Vale Reyes never expected a random diner shift to change her life. At 17, she worked nights at a small-town diner, spending her breaks with a book and avoiding pointless conversations — until Mateo Vargas walked in. Mateo was an 18-year-old Mexican-American book lover with messy dark brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a mind that never seemed to stop. He was witty, passionate, stubborn, and always ready for a debate. Their first meeting was simple: a cup of coffee, an argument over a book, and two people too stubborn to admit they were interested. Vale thought Mateo was annoying. Mateo thought Vale was fascinating. Neither expected that one diner shift would turn into something they’d never forget.