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“I’m sure you’ve heard it many times.”
A tingle flutters below my pelvic bone, and this wine is fucking good. I take another sip as he mixes the pasta in a chunky, creamy sauce that he pours out of a saucepan.
“How long are you visiting your grandma?”
I watch him pour half a lemon over the pasta. My mouth waters. I’m going to devour all of that.
“A couple of months.”
He blinks as his head jerks back with surprise.
“So all that luggage in the backisfor you. I thought maybe you were bringing some things for your grandma. I see. You’re working remotely?”
I nod.
“That’s pretty sweet.”
I wouldn’t have imagined him using that expression, but I see it as a good reminder that we’re not that far apart in age. Right?
“Not bad.”
“Or do you miss TV?”
“Oh, I got off Television by choice.”
“Why’s that?”
I take a breath. Followed by another sip of wine as I scramble to get my words together without mentioning my celebrity roots.
“I’ve seen what fame does to people, and I was crossing into that territory, at least locally, and I really didn’t like it. Trust me, I still have big dreams, but nothing that requires me to be seen.”
“Oh, I see. Is that why you’re here in Evergreen for two months? Get you out of the Hollywood state of mind?”
I shrug, “Maybe.”
“A town like mine will humble people.”
I don’t think I need humbling, but maybe he thinks I do since I’m from Los Angeles? Either way, by the time we’re all gathered around his round kitchen table eating his delicious food, the inevitable massive burp that booms out of me has got to sell him on my complexity. How embarrassing.
I instantly exclaim, “Excuse me!”
Adam giggles, and Joaquin surprisingly smiles…very brightly. I clear my throat and reach for my closest drink. A gulp of wine goes down as if water. That’s not cool, and if I’m honest, it is pretty freaking embarrassing. I’m already feeling a tad tipsy, which really translates to being intoxicated. I drink my water and try not to repeatedly replay my belch’s bass in my mind.
“You’re welcome.” Joaquin beams.
Why? Out of all the places or people I could be stuck indoors with, it’s with him.Him?The universe is reminding me of my body’s burning needs, so Ihaveto become serious. I will not drink anymore with this strange man on the side of the road. Abode.The side of the road, abode?I try not to laugh at myself, but when I catch Adam’s sleepy goofy eyes, we spill into a waterfall of giggles.
“Yes, that burp is…a compliment.”
I struggle to talk amongst my laughter. It’s helpful to release a pinch of this uptight wall I’m maintaining only because of how drawn I am to Joaquin. I’m so ridiculous right now, like it’s got to be obvious I’m crushing on him.
Speaking of, he slides his fork into his mouth and pulls it out slowly, catching my eye.
“Dad, can I have dessert before bed?”
I break our gaze and resume eating. It’s probably best if I give them privacy after dinner. But I’ll need a shower.
The rain is still pounding, and the power is still out. It’s close to nine at night, and I’m delighted Joaquin’s water pressure is pretty much perfect. I shouldn’t take so much time in this shower, but it feels due. I have a solar light on a small soap table in his narrow bathroom. Joaquin also shoved battery-operated Christmas lights in a glass jar and placed it in the corner before he told me the bathroom was ready. I appreciate his touches throughout this awkward time. It’s almost like he’s
