Page 58 of The Uncomplicated Café
A burning sensation tickled the back of her throat. She sipped her water, but it didn’t help.
“I realize I haven’t been much of a father to you over the last several years,” he continued, his gaze glassy. “I’ve been absent. Distant. I told myself there would be time. That I could dedicate myself to my work now—that I could leave my legacy—then settle down with you and your mother. I convinced myself that you were happy. That your mother was right, and you were both better off here, where you belonged. That you didn’t need me.”
CeCe felt her own tears swell, and she blinked hard, determined to fight them off. Her father’s words weren’t a surprise—not after her recent conversation with her mother. And yet, hearing them aloud stung more than she expected.
“I’m sorry, chouquette. I should have fought harder to stay connected, to be in your life. I’ve missed so much. I’ve missedyou.” He attempted a small, sad smile. “I’ve always considered myself a wise man. But it took a young man half my age to reveal an obvious truth: I’d already found my two greatest treasures. And I’d foolishly left them behind.”
At his words, a tear escaped the corner of her eye and slid beneath her glasses, tumbling slowly down her cheek.
“My work is a part of who I am,” he continued softly. “And I believe it’s a God-given passion. But I also believe He’s called me to be a husband and father, first and foremost, and I’d lost sight of that calling. It’s time I rectify that mistake.” He placed his hand on the cushion between them, palm facing up like an olive branch. “I dig up the past so the things we learn from history can inform and shape the future—a better future. And if you’ll let me, I’d like to build a better future with you.”
For a moment, CeCe studied his open hand through her tears, tracing every callous and scar. Each one told a story. A story of a man she barely knew. A man she desperately wanted to know. Now, she’d have her chance. And she knew exactly who to thank.
She slid her hand into her father’s.
His fingers folded around hers.
She wasn’t sure who moved first, but she found herself in his arms, her cheek cradled in the same comforting curve of his shoulder she recalled from all those years ago as a child. How was it possible that even as an adult, she still fit as perfectly in his embrace as she did in her youth?
For the next two hours, they worked on mending their relationship, chatting about anything and everything. When she finally walked him to the door to say good night, her steps felt lighter. He said he’d be spending a few days in town before heading back to Peru, but he planned to return in two months for a longer visit. For the first time in years, she actually believed he’d honor his word.
After bidding him good-night—with plans to bake together in the morning, just like old times—she turned to head back inside.
A stack of papers sitting on the welcome mat caught her eye.
Her breath hitched.
Jayce’s screenplay! Had he finally finished it?
She scooped the script off the doormat and scurried inside. Plopping onto the couch, she quickly flipped to the final pages. Her heart racing with unfettered curiosity, she eagerly devoured each line, picturing the vivid setting of the café’s kitchen in her mind as the character, Alvera, narrated the scene in voiceover.
INT. THE UNCOMPLICATED CAFÉ – KITCHEN – DAY
CHLOE and JUSTIN kiss, sealing their commitment to one another.
A POT BOILS OVER on the stove behind them.
Unnoticed, ALVERA steps in and switches off the burner, a gentle smile on her face.
ALVERA (V.O)
And so it was that the complicated became uncomplicated once more.
She lifts a tray perfectly plated with anaffogatoand slice ofcoconut cake, previously prepared by Chloe.
ALVERA (V.O.)
Not safe or simple. But straightforward.
She exits the kitchen and walks toward a CUSTOMER seated at a cozy corner table.
ALVERA (V.O.)
An understanding that love—reallove—casts out fear.
GENTLE RAINDROPS dapple the windowpane as Alvera sets the tray before the customer.
ALVERA (V.O.)
