2020-11-06 - Life going on

2020-11-06 - Life going on 

Daniel Samuels entered the apartment building in the Bottoms and walked confidently up the stairs.  He’d been to this apartment before after the funeral of Hayley’s mother, but not before.  Before he had never been invited to Hayley’s house.  She had been protecting him from her father’s bigotry.  But now her father was in jail and she was with relatives.  And now he could take her out on a proper date after the nightmare that October had been for her. He really hoped he could make it a good time for her.  He was wearing a casual pair of blue jeans and a nice russet and brown knit sweater he’d gotten from the thrift store.

Hayley heard her name being called and knew Daniel was at the door. Except the nice thing was that now, the calls were friendly, encouraging and supportive. The carpenter apartment spanned two floors now on the one side of the building and the voices travelled “Hayley...Danel’s here!” “Is Hayley up there?” “Have you seen Hayley?” And finally Jake bellowing jovially “Hayley you got a date!!!” Hayley blushed fiercely at her cousin’s last call as it made the rest of the family laugh. She jogged down the staircase to the main floor “Thanks Jake….” She rolled her eyes at him as he settled back into a board game with his friends at their long family table and benches. Hayley was wearing a blue jean skirt that went just to her knee caps over pretty patterned maroon flowered leggings. She had a turtleneck maroon sweater to match that was a hand me down from her older cousin Winona but in great shape. Her brown curly hair was freshly washed and brushed out and hung loose around her shoulders. She’d had it cut but just to shoulder length. And since no one was scrutinizing her time in the bathroom anymore she’d put on makeup, just a little with guidance from her aunt and cousin. It was just enough to emphasize things in nice neutral colours without overdoing it. She smiled at Daniel by the door “Hi….” He always looked perfect to her “You look nice..” She said as she grabbed a pair of short boots and a little quilted navy blue vest jacket. She slung a small brown woven purse across her and over a shoulder. “Where are we going?” It had been undecided up until this point. She was happy to go anywhere though, with Daniel.

Daniel was amused by the way the two apartments had been set up.  He smiled as the search for Hayley went on and again when she appeared.  “HI.  You look fantastic.”  he replied to her greeting.  Leading the way, he headed out of the building.  “Any place you’d like.”  he told her.  “Doesn’t even have to be kosher.  I’ll just pray the sin away, like a Catholic?”  he isn’t sure how that works, but apparently Catholics could do anything they wanted as long as they confessed it afterwards.  “So what are you in the mood for?  Seafood down here or pizza all the way in the residences?”

Hayley blushes at the compliment “Thank you. Daniel, I totally respect your religion...so go with what could be possibly Kosher. I’m happy to go anywhere, honestly. A walk might be nice though. I feel like I’ve been sitting since after school because I was trying to get through a novel.” 

Daniel smiles at her.  “Then let’s go and see what strikes our fancy.”  he offers.  “A nice long walk after sitting up in your penthouse all this time.”  He is lightly teasing, but the two apartments feel penthouse sized to him.  “It’ll be a nice walk … almost back to school.”  he laughs.  The whole town was close to everything and he loved it.

Hayley giggles “I’ve never been in a penthouse so I’ll take your word for it. In movies and TV it’s like the elevator doors open right into it? How would you not get unexpected visitors? I do have my own room now...that’s new….Laura sometimes still sneaks in if she has a bad dream. I don’t mind though. And we’re not going back to school. I do love pizza though. What toppings do you like? I love mushrooms…...and green peppers…”

Daniel smiles.  “Well ours was one of two on the top floor, so the elevator opened out onto a little space with two doors.  But I knew a guy who lived in a penthouse like that in school.  He had a key .. but instead of to the house it was to the elevator and he put the key in it and turned instead of just pressing his floor.”  he explains.  He grins a little sadly about Laura, but he got if she was having bad dreams.  “I love vegetarian pizzas … and cheese …  the kosher thing can make it a little difficult with mixing things but sticking to like a vegetarian is usually pretty safe.  So yea .. mushrooms, green peppers, black olives .. so salty!  Now if we’re talking like sandwiches I’d say cucumber and lettuce.  I don’t like sliced tomato .. well or those cherry tomatoes.  They’re a little slimy for my taste.”

Hayley looks fascinated by the whole penthouse elevator key thing “Interesting. And I’m fine with vegetarian for sure...no tomatoes...check. But you like tomato sauce?” She inquires “Tomato soup? Tomato...like pasta sauce? Just not actual tomatoes themselves?” Daniel had some interesting contradictions perhaps.

Daniel nods.  “Yea .. sauce is fine, but cut up it's slimy.  And when you bite into a cherry tomato it can be a bit of a mess.”  he shrugs.  “My mother had a thing about messes.  Maybe I need to try again?”  he tells her, wondering if he might be missing something.

Hayley nods “It does have a certain texture for sure.” She shrugs “I like the little ones in salads. I’ve been getting to try more foods since we moved…..my aunt and uncle ….well there’s more fresh and raw food. I mean we had apples before…..coleslaw but a nice big green salad. Not very often. It’s all interesting to me….like when I went to your house for Thanksgiving. So much variety. How’s your dad with messes?” Her perception of parents was still….skewed but living with her aunt and uncle was slowly beginning to normalize whata  family could and should look like. She looks around a bit as they walk and then back at Daniel with a sweet look in her eyes.

