I pull up to the restaurant and I’m relieved it isn’t as high-end as it looked online. Alejandro made the reservations, so I had no idea what I’d be walking into. It’s a small Italian restaurant with soft music and wooden tables without linens. I would’ve been happy eating at a taqueria or having coffee, but an expensive restaurant would have me more on edge. This feels more casual, moreme, and I take note that I should bring Aubrey here sometime.
There’s a man waiting by the host stand, who’s about as tall as me, with a similar build. As a hostess steps behind the small podium, she asks, “How many in your party?”
“Two, but I have a reservation. It should be under the last name Sánchez.”
I freeze. This is it. After twenty-six years of not ever meeting him, here he is, mere feet from me. I swallow thickly as my pulse begins to quicken.
“Great. I have it right here, but I’ll need to wait until your full party is here before being seated.”
“No problem,” he replies, rubbing the back of his neck. “Could I wait at the bar until he gets here?”
I step forward. “Actually, I believe you’re just waiting on me.”
Alejandro glances over his shoulder, and it’s like I’m staring back at myself using one of those aging filters in social media apps. He has a neatly-trimmed beard, where I usually keep a short mustache, but we have the same eyes and the same hair,except his has streaks of silver. I’ve seen photos online, but it’s entirely different meeting him in person. He offers a warm smile that reaches his eyes, little crinkles forming at the corners. I reach to shake his hand, but as he takes it, he pulls me in for a tight half-hug.
“Jamie,” he manages, and there’s an unmistakable shake in his voice. “It’s so great to finally meet you.”
“You too.” No matter how hard I try to keep my cool, tears still prick behind my eyes.
As he pulls back, he grips both of my shoulders, taking me in. “This is incredible. You look so much like your brother.”
“If you’re ready to be seated, would you like a booth or a table?” the hostess asks, pulling our attention to her.
“Whatever you have available would be fine,” he replies, his voice a little hoarse.
She grabs two menus and rolled-up silverware. “Right this way.”
We follow her to a booth in the corner and take a seat. Unsure what to say, I start perusing the menu, and he flips his over to where there’s a wine list and other beverages. After what feels like the longest minute of my life, a server approaches.
“Hello there. I’m Jameson and I’ll be taking care of you this morning.” He checks his watch. “Actually, technically afternoon. Can I get you started with something to drink while you’re deciding?”
“Yes, we’ll have a bottle of the 2015 Syrah,” Alejandro replies, then opens the menu to where the food offerings are.
“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I’m not drinking. It isn’t that I don’t drink, my girlfriend is pregnant, so since she can’t drink, neither can I.”
Fucking hell. It seems Aubrey’s nervous rants have rubbed off on me.
“Just a glass then,” he chuckles, and I sigh in relief that he isn’t offended. “I’m sorry that I just assumed.”
“No, it’s fine, really. I’ll have an iced tea with lemon and sugar, please.”
“Of course. I’ll be right back with those.” Jameson writes in his notepad, then leaves to help other patrons.
“So… Your girlfriend…”
“Yeah, it’s a little complicated.”
He closes the menu. “I have time.”
I take a moment to figure out what I’m going to order so we won’t bother the server having to come back several times, then close my own menu. “As you already know, I was helping Prime Minister Banks—former Prime Minister Banks—with the summit to discuss food insecurity and to help adopt free and expanded meal programs in schools.” He nods, and I continue, “Governor Harris was in attendance with her Chief of Staff, Aubrey Raine.”
“Ah, yes, those two are spitfires. So young but their tenacity is unmatched. I would bet within the next decade Olivia will be encouraged to run for President.”
“And she’d make a great one. It’s been a pleasure working for her.”
His brows furrow as he asks, “What does the summit have to do with your girlfriend?”
“Well, I met Aubrey the night before… and she took my breath away. We spent time together while she was at the summit, and then reconnected when I was offered the job here in Sacramento.”
