Page 30 of Hidden Memories

The place is just as cute, though, and cozy as can be with much of the café being covered in vines andhanging florals. At the far wall is a long bench underneath and four, four-person tables. Behind is a giant wall of what I suspect is amateur art.

Both Theo and I inspect the art wall as we wait.

Theo’s head is tilted to the side. “What is that?”

We both squint at one particular canvas. I’m certain it’s a peach that’s supposed to be a vagina… maybe it’s an ass? It’s kind of hard to tell. It’s similar to a Georgia O’Keefe painting in innuendo but not in style. Hats off to the artist, because rough as it is, it’s an engaging piece. Theo and I can’t stop staring.

It’s nice that the owner has art on the walls that isn’t mass-produced prints. The line moves up, and I shuffle forward. “Do you want math class today or Spanish?”

Theo is still facing backward and scrunches his nose at the painting. “Wait. Is it a peach that’s also a butt?”

I laugh lightly. “I think so.”

“Ew.”

“Hey. Everyone has a butt. Nothing to be grossed out over.”

I like this café. It’s pretty busy for Monday evening, and there’s a happy buzz in the air.

Our internet is terrible at the farmhouse and also costs an arm and a leg. I’m thinking of canceling it. I thought Theo and I could try studying in the café. Anyway, I’m not a fan of that farmhouse. There’s something a little too isolated about it. A bit eerie. Maybe it’s just the haunted Scottish castle room. Or the floral wallpaper in the bathroom that reminds me of china dolls which terrify me since there are way too many horror movies about them. The whole place kind of reminds me of a road trip gone wrong. A broken-down car in the middle of a very unlucky location.

I’m glad the house doesn’t have a basement.

Café Luna is the total opposite and reminds me of a café I went to back in college in Rio Del Mar. I could get used to this being our schoolhouse until next semester.

I’m exhausted after that work session. Julia assured me deliveries are not more than once a week, not with bedding and hay anyway. It was tough, but I like using my body. It feels honest, and the thought of being knocked out dead tonight is appealing. No double entendre intended.

Thankfully, Mila, Santi’s dog, was a lot more friendly than the man himself and wore out Keeper for us who, thanks to it being a cooler day, will happily sleep in the car for an hour so Theo and I can start using the math platform I subscribed to for him.

When did Santi become such a grumpy asshole anyway? He used to be so vibrant. Engaging.

“I guess we can do math.” Theo groans, breaking me out of thinking about Santi again.

It’s only the hundredth time.

“Math it is.”

This is going to be interesting. I’ve never been good at math.

I always wanted to be an artist, I never tried any harder than to add, subtract, and make sure my server got no less than twenty percent tip. That was a mistake. Now that Nic’s wealth is in probate, the numbers and contracts are overwhelming. But I will not be defeated. Theo and I can learn together. Hell, maybe I can work ahead on the platform and get a refresher on algebra.

We’re called up next by a young man, about seventeen, who wipes his hands on a towel tucked into his belt.

“What can I get you two?” He smiles kindly at Theo.

Everyone in Echo Valley has a warm, welcoming vibe.

I put my arm around Theo. “This guy will have a hot chocolate. And I’ll have…”

I’d normally have a latte with syrup, lots of sugar, and bells and whistles, but I have no idea how long our money will last.

“I’ll have a plain black coffee.”

“Cream and marshmallows for you, buddy?” the server asks Theo.

I glance up at the menu. They’re one dollar extra each. Damn, this order is practically an hour of work for this once the taxman hits me.

Theo glances up at me and answers, “No thanks.”

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