. Then back to my mama. “Oh,” she said lightly. “Well, that explains the good taste.”
My sister snorted. Pops smiled.
Melo leaned forward, studying her. “You pretty,” he said suddenly.
I closed my eyes briefly.
Gianna paused, then her smile softened in a way I hadn’t seen before. “Thank you,” she said gently, leaning down just a little to his level. “You’re pretty handsome yourself.”
He grinned, dimples popping. I felt something shift in my chest watching their exchange.
Gianna straightened, pulling her pad out. “Alright, sweetheart,” she said to Melo. “What can I get you to drink?”
He looked at me. Then back at her. “…Juice,” he decided.
She nodded seriously, writing it down. “Juice it is. Orange or apple, handsome?”
His smile deepened. "Apple, please."
Gianna's smiled at him gently. "Of course."
Then she moved through the rest of the table, taking orders. She was natural. And I just stood there…watching her. Watching them. Observing how easily she fit into my circle even though they had no idea who she was.
That was until my mama’s eyes flicked to me noticing me watching her for way longer than I should've. Her eyes flicked back to Gianna. Then back to me again. Her brows lifted slightly and I saw her tap my pops on his leg.
"I'll be right back with your drinks." Gianna smiled at them. We shared a quick look before she walked away.
"Is she new? I've never seen her before. She's super pretty," Angel spoke first.
"She's just helping out for a few hours." I replied.