Page 164 of Something Like Winter
“¡Almuerzo!” a voice shouted from inside.
Ben’s puzzled expression made Tim want to melt. “That means lunch is ready,” he explained.
“Oh, good. I’m hungry!”
“Trust me, that’s the last time you’ll say that at my grandma’s house.”
* * * * *
“You aren’t staying here? Why you want hotel?”
Tim eyed Nana from across a table cluttered with half-empty platters and pans. Maybe her English hadn’t been off when she said she would cook enough to kill an army. Tim doubted even a hundred men could eat everything on the table without exploding.
“We don’t want to inconvenience you,” Tim said.
“Inconvenience?”
“Molestia.”
“You think having my grandson here makes a problem?”
Of course not, but it did put a cramp in his romantic intentions. “I already have a room booked.”
Nana waved a hand dismissively. “Your father always say the same thing. My own daughter never sleeps here.”
Nana, master of the guilt trip.
“I’d love to stay here,” Ben said, nodding at Tim encouragingly. “It’ll be fun.”
Tim looked at Ben, picturing the hotel Jacuzzi, the dimly lit room, soft music, and the twinkling city lights beyond. That’s what they needed. Not the cozy comfort of a grandmother’s home. He focused on Ben, trying to silently communicate all of this. Staying here isn’t really what he wanted, was it? “Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes!” Nana answered for him. “Oh, this is good. I better start dinner soon.”
“We’re going out,” Tim said, forcing a smile. “I want Ben to see more than just your dining room.”
“Yes, yes,” Nana said. She waggled her eyebrows. “Go out and be romantic. You want my car?”
“No, thanks. I think we need to walk this one off. Ready?”
He and Ben lumbered to their feet like pregnant women. A little exercise and fresh air were the only cure. If they took a nap now they’d probably end up in a coma. Besides, Mexico City had plenty of potential. A stroll through the streets, a kiss or two by a roaring fountain, and he and Ben would finally have their fresh start.
Chapter Thirty-six
Back on the streets of Xochimilco, where the narrow alleys felt like hallways, Tim waited patiently for Ben to share his opinion of the woman he loved so much.
“She’s cool,” Ben said.
“Yeah.” Tim nodded thoughtfully. “Cooler than I thought she would be. I figured she’d be uncomfortable. She was one of the main reasons I didn’t want to come out.”
“I worried about that too,” Ben said. “Every kid is used to their parents being angry, and disappointing them is part of growing up, but grandmas are sacred. When they’re unhappy, it feels horrible.”
“Exactly. I thought she would be broken hearted. But she seems okay.”
“Better than okay.” Ben laughed. “She’s awesome. I’m glad we’re staying there.”
Tim thought again of the luxurious hotel room, but didn’t say anything. He’d cancel the reservation later, but for now, he was determined not to become discouraged. “What do you want to see first? The National Palace? Some ancient pyramids? The Metropolitan Cathedral?”
“What about that volcano you used to talk about. Popo-oh-no, or something.”
