"Hector"

At the usual time, I was outside the store waiting for Samantha to come out so we could go get coffee. She looked stunning in lilac tailored pants, a white silk blouse, and heels. She'd tied her hair in a low bun, letting two strands fall around her face.

"Hey, Hector! Acting smart again? Did your mother stop praying for you?" Samantha asked as soon as she left the store.

"What are you talking about, my goddess?" I knew very well it was about the collective flower attack, but I thought it best to play dumb.

Samantha greeted me with a kiss on the cheek, and we walked toward the coffee shop.

"Of course you know what I'm talking about. Do best friends only do things together now? If one doesn't do it, the other doesn't either?"

"Sam, didn't you like the flowers?" "I loved the flowers, Heitor, but it seems they were sent with a double meaning. Mel's right, it seems you're trying to manipulate us."

"It's nothing like that, my goddess." I stopped, facing her. "We want to reach your