Romeo’s eyebrow cocked when Selena mentioned having a child. He wasn’t surprised because she was a bit older and seemed so put together, like she could raise a kid and shit, but he didn’t like to assume. “Oh shit, I’m glad. I read the back and the cover looked good so I was like, this will do. So many options in bookstores, that shit be overwhelming.” He tilted his head at her, “You got a daughter? How old is she now? Mm…I feel like maybe I should start reading the curriculum and shit now, you must ‘a been a good mom.” he laughed. He wasn’t that engaged with what kids were learning in schools, he tried to be, but he was always busy and that wasn’t always the top thing on his mind. “Uh,” Romeo pondered just how much of his personal life he was willing to share with people, but I mean, wasn’t like any of it was a secret, “yeah it’s for my daughter, Xio. She’s eleven but she’s bright as hell so I never know what’s gonna be interesting for her or boring.”
Romeo paused for a minute. “No way, for real?” he said almost lowly, genuine shock in his voice. “I’m…” he didn’t know what to say, as he’d otherwise been really quiet about his plans, but this was too ironic. “I’m trying to open up a place of my own too. I work at a Mexican joint right now as a line cook, I been cooking my whole life with my mama and shit, and I been thinking about taking the leap and opening my own joint but I needed a little background so I’m taking business classes at Delgado.” He didn’t even know what to say to her. Out of everyone in their Spanish group, aside from Boobie Baumann, he didn’t think she’d be the one he’d have so much in common with. “That’s fuckin’ wild.” he grinned.
Selena’s eye squinted naturally as she smiled with cheerfulness. She noticed he said the word ‘shit’ often, and even though, most people were to meet her and assume she’d take judgement towards it, Selena actually found it rather amusing and rather harmless. “I get you. There’s always so much to choose from.” When thinking about her daughter, Selena was suddenly moved by a sense of joy and pride. “I do. Her name is Riley.” She was a little nervous speaking about her so soon to one of her study group partners, but still sported her soft grin. “She’s 18 now. I hope to think I did a pretty good job!” When learning he also had a daughter, Selena smiled even brighter. “Aw, so you’re a parent too. Good to see I’m not the only one in the group.” It was definitely a surprise to see Romeo as a father, but if anything, Selena found it even more endearing about him. It was nice having someone she could possibly relate to in some level. In sincerity, speaking from her own experience, Selena responded, “At least you’re trying. That’s what counts the most.” She assured him - “Even then, I’m sure she’ll love the book.”
Selena responded in midst of laughter, “Yeah, for real.” Again finding his responses amusing. It was starting to get freaky with the amount of things her and Romeo could have in common. “Oh, really? Where do you work?” Selena was curious to see if she had been to his work place before. If not, one of her favorite things was finding new restaurants to check out, if he wouldn’t mind her giving it a try, of course. “That’s a wonderful plan. I could definitely see you running your own place.” Selena nodded. She definitely wouldn’t have pegged the man in front of her to be the same guy based off his first impression. It was refreshing to see someone else just as passionate in her field. And who knows? Possibly they had other classes together in the future?
