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“Nothing. Sometimes, he just sits in front of his house on a chair.”
I nod. “It was nice to meet you, Tommy. Maybe I will see you again.”
“Well, if you are going to live around here, you are going to see a lot more of me. I ride around here all the time,” he laughs, then rides off, waving as though we were best friends.
My phone rings, Antonio’s name bright across the screen. I forgot he asked me to let him know what I would do today. I haven’t spoken to him since we left the hotel early this morning, and it’s already early evening. I glance up and down the street, then slide the green button to answer the call.
“Hello, little bird. Why am I sitting alone at the hotel when I could have you by my side?”
“Are you back already? Did you have a good day?”
“It was good. I got things done. Where are you?”
“I am just about to head back now.”
“Must I come and fetch you?”
“I don’t want to bother you with that. I will find a taxi.”
I haven’t seen a single taxi driving past here since I arrived, and it is getting closer to sunset.
“No, I am coming to fetch you. Just send me your location.”
I bite my bottom lip. At first, I am reluctant to tell him where I am, but then I realize he knows what I want to do. He knows my plans; it should be no surprise to him I am here.
And I don’t want to hide any part of myself from him, anyway. If our relationship is real, then he should know all of me.
“Alright, I will send you the location now.”
“I am already in the elevator.”
I smile.
After we hang up, I message him the pin to my location. He sends me a thumbs up, nothing else. That is good. I slide my phone back into my small backpack and feel grateful that he phoned. I would never have asked him for a lift, and I think I might have been stuck in this neighborhood after dark, not knowing how to get a taxi from here. I guess I could have phoned for a cab. But this is easier.
Antonio’s car pulls up alongside the bench where I am sitting. It is far too flashy for a street like this. I see one or two people eyeing it as I stand up and climb inside. Then they turn away, minding their own business. I imagine in this neighborhood, many people turn away from things they witness and mind their own business.
Back at the hotel, I was still thinking about my father and what Tommy had told me about him. His life sounds bland and lonely. Antonio places the takeaway bags on the countertop.
“You are silent tonight?” he comments, pulling me close to hug me.
“Sorry, I am just thinking a lot.”
“Well, let’s get some plates. Do you want to eat on the balcony or at the table inside?”
“Outside. I like the views.”
I go to the bedroom to kick off my shoes. When I come back out, he has already carried everything outside and set up our dinner. I slide into the chair next to him, and he grabs the leg of the chair to drag me closer to him.
I grin.
We eat in comfortable silence, looking out over the edge of the balcony.
After the food is finished, Antonio wraps his arm around me, and I lean against him as we watch the now dark sky.
“Where are you, little bird?”
“I’m here with you.”
