Ms Rivera's Links
Ms Rivera views Zora like one of her own - she sees so much potential in Zora, and deep inside she sees the same burning passion and love for cooking that she had when she first opened her diner. As such, Ms Rivera is eager to help Zora come out of her shell. She guides Zora through her young adult years and on her career to becoming a chef, practically having adopted Zora as her own daughter.
Zora was welcomed into Ms Rivera's diner with open arms, and Zora is forever greatful that she has someone to rely on like her boss. Zora loves how loving and mother-like Ms Rivera is, especially after her own mother and father were so cruel to her. She views Ms Rivera not only as a close friend, but as a mother figure.
Ms Rivera heard about this little guy from Poppy. As it turns out, he's just a little guy! A silly fella! He's hungry, that's all! She's worried he's malnourished because he's so skinny, poor thing. She makes sure to have his order memorized; a milkshake with extra whipped cream and cherries, a side of extra maraschino cherries, and a large side of fries. Eventually, she grows to love Alistaire very much, and makes sure to call him all sorts of affectionate nicknames and pinch his cheek when he comes by to visit.
Ms. Rivera runs Alistaire's favorite diner, a place he considers sacred. As such, he genuinely does his best to respect her and not make trouble... his best just sucks ass. Nevertheless, her patience with him seems bottomless: although she's not afraid to kick him out when his antics push her, she always lets him back in eventually. Maybe she suspects he's got a good heart deep down (ew, cringe, baseless lies, blatant slander). Ultimately, she is the most forgiving of him out of the diner crew. And her cooking is to die for, too. Alistaire's pretty much surrounded himself with people who make good food.
She's had to almost kick this guy out because of his temper! At least twice, too. But he's Alistaire's best friend, and if Alistaire can find the gooey center to this walking brick shithouse of testosterone, then he's probably stable. She can keep him around... as long as he doesn't throw any more fits. She likes Charlie!
Ms Rivera thinks Mason is a big sweetheart. In her eyes, they can do no wrong. Ms Rivera hired Mason a while after Poppy and Zora for the extra help, and it worked out! She may not know Mason as well as the other two, but she's always willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. She tries to be motherly towards Mason - it seems to make them feel better, though she thinks they'd never admit it out loud.
Ms. Rivera gave Mason a chance with this job despite their past, and they'll always be appreciative of that. She's a brilliant woman, and they have nothing but respect for her. She's grown to something akin to a mother figure, though it might ache a bit for them to admit as much.