Daniel smiles at Hayley learning about new foods and remembering Thanksgiving.  He laughs when she asks how his father is.  “My dad loves messes.”  he shakes his head.  “Or rather he loves cleaning.  We’re all new to it, so I can’t exactly talk.”  he winces.  “I put too much soap in the washing machine the first time …  I guess its a good thing the washer and dryer are in the garage space, right?  And Dad loves washing dishes.  Fortunately we’ve been taught to load a dishwasher, but my dad always prewashes.  It’s probably a waste of water, but …”  he can’t help but laugh at his own family.  “We're Like a bunch of kids who don’t know that our chores are chores.  We’re just happy to be doing stuff.” he looks over at her and gives a self deprecating wink.

Hayley can’t help but giggle “You guys are so weird about cleaning. Tell you what about the tomatoes...if you want to try it we can ask for tomatoes on half the pizza…..try one slice. If you still hate it I’ll eat it.” It doesn’t dawn on her that she’s basically offering to share something that’s been in Daniel’s mouth. They haven’t kissed yet but it’s a bit of a hint that she’s not shy about that kind of sharing at least. 

Daniel blushes.  He gets how strange they appear to other people.  He doesn’t mention it to most people.  Just Stefan and Hayley because it highlights how privileged his family is and has been.  He hears Haley’s offer and nods.  “Alright … you’re on …  wait … you at least like tomatoes on pizza though .. right?”  he doesn’t want her to do it if she hates it.

Hayley laughs “Yes I like tomatoes on pizza Daniel. I wouldn’t offer to eat them just to make you try them.” She leans in and bumps him as she grabs his hand and squeezes it. He was so cute and courteous it made her inspired to be a little affectionate but as she does it, she blushes deeply. 

Daniel looks relieved and smiles when Hayley takes his hand.  He swings it a little bit between them as they walk and looks around a little.  This last week or so, he’s noticed that people seem happier.  He wonders if he is just noticing now that Hayley seems to be coming out of her funk over her mother’s murder.  People were standing and chatting in the street.  As they approached Earthcakes, the door opened and an older man came out with a girl of about 9 or 10.  He carried a cake box in one hand and the little girls in another.

“The timing works great this year, Grandpa.”  she girl was saying.  “But I don’t think it’s fair that Hank gets to celebrate TWICE.”

A chuckle came from the older mans throat.  “You might have a point there …”  he glanced down at her.  “I wonder if Penny’s mother would let you spend the night …  special occasion and all..”

The girl squealed in delight.  “Lets go find out…” and she began to pull him further down the street.

Hayley recognizes both the girl and her grandfather of course. Chief Greene was well known and Maddy was in her little brother Dustin’s class at school. But they had plans and a cake and she really knew them both in passing. Seeing the police chief though was a reminder of how much the police had ben around her family surrounding her mother’s murder. She looked deep in thought after seeing their exchange and a bit melancholy. But she doesn’t have too much time to dwell because the next person to come out of Earthcakes before they’re fully past it is Miranda Rogers.

Miranda sees Hayely and Daniel walking and they’re almost past her but she turns around and calls to them as she walks towards them passing the radio station “Daniel and Hayley…..hello!” She doesn’t want to keep them from what looks like a sweet little date in progress but she is just saying hi. She has a bakery box of her own and is on her way to watch movies with Winona.

“Oh hi Miranda…” Hayley says with a  blink and s smile.

Daniel sees Miranda and waves a little “Hello.”  he greets her and then looks back at Haley.  “Friday nights, right?”  he jokes.  He is sort of staring at Hayley and not paying attention.  He nearly runs into someone coming out of a doorway.  “Oh I’m sor…  Dad?”  he blinks.

Joseph Samuels is coming out to the Daily Deli with a large bag.  It’s clearly more food than he usually eats.  When his son nearly bowls him over, he stops and blinks.  “Oh … Daniel.  Hello .. and Hayley.  Are you two having a nice date?”

Daniel blinks first at his father and then at the bag in his father’s hand.  “Oh my god, Dad …”  he sounds exasperated.  “You get the house to yourself for a few hours and pig out?  Seriously?  You’re worse than Mordechai.”

Joseph blinks a minute and then smoothly recovers.  “I can do whatever I want when I am alone.  Maybe I plan to sit in front of the TV and eat pastrami and ice cream while crying over some sappy romance.  Don’t judge me, Daniel.  You never know when you’ll be overwhelmed by my sappy and romantic nature.”  he snorts, but looks at Hayley with a wink.

Miranda then greets Joseph and looks amused by Daniel’s food policing. “Hi Joseph. You just eat that pastrami and ice cream and have that cry….it’s all valid. I am taking all things chocolate to Winona and we’re going to watch Thelma and Louise. The estrogen will repel your male cousins and brothers from seeking our chocolate Hayley…” She giggles.

Hayley is cheered up by the goofiness of Joseph and Miranda as well as Daniel and his father’s banter. “That all sounds great. Even Daniel being sappy and romantic because of his genetics.” She smiles “We’re going for pizza….with...tomatoes….” She teases Daniel.

Daniel gapes and turns crimson as they all talk.  “Dad!”  he protests and then stares at Miranda when she speaks.  “But …”  and then Hayley mentions that he’s being sappy and romantic because of his genetics and he turns an even deeper shade of red.

