I sip my drink, watching the interaction from a few feet away. She removes the clasp on the carrier and lifts a little girl from the stroller. She is wearing a little pink dress with a pink hairband holding back her little blonde curls surrounding her cherub-like face. She is beautiful, moving her chubby little hands back and forth and sticking her tongue out.
“We just came to see Daddy before lunch with Grandma and Grandpa.” She coos at the little girl, adoration and love spilling forth for her little bundle of joy.
Dylan is rigid, knowing that he is officially busted. I take a long swig, watching the exchange and wishing I could help his unsuspecting wife in a way that lets her know she deserves better.
I turn to look at Mateo, and he is watching me. His eyes are pleading, asking me not to cause a scene. I nod once, and he visibly relaxes and returns his attention to his lost cause of a chess game.
Dylan takes his baby girl and kisses her on the top of her head. I see that he loves her because of the way he carries on about her. I mean, who wouldn’t? She is so perfect.
It’s at this moment my resolve softens, and as much as I think Dylan is the scum of the earth for attempting to give me his number, I don’t know his situation. Looking at them, I don’t see wedding rings on either of their fingers.Interesting.
I walk over to them, drawn to the sight of the baby and all its cuteness. I decide to just pass by and walk to our table when the baby drops the little doll that she had just had in her mouth. A long line of saliva falls, chasing after the little toy.
I pick it up for the young mother and hand it to her. She smiles at me, and Dylan just watches me to see what I am going to say. The little girl looks at me and shows a complete, gummy smile that radiates sunshine and happiness.
“She’s beautiful,” I whisper, not intending for that to slip out. I straighten my posture rigidly. I speak up. “You are both so lucky.” I smile at them, and the mom beams at the compliment.
Dylan speaks. “Thank you. She is the best thing that happened to us.”
I walk away and hear the woman ask Dylan if he has any plans tonight or if he is free to watch their daughter. It is then that I realize maybe they aren’t together and I might have misjudged the situation. I frown as I walk back to the table.
When I hear the woman leave, I look at Dylan. My eyes soften, understanding the complexity of his situation. Dylan’s cheeks blush as he looks down and walks off. I watch him retreat, wishing him positive vibes so that he can find happiness and find a person who will love him and that sweet girl unconditionally.
It’s then that my jaded heart cracks just a little more with sympathy and compassion for another person instead of jumping to conclusions and seeing only the worst in everyone.
I sit there and reflect on the events in the coffee shop, waiting for my brother and Ramón to finish their game of chess. Mateo, in fact, loses the game. Shocker. They pack up their chess game, carefully putting away the pieces into the velvety cloth drawstring pouch. He helps Ramón put it into his messenger bag as we stand to walk out.
Dylan is at the counter, trying not to make eye contact with me. I walk over to him, and he looks up in surprise.
“Hi,” he says shyly.
“Hey,” I counter. “I just wanted to let you know that I have a boyfriend, but if I didn’t, it would be such a turn-on to see such a man taking responsibility and caring for his daughter. I’m Evie, by the way.” I extend my hand out to him, and he takes it, smiling.
“Thank you, Evie. I appreciate that.”
I turn around, and before I leave, I wave. “See you around, Dylan.”
The door chimes as I step out into the blazing heat. My hair is frizzing by the second. I pluck the sunglasses from my head and place them over my eyes to combat the blinding sun rays. I see Mateo and Ramón standing by the pier waiting for me.
Mateo shakes his head at me. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?” He looks almost disappointed in me.
“I didn’t say anything wrong. He isn’t married, and he seems like a doting father. I just wanted to let him know I have a boyfriend, and his little girl was cute.” I shrug.
Mateo looks at me. “Hm.” That is all he says, and I see him look at Ramón, who smiles without comment. “Okay then. Let’s go. We will drop off Ramón at his house after his doctor appointment, then head home, okay?”
I place my hand in my pocket. “Sure, no problem.”
With that, we walk over to where we parked and get into our very hot car. Mateo opens the windows to allow some of the heat to escape. As we drive, I look over at the boats on the bay, the calmness, and the sound of seagulls flying carefree. It brings me a sense of peace when everything around me is spiraling out of control. I like things I can control.
Jameson
Are you dropping off Ramón now?
I look up at the door, frowning at the question. I turn around and look out at the empty street, but I don’t understand this line of questioning.Can he see me?
Evie
Yes, we are headed there now. It took a while after his appointment. He had to see a doctor today.
