Chapter 73
After touring the tornado victims’ houses under construction with Cheri, Hope returned to her office and checked her messages. She frowned as she read multiple texts from Alex about Izzy and her friend. Her heart raced as she tried calling Suzy multiple times to no avail and was told Alex was in a meeting.
Hope stared at her computer. She Googled the Crystal City Police Department and Izzy’s name. When she saw a big ribbon announcing “Found” across the two teens’ photos, she leaned back and put her hand across her chest. Thank goodness.
After her pulse returned to normal, she studied the waning school calendar and jumped when her phone rang. Maybe that’s Suzy. It wasn’t but she felt a flood of happiness when she saw the name on the caller I.D.: Paul Taylor. Paul was her biological father discovery after her parents’ untimely death—or at least what appeared to be her adopted father’s death.
As she answered, her tenor rose a happy notch. “Hi, stranger. It’s good to hear your voice.”
“Long time no see. Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. I’ve dealt with a messy court trial for over a month. Jurors have been sequestered and I’ve barely left my office. All I’ve had is take-out or vending machine food.” He groaned. “I’ve missed our talks and dinners. What’s new?”
Hope’s mind raced. Should I tell him about the new janitor? She paused as she considered exactly how to break the news. “What’s new would require a face-to-face meeting.”
“Uh-oh. Bad news?”
Hope weighed her response. “Not bad. More like strange. Beyond strange, actually. Can you meet at Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant tonight?”
“My favorite,” Paul said.
“Our favorite.” Hope was happy to find any connection—even if it was burritos—with her newfound biological father.
They settled on a time to meet and Hope hung up, restless about how she’d tell Paul the shocking news. She would have informed him much sooner but didn’t want to break his concentration during his challenging trial.
~ ~ ~
After school ended, Hope freshened up, arrived at Rosa’s Mexican, and chose a corner booth. When she spotted Paul at the door, she raced across the restaurant, and gave him a bear hug. He wore his familiar brown suit with a yellow tie. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
Paul embraced Hope and kissed her cheek. “That’s the kind of reception I like. It’s been far too long. Let’s have margaritas to celebrate.”
Hope nodded. “Good idea.” She paused. “We’re both going to need one.”
Paul’s eyebrows shot up. “You’ve got my attention, mystery daughter. For now, let’s order. I’m starving. I couldn’t escape the office for lunch again today.”
Hope frowned. “I’m sorry you’re working so hard.”
“Part of an attorney’s life, I’m afraid.”
Paul waved the server over to place their orders. He and Hope exchanged small talk while munching on chips and salsa. After the margaritas arrived, Hope made a toast. “To us, no matter what.”
Paul’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean ‘no matter what?’ Of course, no matter what.” His face fell. “I don’t know if I like where this is going.” He dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Please tell me you’re not moving away after we finally reconnected.”
She shook her head. “No, nothing like that. Don’t worry.” She pointed toward his margarita. “You might want to take a few sips of your drink first.” She also took several swallows for fortitude. Wanting to get the shock over with, Hope jumped in with her astonishing story about Larry-Mac. She studied her biological dad as she endeavored to explain the unbelievable situation concerning the man who had raised her, yet didn’t remember her.
She began with the tornado, the bump on the head, and the hippie janitor giving her CPR. Then blurted out, “He’s my dad. I know he is. I mean, you’re my dad but he’s the dad I grew up with.” Hope put her face in her hands. “You know what I mean.”
Before Paul could respond, Hope continued. “It’s complicated. Problem is, he doesn’t remember the accident, Montana, nor his past. He doesn’t even remember me.” When she finished the implausible story, she leaned back and waited for Paul’s reaction.
His mouth had fallen open mid-chip and stayed there. After several seconds of silence while he likely tried to process the information, Paul asked, “Are you sure it’s Larry? I don’t know how he could have survived the train accident. The authorities said there were no sur—”
“I know. I know. He looks older, thinner, and has a new tattoo on his arm, but other than that, I’m sure it’s him. I’m sorry. I know you and I just reconnected and are figuring out our father-daughter roles.”
Paul waved his hand. “Don’t be sorry. If it’s true, this is great news—almost impossible to believe—but wonderful.”
Hope blew out her breath. “I’m glad you see it that way. I think so too. Get this. He’s dating a colleague from my school. Her name is Willow. She’s the art teacher and also a hippie.”
Paul chuckled and took another sip of his margarita. “I’m happy for him. Too bad Montana didn’t make—”
Hope grimaced. “I know. How sad that he doesn’t remember me nor his wife. I guess the only bright light is that he can make a new life for himself. Start over, in a way.”
Paul studied Hope. “Yes, I suppose. Are you going to tell him the truth about his past? About the fact that he adopted you from me and raised you until you were grown?”
Hope shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. Probably. Maybe. In time . . . I guess I should have told him immediately. I was in utter shock. Between the tornado and seeing him, it was too much to comprehend.”
“Understandable.” Paul reached over and patted her hand. “I wish I hadn’t been so damn busy and could have helped you sort this monumental issue out.”
Hope bit into a chip. “Don’t fret about it. I know you’re a busy man. You’re here for me now.”
“I still wish I could have—”
Hope held up her hand. “Hey, I’m a counselor, remember? I have coping skills, plus I have girl friends, colleagues, students, and you. It’s all good.”
Paul’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m a lucky father.”
The server brought their enchilada-style burritos, beans, rice, and extra napkins.
Paul placed his napkin in his lap. “This looks delicious.”
“Let’s eat while it’s warm,” Hope said.
After a few minutes, Paul asked, “Does the art teacher know Larry raised you?”
Hope shook her head. “No. Willow and I are friends, so that’s weird now too. I guess I should have told them both right away. Now, I can’t bring myself to interfere with their happiness. I keep hoping Larry’s memory will return. Do you think that’s possible?”
Paul shrugged. “I’m an attorney not a doctor. I don’t have any idea, but after hearing this, I suppose anything can happen.” He reached for her hand. “Now you have two dads again.”
She grinned. “You’re the best.”
“No, you are.” Paul held his margarita in the air. “Here’s to Larry being alive.”
Hope raised her glass. “Here’s to Larry getting his memory back and to you, Dad. I love you.”