Joseph smiles at them all and laughs as Daniel turns red, completely distracted from everything.  “Sounds like a great Friday movie night, Miranda.”  he tells her and then grins at Hayley.  “Tomatoes, eh?  Well … I guess miracles can happen, eh?”  he grins at his son.  “Tell you what.  I’ll take the long way home, so you aren’t forced to walk to the pizza place with an old man chaperone.  Or maybe I will have a picnic.  You kids all have a good night.”  he tells them and begins to walk towards the Central Park.

Daniel is still … well ...tomato red.  He can’t help but laugh.  “Sure Dad .. thanks ..  I’ll be home by midnight, as always.”  he promises and then looks at Miranda.  “You enjoy your movie … it’s … about … bank robbers, right?”  he stalls slightly to give his father time to reach the beach or whatever.

Hayley waves at Joseph and smiles “Bye Mr. Samuels. Have a good night, whatever you end up doing. Daniel, your dad is so nice.” She still has to wrap her head around the idea of nice dads but Daniel has one. She knows Miranda does too “and yours is too…” She waits to hear the answer about the movie as she’s never seen it herself.

Miranda calls out “Bye Joseph. Have fun!” She looks back at Daniel and Hayley “Yep all good men in the Samuels and Rogers families….well the ones I’ve met of your family Daniel.” She’s thinking of Levi, Joseph and Daniel. But then she explains “Sadly the world is full of some shitty ones so Thelma and Louise is some of that, but about two women who are able to stick it to some of those. There are some robberies….but it’s more the story of these two women friends and their road trip and being amazing. Classic. And I love Geena Davis…..she’s a tall Amazon like me and I relate to that.” she laughs “Enjoy the tomato pizza though.” She starts to back up like she’s making her exit from the conversation.

Daniel is still properly embarrassed by his father.  “I think he’s just inhaled a few too many cleaning products.”  he laughs and looks at Miranda.  “Thanks.”  he’s rather flattered to be included among the men in a way.  He looks a little lost, having never seen this movie.  “Amazons are very cool, Miranda.  You are too.  Like Alexandra’s Amazon warrior woman.”  he laughs and waves as she heads off to Winona’s and chocolate and … no men?  He still had Hayley’s hand.  “Shall we continue?”  he asks.  “Before my Dad catches up with us.”

Miranda  does a little bicep curl “Why thank you…” she jokes and then heads off properly “Have a good night.”

“Bye Miranda.” Hayley calls after and smiles at Daniel “Yes, we shall. My god I always forget how tall she is until she’s standing right beside us. No wonder she plays basketball. Do you think your Dad is happy here too? He seems to be having fun at least.” 

Daniel grins as Miranda walks away.  Then he heads towards 2nd street.  “Yea.  I like her though.  A couple of my older brothers say tall girls are freaky, but I like Miranda.  He grins and swings their joined hands again.  “I know he is.  He didn’t joke very much before and now he does it like all the time.  And, of course, the cleaning.  Immanuel, Mordechai and Elazar also think he’s happier.  And Dad says Immanuel is really responsible, stepping in for him being here and all.”  he pauses.  “I think it’s one of the reasons we haven’t gone back … I think we’re really really staying in Alexandra.”

Hayley looks hopeful “I hope you’re staying…..but if you are because everyone’s happy...that’s the best thing that could happen. Why would your brothers think tall girls are freaky? I mean are tall boys freaky then?” She wonders at the logic. She was shorter than Daniel but not by much. “Maybe it’s a dancing thing?”

Daniel smiles.  “I really hope so too.  I hated my old school and so did Ruth.  And all my dad did was work to avoid coming home.”  he considers his brothers words of wisdom.  “I don’t know.  Just that girls are supposed to be shorter than boys?  Most are, but that doesn’t make any sense.  I mean you get your height from your family.”  he shrugs.  “It’s probably sexism.”  he declares.

Hayley nods “Probably. Do you feel like your older brothers are sexist people?” She’s curious now “And yeah you can’t choose your height just like gender, race, what religion or culture or skin you’re born into right?” They get to the pizza place finally and Hayley opens the door and holds it for Daniel, determined not to give into stereotypes considering their conversation. It smells really good inside because they just took out a bunch from the oven “Mmmm pizza…”

Daniel thinks about is as they approach the pizza place.  “I don’t know.  I mean the only girls around were mother’s, maids and Ruth so …  well, at home .. but most of our teachers were men too so …  um …  maybe we’re sexist because we don’t know enough women?”  he wanders in when the door is held for him.  “Thank you.”  he looks at her as they look around.  “Am I sexist?”  he’d hate that because he really likes his sister .. and Hayley also.  He looks at the menu but its clearly not on his mind.

Dave the pizza clerk looks at them and Hayley, hearing Daniel’s worries holds up a finger “We’ll come back to order.” Daniel is clearly needing to talk about this right now. She grabs one of the paper menus and gestures to a  table in the corner, a quiet one. Hayley sets the menu down and looks at Daniel, hoping he’ll sit. “I don’t think you are. If you can consider that something in the world is in fact sexist, then I think that suggests you have enough awareness not to be...or at least to try not to be? We’re not ever going to be….free of everything that’s been in our lives. But we can try. And I can tell you without a doubt that my father was sexist, hating women so much he murdered them….and his other kids. And yes he was awful to all of us and violent to all of us….but the stuff eh said to me, and to my mom and even to Laura….was way meaner in many ways than anything I ever heard him say to Maddox. Women were either virgins or whores. Gross i know but…..yeah….I guess having an extreme example might not really be balanced either. Maybe I should watch Thelma and Louise like Miranda and Winona.” She half smiles.

