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I chuckle as she takes it out, sliding it across the counter.
I grab it, opening it with a tsk.
“You still like yours disgustingly warm, then?” I tease.
She laughs. “You’d have an ice block of soda if you could.”
“Amen to that.”
I take a long sip, placing the can down. “Tell me about your studies. Tell me everything.”
Of course, we’ve spoken on the phone while I’ve been away, but it’s not the same as being here in person. I want her to know that while work does take most of my attention, I’d never forget about her or stop supporting her.
My heart whelms as she enthusiastically talks about college, describing her teachers and classes.
“I’m so proud of you,” I tell her.
“Dad….”
“I mean it,” I say. “And I know you hate praise. But it’s the truth. You’re doing so well.”
“Thank you,” she says, with the flitting smile I remember from when she was a kid, completely incapable of taking a compliment. “Do you want to stay for dinner? I was going to make curry. I’m sure there will be enough to go around.”
“Make?” I say, raising my eyebrow.
She laughs again. “Okay, heat up the sauce and throw some cooked chicken in.”
I pat my belly. “Sounds good to me. As long as I won’t be cramping your style?”
She waves a hand. “Faye won’t mind.”
I nod, taking another sip of soda as I take a look around her apartment. It’s not huge, but it’s spacious enough, and Lola uses it well. Everything’s neat and tidy, as is always Lola’s way, even when she was a kid.
“So, how was Europe?” Lola says. “I interrupted you before.”
“It was a good trip. I got hundreds of usable photos.”
“Which you’ll whittle down.”
“And leave only the best,” I say, nodding. “I taught you well. Shame you went and decided to become a doctor.”
My tone is lightly teasing, but just in case, I add, “That was a joke. Or my attempt at one. I couldn’t be prouder.”
“That’s more Faye’s territory than mine, anyway.”
“It is?”
Lola rolls her eyes. “I’ve only told you she’s into photography, oh, I don’t know… maybe a thousand times?”
“I’m sorry,” I tell her.
“Don’t be. I know it’s hard for your photo-photo-photo mind to focus sometimes. She loves your work, by the way.”
“That’s lovely to hear,” I tell her.
“Lovely?” Lola says, and now it’s her turn to have the teasing note. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you use that word.”
I chuckle. “It’s nice, Lola. What else do you want me to say?”
