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“Well, I’m not familiar with God, but Mother Nature is definitely responding to what we’ve been giving her.”
“Nadia’s a reporter, Dad!”
For a brief moment, I consider my son’s comment as sarcasm. But I refrain from laughing because all I want is a happy customer. She’s upset about being stuck here! I’m pissed about all these fallen trees and the lack of business.
“I can tell by the voice. So, you’re a reporter, huh?”
“How much do I owe you for the coffee?”
Yes, she did just ignore my question. Or maybe her question was already on the tip of her tongue before mine was entirely out? Doesn’t hurt to give her the benefit of the doubt.
“It’s on the house.”
Even though she mocks God. I have no patience for getting into a useless argument with a Californian.
“Oh. Well, thank you, Joaquin.”
“You’re welcome.”
I give her a smile because she’s clearly keeping Adam from his usual thunderstorm nerves.
She replies, “If I can’t get back onto the expressway, do you think I’ll be able to drive on any road to my grandmother’s? She lives in central Evergreen. By the pavilion, she says.”
I shouldn’t be surprised. That’s where the wealthy live. I wonder who her grandmother is. I’m not too familiar with the finer side of Evergreen, but there are ex-politicians and other elite folks who take up a ton of space over there.
“To be completely honest, Nadia. If you’re unable to get back on the expressway, these side roads won’t be any better. The city will treat central Evergreen with top priority. So, if there are trees down around your grandmother’s house, there will certainly be trees down around here.”
I start lighting the odd arrangement of candles I possess. Most of them are hand-me-downs from my parents given decades ago. Some are fat and Christmas-themed, others are thin and meant for a romantic table setting, and several don’t have enough visible wick to light.
“Well, I like to be prepared for the worst option possible. And the worst option would be having to stay here until tomorrow, so—“
“Yay! You can spend the night. We have a guest room! Right, Dad?”
Adam’s eyes lighting up is the cutest thing. Nadia’s a complete sucker for it. As she caves in, a broad smile spreads across her gorgeous face.
I set a cased candle at their table. Finally, Nadia turns her phone’s light off.
“We do, bud. I’m not sure how safe you feel in this shop, Nadia, but it’s attached to our home. We have a guest room. On the first floor. Please, no pressure to make up your mind right now. You can stay in that chair all night if that feels better.”
She rubs her middle finger’s knuckle on the center of her forehead. She comes across as an intense person, but I don’t blame her. She’s stuck in a man’s shop with his son. I’m sure Nadia would feel safer here if I had a wife or were a woman.
“I don’t want to sleep in the Jeep.” She abruptly admits and glances back outside.
It’s pounding with both rain and wind. She shakes her head, and her brunette loose curls bounce in her long ponytail. She sighs.
“If you choose to stay, I can run out and bring your luggage inside when it settles a little.”
“That’ll…be great. Joaquin, thank you so much.”
Her response sounds programmed as she has no choice but to stay here for the night.
I never imagined this day would turn into this.
“I’ll put on some dinner, too. Would Chicken Alfredo pasta interest you?”
My genuine hospitality desires Nadia to have a superb experience at my abode. I may have to scrub my bathtub.
“Dad makes great Chicken Alfredo.” Adam boasts.
