Eli thinks over my answer and nods. “So why journalism then?” he wonders.
“I want to explore and explain things. I want to understand how things work. So journalism seemed like a logical option.” I explain and take another bite ofPozole de Pollo.
The chicken stew tastes divine. I hum in appreciation.
Eli watched my reaction and coughs. “Well, you’ve always been like that. I remember that about you, your thirst for knowledge and understanding how everything works.” His comment about why I chose journalism warms me inside even more. He really paid attention all those years ago.
I smile at him and ask something that I was thinking about earlier. ”How about your studies? I remember you telling me that you dropped out of college to start your company.” I wonder as he winces. ”Yeah, that’s what happened. Dropping out is one of my life’s biggest regrets. But now it’s too late. Nobody cares whether I have my degree or not.” Eli admits.
Thinking about his journey here more, I keep going. “I have been considering one crucial detail that you haven’t brought up yet. How did you fund all your starting costs while donating money and time to different causes?”
Eli groans and gulps his drink.“I should have known you’d ask that. You always were so observant.” I must look pleased because Eli gives me a hesitant look. He relaxes after I give him an encouraging nod and school my expression.
“You see, it was my first month in college. I got a letter from an address I didn’t recognize. Once I opened it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the papers for my trust fund and inheritance. Those were worth millions. I had no clue that my adoptive mother was from a wealthy family.” Eli takes another gulp of beer and continues.
“Opal had made great decisions with her investments and trust fund over the years. They also decided to start one for me once they adopted me. I knew they had money, but I never questioned how much. I went from poor orphan to a millionaire heir in a blink of an eye. It changed everything. Their will had a clause that we both needed to be in college before accessing the funds. Thanks to that money, I’m a multimillion owner of Dalton Enterprises,” he explains, his eyes sad as he looks away.
I feel his pain in that moment.Who would enjoy being that rich after they gain the title by losing the people they love?
But if this isn’t a rags to riches story, I don’t know what is. It is truly remarkable what has happened in his life. I do get that it hasn’t been what he would have chosen, but it is still such a powerful story to share with the world. Only if he lets me write the article like I have planned.
Opening my mouth, I’m ready to tell him that I find his story inspiring. But before I have a chance to voice any of it, Eli takes my hand across the table and rubs my palm with his thumb just like before.
Looking directly at me, he says, “I want you to understand why I might seem cold at first. Most people only see my money and possessions, but they don’t see the damaged man under everything. I don’t trust new acquaintances easily. I think everyone must have an ulterior motive. I want to believe that us reuniting is fate or something. But I’m honestly still processing it all myself. I really want to get to know you again, Rose, but I’m scared to let people in.”
I wipe the corner of my eye with my napkin. I always wonder how my childhood and the events of that summer changed me personally. I never actually stopped to think how he must feel after everything. That’s what I need to work on if I want to give us a chance.
“Thank you for sharing that with me. I don’t have words for everything you’ve been through,” I whisper, my voice wavering. I let the lone tear fall down my cheek. He wipes it off with his thumb.
After that, we just sit there, taking in the moment while the world around us keeps moving. It’s just us two and nobody else. Just like I have dreamed of many times before.
The moment between us ends when Maria and Santiago bring us more food. As Eli promised, it’s one of the best meals of my life.Before we finish our shared portion ofMarbled Tres Leches Cake, Eli brings up Grandma Lou.
“Would you be ready to talk about your grandma sometime with me? You know, I miss her as well.”
I knew this moment was coming. They were friends and cared for each other. I just wanted to avoid the topic as long as I could.
“I don’t know. We’ll see. It’s still a tough subject. But one day. I promise.” I get out and try to ease the sadness that Eli’s question brought with it.
At the same time, I feel like tonight hasn’t even been our first date. It’s like we have been doing this for years. I missed this, him, and us.
I miss Grandma Lou too. Thinking about her, my mind goes back to the day she left us behind to be with Papa Roy. Unsurprisingly, it was a sunny fall day.I’m telling you. There is a miserable connection between me and sunny days.
The season was just starting. I had time off from work and wanted to surprise my family. I booked a last-minute ticket and was on my way to see them.
That’s when I got the call.
* * *
Four years earlier
I turn off the flight mode on my phone after arriving in Omaha. Only two more hours and I arrive at my destination. I’ll finally see my family again after all this time.My body is humming with excitement until I see my phone screen.Five missed calls.Two texts.
Unknown number:Please call me back when you get this.
Unknown number:It is urgent, Maggie.
Nobody calls me Maggie anymore except people from my past.
