The schematics on his tablet seemed familiar. “Is that a rotary phone?”
Adri blinked. “Yes. Have you owned one?”
“My grandparents did. I remember playing with them at theirs. They had a toy version that all of us kids dragged around their house.”
I didn’t expect him to work with such ancient technology. They weren’t exactly plug-and-play.
“They’re heavy, these Bakelite phones. There’s one in all the renovated rooms. For decoration. I was studying this ancient technology,” he paused, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, “to understand how to make them work.”
“Oh. The guests would love calling room service with them. So can you?”
Adri nodded. “I’d probably have to replace all the components, but it has potential.”
I’d have loved to talk longer, but the expression in his bright eyes made it clear his mind was on the phones. “I’ll let you get on, then. Enjoy your coffee.”
“Thank you.”
As I cleared cups from the tables, Zane called my name.
“Sam, kid alert.”
I glanced outside. Quinn was parking their bike against the wall. They waved when they noticed me staring, and made their way through the patio crowd, wearing their noise-reduction headphones and shoulder bag. They joined the line inside and waited as the crowd thinned—most of them taking their coffees to go.
I met them at the counter after putting the cups in the dishwasher. “Morning, kiddo. Couldn’t sleep any longer?”
Quinn shook their head. “Told Mom I was coming here.”
I pretended I wasn’t going to ask. “What can I make for you?”
“Hot chocolate with whipped cream.”
“Are you sure? It’s going to be hot out.”
They shrugged. “Yeah, I’m sure.” They frownedat the filled seats. Not a single free table left. “Forgot about your Sunday shifts. Should have waited half an hour.”
I was about to suggest sitting at the fountain, but then I glimpsed Adri in the corner booth. Could I introduce my kid to him? Sure, they both liked drawing, but I hadn’t even told him I had kids.
I rounded the counter. All I could do was hope that meeting Quinn wouldn’t chase him off. “I’m going to ask Adri if he minds you sitting with him. I mentioned him yesterday. He’s new at the hotel’s Tech Hub, and he enjoys drawing.”
“Birds. I remember. He’s Niren, right?” Their eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
“Yes, to both. Though we’ve only talked a few times. He doesn’t know I have kids yet.”
Quinn straightened their shoulders and winked at me. “Introducing your quietest child first to make a good impression. I can do that.”
I almost snorted as I followed them to Adri’s booth, carrying the hot chocolate and hoping neither would notice my shaking hands. Adri seemed to sense us approaching and gazed up.
“Sorry. Adri, this is my kid, Quinn. Do you mind if they sit here?”
Adri frowned and mouthed the word “kid” as he glanced from me to Quinn. Then he gestured for them to sit. “Please. Sit.”
Quinn slid into the booth with a bright smile as if they met Niren every day. “Thank you. Pop says you draw birds.”
Adri turned his head toward me with a subtle dip of his chin, reminding me of that dip in his voice that meant he was surprised. His twitching shoulders, however, betrayed nervousness as well.
“Quinn loves drawing, too. I hope it was okay for me to tell them.”
“It’s not a secret.” But his tone seemed hesitant.
