AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Morning, son!” Dad’s wearing a snug baseball cap on his head.
“Morning. Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Dad shrugs. “Once in a while, it’s good to surprise.”
I nod in agreement. “Let me guess, an Americano? How about an Arnold Palmer for mom with a splash of green tea.”
“Oooh. Actually, I’ll take what you think your mom wants and hold off on making something for Mom.”
“Going fishing?”
He shakes his head. “No. Mixed weather forecasts got a few of us screwed up on what to do.”
“Oh, really. What now?”
“Possible thunderstorms. Who knows.”
“Exactly that. Who knows.”
“Do you guys have any plans today?” Dad stares at the pastries even though he never orders any.
“No. Taking it easy.”
“Always good to do that. Where’s Adam?”
“Watching TV. I can call him out or —”
Dad waves at the door. “Maybe before I leave. I, um…came to talk to you about something.”
He shifted to a serious tone, which he used whenever he threw a heavy lesson at me. I’m not sure where he’s going with this. I only hope it concerns the secret he and Mom were holding back the other day.
Dad clears his throat as I add the splash of chilled green tea. Topped with lemon, I walk around the counter and place it on one of the round tables he’s sat at.
“Thanks, son. Have a seat.” He pulls out a chair for me, and I oblige. I hope customers aren’t on their way. I’d like a little time to chat with my old man.
“What’s going on?”
“Well, I know I confused you the other day when you brought Nadia by.”
“Yes. Very.”
“So, it’s only best if I get out of my feelings and do what’s best by telling you the truth.”
Nervously, I swallow. I look at my Dad in his eyes, stone gray like mine.
“Listen, when your grandfather was a high schooler, he was in love.”
Here we go. Please, God, I hope Dad isn’t trying to compare my love for Nadia with my eighteen-year-old grandfather’s love for someone. This is not the same. I am over double his age.
“Okay.”
“This girl he was in love with had a huge heart, but she also had huge dreams.”
I nod, “A lot of women have huge dreams.”
“Yes. I’m not saying any of that is a problem. Let me get to my point.”
“All ears.” I refrain from laughing.
