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Dad’s eyes grow dark. He sets his hot dog down and furrows his brow, “Delores Vitale?”
“Yes. Delores Vitale is my maternal grandmother. She’s why I’m here. To write her memoir. Seems like the whole town knows she’s from here.”
Mom’s eyes soften only after they immediately latch onto my father’s. Interesting. Not once have my parents mentioned this woman, but they look at each other as if they are familiar with Delores. I wonder exactly what it is as I finish my corn.
I can’t help but see the difference in my Dad since he learned this news. He’s more distant, overly observant, and a little grumpy, dare I say. He lightens up when he starts winning in the bean bag toss. Sounds like my Dad since he is so competitive.
“That score puts a smile on your face!” I exclaim.
Dad shakes his head and pulls out the bean bags from the hole. He wears a tight smile as he tosses them back to me; they feel soggy. His hands are sweaty. Yes, there is definitely something going on with Dad.
It’s not until the end of the evening that I have a chance to speak to him. Bringing in the leftover grilled delights, Dad pulls out Tupperware from the cabinet. He spins around, and upon seeing me, he releases a sigh.
“Getting some lovely days this late spring, huh?”
My Dad isn’t the small-talk type. Definitely not with his own son. Seeing him like this disturbs me a tad. There is something he’s hiding or at least wants me to be distracted from seeing. I spot Nadia and Mom pointing out the fireflies with Adam.
“Yup…so, Dad?”
“Yes?” There’s an edge to his tone.
“What do you think of Nadia?”
Dad nods impressively. “I think she’s awesome. Has all the right things to say. She’s brilliant. And you already know she’s a looker. And…she gets along with Adam very well. I noticed she was unsure when she plans on returning to California. Do you have any idea what that may be about?”
I shrug, “I’m sure it has something to do with when she completes the book.”
“Really?”
With tongs, Dad places the leftover wings into a ziplock. I hear the clanking of the windchimes right outside the open kitchen window. A soft breeze enters, cooling off the thickness of the air.
“Why? What do you think?”
“I don’t know. I know it genuinely sounds like she is unsure. Did you bring her over to show us what you’re capable of attaining or…”
“What?”
“Well, I don’t mean it quite like that.”
“What exactly do you mean? I really shouldn’t have cut you off. You were going somewhere and…I really want to hear it all.”
“Joaquin… you’ve been hurt before. Very hurt! I don’t want you being a fool for some California dream girl.”
“Is that what it is?”
“Honestly, yes. Yes, it is what it is.”
“Why did your mood shift when you found out who her grandmother is?”
Dad opens the fridge. “Oh. Everyone knows Delores Vitale is from here. She’s one of the greats. People have all kinds of opinions of her in this town. I know it won’t be easy for Nadia if, for some reason, she decides to stay here.”
“Got it. I can understand that. I hope whatever Nadia is writing will share her grandmother’s truth.”
“Maybe. I’m sure there will be some bias. After all, it’s her grandmother.” Dad closes the fridge door in perfect timing to emphasize his point.
I really want a beer. But I decided to ignore the urge.
“Look, Joaquin. Your mother and I have literally been praying for you to find love. You are a loving guy. You are a family man. It’s in your DNA. We make and maintain families in this town, in our family. You’re not any less if you don’t, but we know you. Your mother and I raised you, and you’ve always been about attaining the life that will make you a wonderful provider, a protector, a strong man, a father, and a husband. I hope you have found the right one for that. You’re getting older, and well…time doesn’t wait. I think it’s best to see where this thing with Nadia leads too. I just know that someone so devoted to their passion and career may not want to start a life with anyone. And Nadia seems like she’s in limbo.”
