Chapter 19

Gabriela cleared her throat as Vien's intense gaze locked onto her, as if she were scrutinizing her every detail. She rubbed the back of her neck, steadying her composure and trying to stay cool under Vien's piercing stare. Yet, there was something in those eyes—was it... concern? Gabriela couldn't help but wonder.

Gabriela chuckled at Vien's remark, shaking her head as she glanced at her cart. "Not entirely," she replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "I do eat proper meals, just not ones I cook myself. That's what takeout is for."

Vien crossed her arms, her lips twitching as she tried to suppress a smile. "Takeout and junk food? That's not exactly a balanced diet."

Gabriela shrugged, pushing her cart a little forward. "Hey, it works for me. Plus, it's not like I eat chips and drink soda every single meal," she said, her tone light.

Blair giggled, looking between the two women. "Mommy cooks all the time! Maybe mommy can teach you, Gabi."

Gabriela raised a brow at the suggestion, glancing at Vien, who groaned softly and rubbed her temple. "Blair, sweetie, not everyone has the time or the... patience to cook like mommy does," Vien muttered, her cheeks faintly pink.

"But mommy's cooking is the best!" Blair declared, grinning up at Gabriela. "You'd love it, Gabi!"

Gabriela smirked, tilting her head. "Is that so?" she teased, her gaze flicking to Vien, who was avoiding eye contact. "Sounds tempting."

Vien huffed, grabbing the handle of her own cart. "Don't let her get your hopes up," she quipped. "My cooking isn't up for public service."

Blair gasped dramatically. "Mommy! Gabi's not public; she's our friend!"

Gabriela laughed, thoroughly entertained by the exchange. "Don't worry, Blair. Your mommy can keep her cooking secrets. I'll stick to my gourmet chips for now," she said with a wink.

Vien sighed, giving Gabriela a side-eye. "Fine. But don't come crying to me if you end up with a stomach ache."

Gabriela grinned, her voice teasing as she said, "Guess I'll just have to find someone to cook for me, then. Any volunteers?" She glanced pointedly at Vien, who sputtered slightly, her cheeks flushing deeper.

Blair, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, raised her hand eagerly. "Me! I can help mommy cook for you!"

Gabriela chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Blair's hair. "You're a sweetheart, Blair. I just might take you up on that offer."

Vien groaned softly, shaking her head. "You two are going to drive me insane," she muttered, but the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.

Vien raised an eyebrow in disbelief. She was about to call her driver to pick them up when Gabriela casually offered, "Why don't you just hop in my car instead?"

Vien turned to face her, arms crossed. "I'm sorry, you said what?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

"I said, come along with me. We're practically neighbors anyway," Gabriela replied with a shrug.

Vien tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. "Okay... but what's the catch?"

Gabriela scoffed, meeting her gaze with a teasing grin. "There's no catch," she said before pausing, her grin widening. "Well, unless you're ready to date me now or something."

Rolling her eyes, Vien let out a laugh that quickly faded into a stoic expression. "You're ridiculous, Gabi. Too funny to ruin my day, though," she quipped, clicking her tongue.

Gabriela chuckled. "There you go again with your grumpiness. What is it now? Are you hitting menopause or something—Ow!" she exclaimed, rubbing her arm where Vien had swatted her with her handbag.

"For the record, I'm not having my period!" Vien hissed, though she couldn't hide the amused chuckle escaping her lips.

Gabriela froze, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh, sh—sorry," she stammered, bowing slightly. "That was incredibly insensitive of me."

Vien clutched her chest, startled. "Gosh, don't do that! You scared me," she muttered, letting out an awkward laugh.

Gabriela straightened up. "Look, I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Vien interrupted, waving her off with a chuckle. "I mean, it's not completely fine, but on the bright side, I don't have to spend money on pads or tampons anymore. Silver linings, right?"

Gabriela clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "Can't relate, though."

Vien blinked, then smirked. "Right, you've got that intersex thing going on," she said. "Fate's little joke or what?"

Gabriela arched an eyebrow. "Funny how you believe in fate but are too scared to give love another chance."

Vien's smirk faltered as she crossed her arms. "Why? Are you tired of waiting for me? Feel free to leave, Gabi."

Gabriela stepped closer, tilting Vien's chin upward. Vien's eyes widened, and she gulped nervously. "W-what are you—"

"I told you, Vien," Gabriela murmured, her gaze locked on hers. "I'm not going anywhere. Do what you want—push me away, ruin me if that's what it takes. But I'll wait until you're ready to give me a chance." Her eyes flicked from Vien's eyes to her lips, making Vien's breath hitch.

"G-Gabi..." Vien mumbled, turning her head away to avoid Gabriela's piercing gaze.

"Mommy, are we leaving or not?" Blair's cheerful voice broke the tension, making them both straighten up, flustered.

"Right," Vien muttered, clearing her throat. "I was about to call our—"

Gabriela gently grabbed Vien's wrist. "I told you, hop in my car."

Vien bit her lip, hesitating. "No catch? You're not going to make me regret this?"

Gabriela laughed softly. "What? No, of course not," she said, her tone sincere. "I just... want to spend time with you two. It gets lonely at home, you know? So maybe some quality time with you guys would be nice."

Vien eyed her suspiciously but finally sighed. "Fine," she relented, pointing a finger at Gabriela's chest. "But if there's even the slightest catch, I swear I'll kill you with my scalpel."

Gabriela burst out laughing as she pushed their carts toward her car. "Do your worst," she teased, shaking her head.

Once the groceries were loaded into the trunk, Gabriela opened the backseat door and ushered Blair inside. But when she turned to Vien, she noticed her standing by the passenger door.

"Aren't you sitting in the back with Blair?" Gabriela asked, confused.

Vien tilted her head, feigning nonchalance. "Do you want to look like my personal driver? I'll sit in the front. You're welcome."

Gabriela chuckled, opening the passenger door for her. She held her hand over the frame to ensure Vien wouldn't bump her head.

"Thanks," Vien mumbled as she slipped into the seat.

Sliding into the driver's seat, Gabriela noticed Vien struggling with her seatbelt. With a chuckle, she leaned over to help. "It's like this," she said, reaching for the buckle.

Vien froze as Gabriela's proximity made her heart race. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them grew heavy. Vien's gaze flicked to Gabriela's lips before she quickly covered her own with her hand, flustered.

"What?" Gabriela laughed softly. "I'm not going to kiss you."

"It's better to be safe than sorry," Vien muttered, her voice muffled by her hand.

Gabriela chuckled again, securing the seatbelt before leaning in just a little closer. "You know, your face gives you away, Vien," she said quietly. "Keep denying it all you want, but your actions speak louder."

Before Vien could respond, Gabriela pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Sorry, couldn't help it," she said softly, settling back into her seat. "I think I'm in love with you."

"What?" Vien stammered, her cheeks burning. "What did you just say?"

Gabriela smirked as she started the car. "You heard me, Vien. Don't worry—I'm not forcing anything. I'll wait."

Vien bit her lip, glancing at Blair in the backseat, happily humming a tune as she gazed out the window. Oh gosh, she confessed again!