When he is guided, Daniel sits and listens to Hayley.  His jaw drops a little bit when she mentions his father and his eyes narrow when she tells him what he called her mother, her sister and her.  He reaches and takes her hand if he can with both of his.  “Then I’m not sexist … and I’m not going to be.  God, Hayley.”  he reels a bit still over the women being either virgins or whores.  “Dad didn’t even use that word when my mother basically screamed that she was having an affair.”  he sighs and shakes his head.  “I’ll heep an eye out for it.”  he promises.  “And you can help me and hit me in the head if I’m being sexist.”  he looks at her.  “You’re really strong, Hayley.”  he tells her.

Hayley feels comforted by Daniel’s hands on hers and she notices his horror “Your dad is a better person. It’s actually easier to talk about now that i never have to see him again. And I know you’re nothing like that. And your brothers being weird about tall girls well I don’t maybe they’re just insecure? I don’t always feel strong...but thanks.” She gulps “I would never hit you...or anyone...but I could tell you. I still can’t believe what your mom did and then screamed it so you and Ruth could hear it. Wow. Why not just leave...it’s not like anyone was forcing her to stay….” Her perspective is of course skewed by her own family. If only her mother could have left….and taken them too.

Daniel feels better that Hayley is feeling better now she never has to see her father again.  He cants his head, thinking about his brothers being insecure.  “I never thought about it like that.”  he tells her.  Maybe not when it comes to money … but maybe in other ways.  They think money is everything.”  he shrugs and moves on.  “I’m guessing she stayed for the money.  My dad didn’t have a prenup or anything I don’t think.  Or maybe he did.  Maybe that’s why she doesn’t talk to us anymore.”  he shakes his head.  “No Dad would never put that in a prenup.”

Hayley can’t really comment on the money side of what Daniel’s saying but her heart goes out to Daniel. How could his mother reject her children? “Maybe your mom will reach out again someday. Have you and Ruth tried calling her?” She squeezes his hand now. They both had stuff. A few other townspeople came in to order pizza at the counter. Two guys maybe in their 20s. One was Brayden Kim, she knew him, everyone did and the other looked like he was maybe Latin American, he could even be one of the Negron family as there were a lot of those folks.

Brayden Kim walked up to Dave with Pedro and said “I will go for anything but Hawaaian.  What do you feel like eating?” He turned to his friend and notices Hayley Brown sitting in the corner with a boy. God they grew up fast. That family had been through hell and back.. 

Pedro Negron walked in with Brayden and considered the menu.  “No pineapple … but that’s almost begging for shrimp and anchovies, man?  They don’t have chorizo, or I’d suggest you try that.  It expands the taste buds without pushing it into crazy pineapple territory.”

Daniel shrugs, as if he doesn’t care and in many ways he does not.  “I haven’t and I’m pretty sure Ruth hasn’t tried either.  My father has offered therapy, but I figure she made her choice.  Boyfriends over babies.”  he looks up as the Latino man suggests anchovies and shrimps.  “And I think I’m being brave ordering tomato.”  he scoffs.

Brayden laughs “I can do fishy things. But I’d say let’s choose one or the other as a compromise? Like add anchovies to an everything pizza or add shrimp to a vegetarian?” He looks at Dave and then at Pedro in question.

Hayley frowns at Daniel’s mother’s choice and then can’t help but also hear the anchovy and shrimp conversation. She whispers “I’ve never had anchovies….are they gross?” 

Pedro seems to consider.  “Shrimp on vegetarian.”  he nods to himself.  “Yea .. anchovies …  I just .. no.  Even I have my limits.” and he laughs.

Daniel leans over to Haley.  “Yes, but that’s my opinion.”  he whispers back.  “One day we’ll get one of those mini pizzas with anchovies … if you want.”  He has disposable income, so he’ll be glad to make that sacrifice in the name of food testing.  “But today … whatever you want … with tomatoes.”  he winks at her.

Brayden grins “OK that sounds good. A large of that please Dave.” He looks at the drink fountain “Oh and drinks…..” It’s a fill your own so Brayden shrugs “Medium cup for me please.” Then he turns and leans his back into the counter and after Pedro orders his drink he’ll chat “So guess who’s currently self isolating and about to open a restaurant in town? My Chad…...never thought he’d come back here to live.”

Hayley looks curious but still pondering about anchovies “Yes we could. Vegetarian with tomato on half. That’s our plan right? We can go up once those two sit down….unless there’s a sudden line up…” She smiles.

Pedro looks at Dave.  “Medium for me, too.”  he looks at Brayden.  “Your padre?  Interesting.  What does he cook again?  I didn’t mean to forget, honest.  My family is pretty basic Puerto Rican food.  Or burgers cause with half a million kids, what else is there?”  he chuckles.

Daniel nods.  “Tomatoes on half.”  He agrees.  “Hopefully not, but sitting and talking  is fine by me, too.”  he smiles and looks around, then out of the window.  “I think we’re safe from my Dad.  I didn’t see him pass by.  He’s probably home pigging out on pastrami.”  he jokes.

