CHAPTER 3
The sound of Nick’s singing floated out to the street through the café’s open windows. Adrienne didn’t even try to hide her grin.
“Oh no,” Nick muttered. He stood rooted to the sidewalk with a look of horror and shock written on his face.
“Is everything all right?” Manuel stuck his head out the taxi window.
“Everything is just fine,” Adrienne told Manuel as she elbowed Nick.
Nick shook back to life. “Just peachy,” he growled, and ferreted his wallet out of so he could pay Manuel.
“Then what is the matter?” Manuel asked. “You look as if you have seen a ghost.”
“The ghost of the future,” Adrienne said.
“Not if I can help it.” Nick pocketed his wallet, slung his bag over his shoulder, captured Adrienne’s, and marched into his uncle’s café like a soldier ready for battle.
Grinning, Adrienne tripped after him. The café patrons burst into applause and cheers as soon as Nick passed through the doors. A handsome middle-aged man standing behind the counter threw down his washcloth and approached Nick with outstretched arms. A TV the size of a pool table stood in the corner playing the YouTube video of Nick and the dog Lester at Pedro’s wedding.
“What’s all this?” Nick asked before hugging his uncle.
The two men slapped each other on the back. Tio Jose kissed both of Nick’s cheeks.
Nick pulled away first and pointed at the enormous TV with a shaking hand. “When did you get that?”
“Don’t think that this is all about you!” Jose placed his palms on both sides of Nick’s face. “We have to keep your head from swelling! All this internet fame is bad for the soul, but good for the bank, hey?”
“Tio Jose,” Nick muttered.
“Who is the rubio you have brought with you?” Jose turned his attention to Adrienne.
“This is Adrienne, Seb’s wife.”
“Seb’s wife?” Confusion flashed in Jose’s eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Adrienne said in perfect Spanish and offered her hand. “I happened to be in Buenos Aires visiting my sister. When Nick told me he was visiting you, I jumped at the chance to come with him. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” Jose nearly shouted. “Why would I mind that a beautiful creature comes to my humble café? Come.” He took Nick’s arm. “I have to introduce my famous nephew to my friends.”
Adrienne settled into a chair at the bar and watched while Jose steered a clearly embarrassed Nick around the café and introduced him to nearly everyone. It astounded her that Jose seemed to know them all by name. Despite his obvious discomfort, in time, Nick visibly relaxed and by the time he joined her at the bar, his smile appeared genuine and warm.
“Now,” Jose stepped around the bar, “how long can you stay?”
“Indefinitely,” Nick said. When he caught the surprise on Jose’s face, he added, “I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course,” Jose stumbled. “But are not …don’t you need to go back? Your café—it can’t run itself, can it?”
“Actually, yes. It is fine without me.”
“And you?” Jose turned his gaze to Adrienne. “Surely you must wish to return to my other, less talented nephew?”
Adrienne didn’t know how to answer, but finally came up with, “I’m here to visit my sister in Buenos Aires. She’s on sabbatical from the University of Washington.” She gazed around the room at the variety of potted plants that decorated nearly every corner. “In fact, she would be fascinated by some of your ferns.” Adrienne sucked in a deep breath and decided she needed to make Jose her accomplice. Propping her elbows on the bar, she placed her chin in her hands. “I need your help.”
Jose’s eyebrows shot up. “My help?” He flashed a curious glance at Nick.
“Yes. You need to help me convince Nick that he needs to share his talent with the world.”
Nick pointed at the TV screen. “I am!”
