Chapter 12 #2
Izaac’s face softens. “A lot,” he says.
“But… probably better when I’m not actively working.”
“Actually, we don’t really have a ton of time today anyway,” he starts, then looks in my direction.
“Ah, of course,” Audra says. “I’m sure future candidate Izaac Evans has an agenda. I didn’t imagine you came just for me.”
I’m afraid she’s hurt, but then she breaks into a grin, and it’s clear she’s teasing.
“So, what does bring you to the big city, then?”
“Love, actually,” Izaac answers, putting a hand on my shoulder.
“… is all around?” Audra says, throwing on a Hugh Grant accent.
“Oh, Audra, I have missed you deeply,” I say, and laugh because it’s funny, but also because it’s a release in tension we all desperately needed.
“ Same , Bosley. So few people get my references, and even fewer appreciate them,” she says, laughing too.
Before Izaac can respond, a very large, very burly man approaches us. He has a towel slung over his shoulder and is wearing an oil-stained apron. He looks like Lazo from Pag’s, except a hundred pounds heftier and twenty years younger.
“Ari says your brother is here,” he booms. He reminds me of Pete as the Ghost of Christmas Future in Mickey’s Christmas Carol , complete with the five o’clock shadow.
The only thing missing is a massive cigar, which I suspect might be waiting back in a heavy ashtray in his office somewhere.
I brace myself in case he’s about to throw us out.
But then he says, “I wanted to say hello.”
His stubbly, sweaty cheeks lift as he grins, and now I see that the lines on his face are the kind worn in from a lifetime of laughter and lightheartedness. He turns from an intimidating oversize cartoon into a giant teddy bear.
“Izaac, this is Arturo,” Audra says, brightening in a way that conveys Don’t forget this is my place of employment . “My boss.”
“Well, Audra’s the real boss around here.” He laughs. “But I’m guilty of being the owner of this illustrious establishment.”
He gestures around and as I follow his hand, it’s like the whole place gets a coat of fresh fairy dust. His pride in the bar makes it sparkle and shine in new ways, and now I suddenly see little details I hadn’t noticed before, ones that demonstrate the love he’s put into it: well-tended poinsettias in the windows, the handwritten chalkboard with notes to regulars ( Welcome back, Tommy!
), the mirrors behind the bar, which may be cracked but were clearly polished recently.
There’s even a little wall with a cluster of Polaroids that seem to be of friends or patrons smiling and toasting together.
It reminds me of my own picture wall at home.
“This is Izaac, my brother.” Audra continues the introductions.
“No kidding,” Arturo says, nodding and looking at Izaac, then back to Audra. “Spittin’ image.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Izaac says. He stands and shakes Arturo’s hand. “Really wonderful place you have here.”
I smile at Izaac. I knew he was in there somewhere.
“Why, thank you!” Arturo says, then turns to me.
“Bennie,” I say, sticking out my hand too. “No relation.”
“Don’t play, Bennie is family,” Audra says, and throws her arm around my shoulders.
“Hey, in that case, why don’t you take the rest of the day?” he says to Audra.
“For real?” she asks.
“Sure! With the storm, we’re going to have a weird crowd.
Might be packed, but it also might be empty.
Either way, I can handle it. Besides, Ari’s got nothing else to do with his life.
” He chuckles. “Go. Spend time with your family. They don’t always just show up out of nowhere! That’s a real gift.”
And she wasn’t even on my list!
Audra hesitates.
“Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you for the hours this time,” Arturo says. She looks like she’s going to protest but he holds up a hand. “It’s Christmas. Just be here all the earlier the next morning!”
He winks, and my heart warms. A man who can quote A Christmas Carol —clearly satirizing Scrooge—is a good one in my book. Audra makes prayer hands at him as he walks away. I really wish I’d gotten that on camera.
“Well, what do you think?” Audra asks Izaac. “How about some company on this love mission?”
“You want to come hang out with a bunch of teenagers?” Izaac asks, with an edge of skepticism.
“I want to spend time with my brother at Christmas,” she says, putting a hand on his. “I know I didn’t arrange it myself, but… it’s a gift, like Arturo said.”
Izaac looks at me, and I nod neck-breakingly hard. Finally, I know how to react!
“I mean, okay,” he says. “But be aware, I have more questions and I intend to ask them.”
Well, Izaac’s gonna Izaac.
“Of course, counselor.” She smiles. “Have you guys eaten? Do you have time for lunch?”
“Yes. Yes, we absolutely do,” Cash says as he and Diya suddenly appear at the table. I swear, sometimes just speaking of food summons him, like Beetlejuice.
“Cash!” Audra shouts gleefully, standing to hug him. Once Cash detaches from her, she wraps Diya in a hug too. “And Diya, you beautiful, brilliant thing.”
“So good to see you, Audra,” Diya says.
“So what’s this about lunch?” Cash says.
“Losing makes him hungry,” Diya fake-whispers.
“ Everything makes him hungry,” I add.
“Perfect. So you guys are in? Everyone?” Audra’s looking directly at her brother now.
He’s quiet, but then I catch the tiniest flicker of a smile and he says, “Yes, we’re in.”
“Tight!” she says, slapping a palm on the table. “Who knew today was going to be such an adventure? I’ll just grab my stuff, and then you’re all going to have to fill me in on what’s next.”
“ That’s a story we’re going to have to let Bennie share,” Izaac says.
Audra puts a hand on my shoulder. “Well, good thing we can always count on Bennie Bosley for some good storytelling.”