Dave gives Brayden and Pedro their drink cups and then they move down to the fountain machine and Brayden starts filing his with orange pop and ice “He calls it Asian Fusion. It’s basically a noodle house ranging from Korean to Thai….it’s good food though, Lee’s Noodle House. It’s a good location in with a bunch of shops near the ferry port. Lots of traffic. Only a million and a half? You guys don’t even make the McDonald’s signs.” He jokes.

Hayley laughs “Your poor Dad...it’s a small town. Of course we’ll run into him. I wonder if he’ll dip the pastrami in the ice cream while he’s watching the sappy movie…..” She vaguely notices Brayden and his friend’s conversation but it suggests a new restaurant in town. Then she looks at Daniel “I’m definitely fine with talking….we’re in no hurry.”

Pedro nods.  “Nice name.  I’ll have to try it out.”  Then he snorts and fills his cup with Sprite and Orange soda.  “Well, sometimes it feels like a million.  Now that Angel is out, I’m the oldest, so I want to move out as soon as I can.  With all the constructions on the island, I should be able to do that sooner rather than later.  Samuel might move with me.  Fern has her boyfriend, so she may be the next to marry.  Oh she’d better marry him.  My father loves the guy.”

Daniel shudders.  “God I hope not.  I might ask to spend the night at Levi’s just to avoid that.  Usually I do, but I didn’t actually ask after school.  It’s almost like a custody thing.”  he laughs.  “Levi gets us on during the Sabbath.  I think he spends some Thursday nights with Jasper.  That way everyone gets some time to themselves except me and Ruth.”  he laughs and puffs up his chest.  “I’m a man now so I should get one night to myself.  Just kidding.”

Brayden smirks “Well I’m 25 and I still live at home...but my mom is more casual and we have Gareth. We’re oddly more like 3 roomates now. Mom has a boyfriend but they don’t seem to want to move in together. But she crashes at his place sometimes. Gareth…..well I dunno….he used to bring people home or stay out all night. He’s really mellowed this year. I actually saw him on the couch in sweatpants putting on a  movie for himself with a big bowl of KD before I left….on a  Friday night. Geez your dad really likes Duncan eh? He’s one of Doctor Roger’s kids?”

Hayley giggles “Worse than anchovies……” Now she looks curious “My family’s more than doubled so time to myself….I can’t even imagine. But I don’t really know any different. At least now all the business around us is happy. Talking, laughing, music, YouTube videos…..but what would you do with a night all to yourself Daniel? I feel like I would want a project. I’m not good at doing nothing. My aunt gave Laura and I each a little felting kit and a book. We’ve been making a little forest of creatures in her room. I think if I just had  a night to myself I might make something different…..just for fun...kinda like this....” she pulls her phone out of her purse and it’s now got a little felted case on it with a blue green background, some plants and a little fox.

Pedro laughs softly.  “For a Catholic Puerto Rican mother, she’s incredibly casual.  It was sort of a surprise.”  he grins.  “Mellow is a good thing, I think.  Especially if it means sweats and KD.”  Then he rolls his eyes about Duncan and his father.  “Well yes, because Duncan is a great guy who loved Fern, but they BOTH love Luis Guzman.  The guy isn’t the worse actor in the world, but Jesus ….”  he shakes his head.

Daniel chuckles.  “Well, I have a huge family, but we all had our own rooms, so alone time in my room wasn’t such a big deal.  So I am glad you’ve got that in your life now.”  he looks at her phone case.  “Wow .. this is cool!”  he looks up at her.  “You could make a mint doing this.”  he kind of can’t help his mind going to money, he realizes and quickly moves on to what he’d do with a night to himself.  “Now I would probably .. wow the whole HOUSE to myself?”  he strokes his chin.  “I’d probably do all the things I shouldn’t but in the living room.”  he laughs.  “No clothes, junk food, movies I’m not supposed to watch …”  he pauses and then shakes his head, laughing.  “In other words, exactly what my dad is probably doing right now.”

Brayden laughs loudly “You mean like the Boogie nights dude? What was it Carlitto’s Way? Oh man...he’s like the sad Jack Black of Puerto Rico.” He starts for a table on the other side of the restaurant from Hayley and the boy whose name he doesn’t know “I’m all about the KD and sweats too….just still weird to see Gareth doing it. So does your mother know you want to move out?” He sips his drink as he drops into his seat.

Hayley nods “Probably…” She puts her phone away after smiling at his compliment “Oh I don’t know about that. I’m still learning. I might make some stuff as presents for people….Christmas, birthdays….” She looks sideways at Daniel “Hanukkah? Does that have presents?” She gestures to the open counter now that Brayden and his friend have sat down “Shall we?” She’s ready to stand and go put in their order.

Pedro nods.  “That’s him.”  he goes with Brayden to a table.  “New normal?  Everyone is getting one, it feels like.”  he chuckles.  “She knows.  She would rather I do it like Angel or Fern, because I am in love, or getting married or something, as opposed to just making the burden lighter.  If I just get an apartment and a roommate or two, that would leave Tomas and Miguel in our bedroom.  And the house is a lot bigger.  Miguel will never leave home.  Ever.”  he chuckles.  “Sweet mama’s boy.”

