“Really?” He nodded. “But I can take everything in a safety deposit box?”
“Yes.”
“That makes no sense.”
He smiled. “I know, but that’s the law.”
“Weird. How long does it take to grant me beneficiary status?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know.”
“Okay. Well, then I’m ready to go.”
The banker put the box back and then gave me back the key to the now empty box. I put it in my pocket and turned to exit the vault.
“What’s wrong?” Nic asked.
I didn’t respond. I just held up the VHS tape and the stack of folded papers.
“What the—?”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Mr. Scott, please let me know if you need anything else and when you have the letter from the judge,” the banker stated.
“Thank you.”
We shook hands, and then Nic and I walked outside. Easton and Brooke were sitting in their rental car waiting for us. “So?” Easton asked as we walked up to the driver’s side window that was already down.
I held up the tape and papers again.
“What is it?” Easton asked the million dollar question.
“I don’t know. I just grabbed the stuff and left.”
“Can we see what the papers are?” Nic asked.
I wasn’t sure if I was ready to see what was on the papers. The last note from my mother was eye-opening, to say the least. “Let’s go grab beers and open them while I’m drinking.”
“Nic, you said we were going to get tacos. Can we do that there?” Brooke asked from the passenger’s seat.
“You did?” I questioned. It would be perfect because the taco joint had beers.
“I’ve been thinking about those tacos since we had them.” Nic shrugged.
Those tacos were amazing, and it would be fun to take some more rounds in the cage, especially with Easton. “Yeah, let’s go there. You guys are in for some epic tacos.”
“Follow us,” Nic said and started to walk toward our car.
I tapped the hood of Easton’s rental car and went to my own, placing the VHS and folded papers in the backseat and away from Nic who I knew couldn’t wait to see what was on the papers. I was anxious too. It felt as though we were on some quest for me to learn who my parents really were.
I started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. Easton followed us toward the water. “You know I can’t wait,” Nic stated, reaching toward the backseat.
I slapped her arm playfully. “You can wait five minutes.”
“It’s only five minutes to the taco stand?”
It was probably ten or so. “About that.”
