Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

I stepped back and pressed the elevator button for the basement.

Lauren turned to look at me and asked, "What's wrong?"

I quickly shrugged and said, "I saw a classmate I'd rather not meet."

In response, Lauren immediately said, "Michelle?"

I widened my eyes, looking at her with a smile. "You're a mind reader. Yes, it's her. She's in the lobby, probably waiting for me."

"Oh, thank goodness you noticed in time. If she had stuck to you, it would have delayed us quite a bit," Lauren said.

"I wouldn't have cared if she'd delayed us, but she's been bothering me for a long time, and it's definitely not over anything good. My classmates can't stand her," I said, taking out my car keys from my bag. "Let's take my car! Thankfully, there's a back exit we can use. Otherwise, I'd have to deal with her every day."

We found my car and got in, heading straight to the taco shop.

Business here was always good. We had arrived early and it wasn't lunchtime yet, but there were no empty seats.

Alejandra recognized Lauren and came out to welcome us in. "What are you two doing standing outside? Come with me. Wait in my room."

Alejandra led us upstairs, revealing a small corner on the third floor, her own private lounge.

Opening the door, she said, "You two can eat here. It's a little small, but you can turn on the air conditioning. It's hot outside with the sun, and it's quiet here. Take your time."

Lauren quickly expressed her gratitude with a hug, and Alejandra went downstairs.

I teased Lauren, "Impressive. You've really won Alejandra over. Looks like you've eaten quite a few of Alejandra's Tacos."

Lauren grinned proudly. "You're mistaken. I haven't been here much, especially not recently."

"Why does Alejandra remember you then?" I was curious.

"Alejandra remembers me because I helped her once. That old lady's memory is really something," Lauren said nonchalantly. "What happened?" I was intrigued.

"It was the second or third time I was here. The landlord came to collect the rent, or rather, to drive Alejandra away. The landlord's relative saw that Alejandra's

business was making money a.net

got a bit jealous. They provoked the tabit

landlord into wanting to take over and run the place themselves," Lauren explained.

"Why are there people like that everywhere? Green-eyed monsters!" I expressed my frustration.

"The first time came here, I spoke

with Alejandra because her food was delicious and there weren't many customers that day. She

mentioned that the landlord had net

been wanting to sell the store, and she had no idea when that would happen," Lauren said.

"Looks like she had some trouble. It would be better if she had her own property," I commented.

"It's a common problem for

businesses who rent. This location

isn't really good for business at all of it weren' for Alejandra's excellent cooking and the fame she's earned, who would come all the way here to eat? You've seen it yourself. This place is very remote!"

I nodded without comment.

The first time Lauren brought me to this restaurant, I wondered how we had ended up so far away just to eat.

But Alejandra's Tacos were incredibly delicious.

Once you tried them, you'd want to come back.

"And then what happened?"