Daniel shrugs.  “I think you could.  One of those web places that…”  and then she mentions a Hanukkah present and he blushes.  “Traditionally … no … but kids and consumerism …”  he begins and then beams as he stands and heads for the counter.  “You’d make me a Hanukkah present?”  he looks nearly stunned.

Brayden grins “Ah don’t be so hard on Miguel. I’m probably a mama’s boy too. It just means you have a good mom. But hey….I could be a roommate?” He shrugs “Maybe it’s time.” He laughs “So your parents basically want you all to marry out not move out. That’s weird pressure.  Cool about Angel and Ziggy though. Your parents must be super stoked. Now let’s see….who can we marry Pedro off to in this town?” He makes a dramatic gesture of stroking his chin “What do you look for in the ladies? Maybe we should sign you up for online dating….with your mother’s approval of course.” He chuckles.

Hayley walks with Daniel and saw his blush “If that’s culturally appropriate….” She gives him a little smile “What’s your favourite animal? Because so far I seem to be good at making animals.” She leans sideways at the counter, pressing her arm into it. Dave appears again ready to take their order “I think we are going with vegetarian with tomatoes just on one half?”

Dave writes it down “Yeah….drinks? Salad? We have Greek, Caesar or tossed.”

Hayley looks at Daniel and shrugs.

Pedro shrugs.  “He’s a spoiled brat because he’s the last.  Honestly I don’t think it’s good for him, but …”  he nods.  “No one is saying anything, but we feel it?  Mama wants the best for us and, of course she wants grandchildren.  And sure, you can move in with me.  We can look for a place whenever.  Samuel has been talking about living with a roommate .. or alone …”  he laughs.  “Basically with any human being on earth he isn’t related to.”  he grins.  “I .. don’t really know what I’d want in a girl.”  he admits.  “I haven’t been serious with anyone.  Sort of wham, bam, thank you ma’am … because I work so hard and can be so tired.  I know I don’t care if she’s Catholic or not … and with Ziggy not being Catholic … or even Puerto Rican .. that’s a lot of pressure off of the rest of us .. thank you Angel.”  he looks at Brayden and shakes his head.  “Online dating?  Oh I don’t know if I can do that…”

Daniel considers his answer about his favorite animal as they order.  He considers the drink and salad and replies.  “Medium for me and tossed salad.  Thanks.”  then he looks at her.  “Camel.”  he nods.  “I love camels.”

Brayden nods and then laughs “Considering how many siblings you have, if you all have a little herd of kids yourselves you’ll double the town population. But hey...we can take it right? Yeah I don’t know about online dating either...or dating. It’s a daunting idea. But I can live vicariously through you. So no online people, no Catholics, and no wham bams?” He snorts.

Hayley looks surprised “Camels...well that’s not a common one. Cool. I’ll have to look up instructions.” she looks at Dave “Um medium and Ceasar please.” She takes her cup and goes to the fountain but hesitates, gesturing for Daniel to go first.

Pedro chuckles.  “Si, we would.  But I’m not sure I want kids.  Sam sort of acts like he doesn’t either.”  he folds his arms.  “Sure live vicariously through me.  What kind of woman should I be dating?  Local non Catholics.”

Daniel grins.  “That’s why I like them.  You can’t find the real deal outside of zoos in Canada, they’re cute and not Kosher so I’ll never eat one.”  he laughs.  “And hard to collect, I guess.  A camel was a cigarette mascot for a long time, so if a kid like me collects camels … um ..  I’ll be a chain smoker?”  He takes his cup to the fountain and fills it with strawberry soda.

Hayley considers all this “Well you probably wouldn’t eat an animal you love…..like my brother and pigs. Easier now that my aunt and uncle are more flexible and we have more food choices. But he thinks pigs are great so no pork. So do you collect like plastic toy camels? I don’t think you should smoke…” She’s teasing knowing he doesn’t. Hayely fills her cup with rootbeer and then heads to sit back down. “I think I’d probably have to say foxes. I also don’t wish to eat one. They just seem like they know things...you know?” She laughs and stretches out her legs a bit and ends up with one of hers resting against Daniel’s. She blushes a bit but doesn’t move it. She’s getting comfortable.

Brayden pretends to look scandalized “Catholic man chooses not to procreate…..oh my god..” He grins. “It’s valid. Especially growing up in a big family.” Then he leans back in his chair “You’re asking me to pick you a woman?” He shakes his head “I dunno…..I’m so out of touch. How about….ok so off the top of my head...and I’m not going to include any of my exes...because that’s too awkward and well they’re both as fucked up as I am the ones who live here…” He had told Pedro finally one night about what he was recovering from with Jack Rose and all the therapy he was still doing. It was better now but it was still ongoing work. “The Angor sisters…..there’s two...one’s a teacher...Jessica and one works the front desk at the Parthenon, Emeley. I don’t think they’re Catholic or religious at all really. Pretty, blonde,  sort of sweet personalities, especially the teacher…..a bit older and ah she has this off again on again thing with Dillon Smith...but if they’re off again Shauna Stevens….health care aid.” Then he thinks and snaps his fingers “Ooooh I don’t know her well but she seems interesting….uh Gwen Fontaine...she’s a welder….Mom knows her...took a workshop of hers on welding for home repairs. The old mayor’s grandaughter...both of them….” He gestures at his head “Indigenous...sort of punk rock haircut….tattoos….” He makes a motion down his arms.

