บท 93: Chapter 93 - Neatly

The next few days with my grandparents were peaceful yet eventful. They were active people so they did not like staying home, so everyday we went out into either the city or if we were feeling up to it we would go to nearby parks or trails.

I was not much of a hiker but I tried my best to keep up. It was a bit comical seeing my elderly grandparents have to slow down for me to catch up. To ease up on me we went to the shores to do an early walk. Pearl Shore was not busy in the morning so the nearby cliff trails were empty. The weather was especially cold in the morning as the sea breeze kicked in.

My parents had joined in as well so it was a whole family affair. My mom walked side by side with her parents as they caught up on the things they missed while she was away. My dad kept pace with me as we walked a few feet behind.

"You doing ok kiddo? Not too cold?" My dad had shrugged off his jacket ready to wrap me as I was walking hunched over shivering from the cold.

"If you don't need the jacket I will gladly take it thank you." He zipped up the jacket for me and we kept going to not fall behind. My dad was a human heater so he never really got cold. I was looking forward for the breakfast we will have after.

"I want to be as active as they are when I am older." We finally reached the viewing point which was the halfway mark to the trail. I could see the lights to my favorite cafe begin to turn on as the workers went in to start getting ready for breakfast.

By the time we would finish the trail the cafe would be fully open ready for us to go in and eat a hearty breakfast. We all ate a small meal before the hike with the intention to eat a full meal later. Breakfast was my favorite going out meal since it felt more special than lunch or dinner.

"Are you excited for Dean to come over later?" Today was going to be the first day since my father extended the invitation that Dean would come over. My dad excitedly spent most of last night adjusting the TV to the best composition to watch the game and had the cooks prep food for everyone to snack on during the game. He also got specialty beers which were fall themed.

He had a whole man cave and got it all ready for company. It was so cute because while my mom and I were used to seeing my Dad get excited about baseball he rarely had company to watch it. Most of his friends though also avid fans, were still working and busy. Thus none had time to just sit and watch.

"I am very excited, will you be joining us? I think your mom mentioned going out with your Nana." I looked up in surprise. I did not hear about them heading out today. "Oh I did not hear anything about that. Let me see if its something they want me to join in on. If not then I suppose I can join you." I teased my dad as he ruffled my hair.

"No pressure and yeah its nothing final on their end just an idea your mom had I think." As we rounded back to the parking lot and made our way to the cafe entrance I saw a lone figure waiting at the door.

For a moment based on the height and build I thought it was Dean but as we got closer the clothes the man was wearing did not match Deans aesthetic. The dark mop of hair instantly told me who he was. "Celeste? Funny seeing you here how have you been?" Since I was with my family I did not want to make a scene. So I remained polite but I hoped he felt the distance I was trying to create. My father smiled but it did not reach his eyes.

His jaw clicked a bit. His hands hidden in his pockets. "Oh Mr. D'Angelo it is nice to formally meet you. I know we have shared a few calls before, glad to see the face behind the voice."

He oozed in charm seemingly ignoring the lack of friendliness in my Dads demeanor. My mom and grandparents also at this point rolled up. My mother narrowed her eyes a bit but made no comment whereas my Nana and Grandpa also made no movements.

In my grandfathers time in the military he honed a skill to read the room. He knew how to act with no or little information given. The stance we had despite not knowing why made him hyper aware to be strict. I was thankful as it would have been awkward if they acted buddy buddy.

My father still gave him face by shaking his hand but he made it quick. "What a coincidence seeing you here. I heard your parents are in town, are they here as well?" We all glanced around but Dante stood alone. "Oh no they are resting at my place, I just came for a run on the beach and I heard about this cafe so I wanted to try it."

"If you don't mind I would love to treat you guys to a meal. Were you about to eat here?" His offer left no room for negotiation. Before my dad could decide our next move my grandfather made his. "Honey did you pack my heartburn pills I feel a fire in my chest." He started huffing a bit and his face turned red as he patted his chest.

My mother quick on her feet started rummaging in her fanny pack. "Oh geez I think I left it at home lets go back. Dear?" She nodded for my father to head back. "Dante it was nice seeing you sorry but we would have to raincheck on that meal. Maybe another time. We need to get them home."

They all started heading towards the car leaving Dante alone at the entrance but he grabbed my hand to stop me. He spoke fast and quiet. "We need to talk. Please just give me a few minutes." As much as I felt there was nothing to go over, I knew that in order to end this neatly I needed to cooperate. "Fine I will text you when I am free."