Pedro chuckles as Brayden goes through a list of potential women.  He's sympathetic to his friends' plight, but at the same time, his exes would be a lot of work, he believes.  Meanwhile, he sips his pop and swallows.  He arches his brow as Brayden snaps his fingers and starts talking about an Indiginous punk rocker with tattoos.  He sighs softly.  "Maybe we should just wait until we can go to Vancouver safely.  Point to a healthy looking woman.  I'll go up to her, start singing and win her with my Puerto Rican charm."

Daniel nods.  "Exactly.  And I think pigs are cool but they are also forbidden so no pork.  And I'd like to collect camels.  I don't really so maybe I can now I've moved."  he sits with her and puts his straw in his cup.  "No worry.  I don't see the appeal in smoking."  he grins.  "So it's not because you're foxy?"  he bumps her leg with his and grins at her.

Brayden cracks up “Healthy looking? Oh those standards just plummeted….” 

Dave walks to them with their pizza on a raised tray and sets out plates for them each, parmesan and red pepper flakes. The pizza is already cut but there’s a lifter wedged in “There you go guys….let me know if you need anything else.”

Brayden looks up “Thanks Dave.” He offers to serve Pedro a slice with the lifter and then will do one for himself. Walking past the pizza shop is Brooke Martin. She pauses outside the door to answer her phone and laughs showing her large and reputable mouth. Brayden taps at Pedro and points “Be aware...that one’s probably not healthy...which I hope you don’t already know.” He grimaces.

Hayley is amused by the pig camel conversation and then blushes and laughs “Daniel…” No boy’s ever been so flirty, not that she’s gotten this connected to any. “You’re a funny guy.” Hayley has had a lifetime of being told she’s anything but pretty and she internalized lots of that.

Daniel smiles at the compliment.  “Thanks.  I love your smile, so I won’t stop making you do it .. or laugh either.  Just a warning.”

Pedro happily takes his pizza and bites into it.  As Brooke passes by and Brayden comments, he swallows and nods.  “I’m a construction worker.”  he reminds his friend.  “But I am not stupid.  That being said, I know she plays a mean trompeta.”  The last word is Spanish for trumpet and it shouldn’t take too much for Brayden to understand the inference while it's possible to go over the kids heads if they are even listening.

Hayley can’t help but smile again at Daniel’s words. “I take your warning then Daniel Samuels.” She notices Brooke Martin outside the door. She knew Maddox had a connection with that girl and had a bad feeling about it, even though she didn’t know all the details, she gleamed what was unsaid. And that lawyer had once been at the door asking Maddox about something to do with Brooke and pictures. Again she didn’t catch every word but it sounded like something Maddox should not be doing. Now she could see Brayden gesture at Brooke and say something and the other guy said something back. She was just out of earshot but guys were talking about this woman and sometimes that wasn’t a good thing. Hayley focuses on Daniel and then bravely asks him a personal question “Did you have girlfriends or go out with girls back in Vancouver?” He’s her first date, dating person, boyfriend? She wasn’t sure what to call it but he was it.

Brayden caught the subtlety and message of Pedro’s words and cleared his throat “Well then….probably for the best to keep it in one section of the orchestra?” He can’t help but laugh and then he takes a big bite of pizza. Brooke walks off towards the bottoms. 

Daniel had also seen Brooke, but didn’t pay much attention to her.  Hayley asks him about girls in Vancouver.  “No.  There were girls in the academy across the street.  It was all girls to my schools all boys.  Since we had dances, I would dance with them, but nothing … I mean … no one … like …”  he pauses.  “I think you’re my first .. I mean if you wanted to be …  you’d be my first …”

Dave comes by with their pizza then, placing it down with all the condiments and unintentionally making Daniel cut his words off before they could make any sense.

Pedro nods.  “We have a very one sided relationship.  Because there’s way too much she could give me I couldn’t get rid of, if you know what I mean.”  he watches her head off.  “Besides, I want a relationship, you know?  A girl I could introduce to my mother without worrying she’ll curse me up and down then send me to the doctor for tests on every acronymed disease known to man.”

Hayley smiles broadly and feels her cheeks go hot with a deep blush as Daniel suggests she would be his first….was he going to say girlfriend? Dave shows up with their pizza and Daniel doesn’t get to finish his sentence. Hayley smiles politely at Dave “Thank you.” And as soon as he walks away she bravely just says it “Yes….I’d like to be your girlfriend….if that’s the word you were looking for.” She looks down after. What if she was wrong and being pushy?

Brayden nods with a grimace “Yeah….you’re braver than I am even going part way there with that particular musician.” He chuckles “Worthy of parental introductions…..and a relationship. Seems like a more reasonable idea than risking your dick falling off.” He had lowered his voice at the last sentence and then he ate some more pizza and pointed at it “Mmmmm shrimp good…”

Daniel looks politely at Dave as he delivers their pizza and wonders if he plans these sorts of interruptions in order to entertain himself on what could be a very boring job otherwise, because his timing is absolutely terrible.  Then as Dave walks away and Daniel tries to figure out a way to begin again, Hayley just out and says it.  That she’s like to be his girlfriend.  Daniel slumps and relief and breathes out “Oh thank god.  I didn’t know if I could go through the asking process again.”  he smiles and take sher hand, squeezing it.  “Than we are boyfriend and girlfriend.”  he looks at the pizza and picks up the lifter.  “Tomato side or non tomato side?”  he asks.  He will serve the lady first and then himself … and he will have tomato.

Pedro chuckles.  “I think she mentioned that she’s from here, so maybe that’s a separation thing?  I haven’t seen half the construction workers of Canada go through her revolving door.”  he nods at some of what he wants in a girl.  “Well, I really DO want something serious and .. you know … forever.  My mother found it … my father found it … my big brother found it and my sister found it.  I like to think there’s hope for me.”

Hayley giggles and nods, squeezing his hand back and then letting go so they can deal with pizza “Yes. Yes we are. You know what maybe give me non tomato for the first one and then if you hate it we can just trade slices?” She ponders. They had labeled themselves. It felt sweet. Daniel was her boyfriend. Her tomato braving camel loving boyfriend. 

Brayden nods and says wryly “She’s from here. Can’t vouch for all the locals. You have some good examples...or hard acts to follow?” He laughs “My parents were NOt meant to be. They tried but uh I know I was conceived on a  one night stand. I’m not offended by it. Happens all ways. They both love me. And Mom has someone. Hard to tell with her how serious it is but she did tell me about it pretty early on so I’m guessing significant.”

Daniel nods and gives Hayley a non tomato slice and then himself one with tomatoes.  He looks at the slice and it feels like the cooking process has sort of dried them out.  He isn’t sure.  Inhaling deeply he prepares himself.  “OK …  here we go…”  and he takes a decent sized bite and chews carefully.  “Well …”  he murmurs after swallowing it.  “I’m still here … and it’s not bad.  I’m not in love, but I don’t hate it?”  he takes another bite and nods a bit as he chews.  It’s alright … maybe it will grow on him.

Pedro shrugs.  “I think a little of both.  Angel was engaged before, but she was pregnant and … I don’t know if he was just doing the right thing or what?  She literally ended it right before the wedding.  Got her period, I guess.  False positive or miscarriage .. I don’t know really.  He wasn’t all THAT broken up about it, it felt like.  Angela .. yea Angel and Angela.”  he rolls his eyes.  “That felt more real for him, but she died ... killed in this weird freak subway thing.  THAT messed him up.  But then he met Ziggy and … wham.”  he shrugs and positions the pizza at his mouth.  “It’s really powerful … I’d love that.”  and he fills his mouth, enjoying what is in front of him.

Brayden blinks at the stories of Angel’s past and then winces “Wow...that’s some shit…” He’s serving himself up his 4th slice. “That wham thing…..people talk about that….on Alexandra. People falling madly in love in a day and feeling like they’ve been struck by lightening. You’ll hear about it. I was in love with someone...i don’t know if it was lightning. We were pretty young….but shit happened….same shit that followed me and kept fucking thinsg up….until he died. So maybe I don’t get the lightening...or I was supposed to and it missed me. But I hope it happens for you and I’m glad it happened for Angel and Ziggy. I know she lost someone in a horrible freak accident too. So now life is kind to them both.” He looks thoughtful for a moment and then eats.

Hayley watches Daniel try the tomato and looks curious. As he declares he neither loves it nor hates it she starts to eat her slice and then after a few bites she looks at him “Well you tried it and yes you’re still here. Sounds like you might be neutral on them….which is good for sharing pizza with people who like tomatoes.” She smiles at him.

Daniel nods.  “Yea, I think that’s it.”  he agrees and takes another bite, looking at Hayley happily.  Life has been especially good today.

Pedro looks sympathetically at Brayden as he goes for more pizza himself.  He knew the shit Brayden was talking about.  “Who knows … maybe the lightning will happen.  Just hasn’t yet.  I don’t know.  But Ziggy is very nice and she and Angel .. hand in glove, man.  But for me … There aren’t a lot of women for me to meet at work.  I think I know that welder you mentioned … but so many of the guys on the crew say shitty things.  I mean Dad and I .. Samuel too … we get on them about it.  But I doubt she'd go out with me because I’m just another horn dog construction ass hole, you know?”

Brayden nods ruefully “Yeah being a  woman welder probably does suck…….and she’s ….well she strikes me as a little hard to get to know. Could be a fun challenge if you were so inclined but it could also be like smacking your head into a brick wall. What about the Agnor sisters?” He shrugs. “I’ll brave asking someone out if you will…..I might go with Shauna Stevens. I see her close to my work a lot so she’s easy to find.” He laughs “Then you have no excuse. And hey if you don’t click, don’t go out again right?” He looks like he’s about to reach for more pizza but then hesitates “I think I might be too full to eat another one…”

Hayley happily eats her non tomato and then offers to serve the next slices, giving Daniel the option to take a tomato break while she takes the next tomato and offers him the non tomato option this time “So you can compare?”

Daniel smiles and nods a yes to the non tomato.  “Thanks.”  he pauses.  “How are you with meats on pizza?”  he asks, curious.  “And .. what about pan pizza…”  he grins as he says it, as if it’s a favorite of his.

Pedro snorts.  “I get that.  I’m not like that, or my Dad or Samuel, but the other guys .. well they don’t have to face my mother.”  he laughs and nods.  “A teacher would be alright.  She might even be able to teach me something, right?”  he nods slowly.  “So a double date.  At least one of us will have a good time?”

Brayden claps and then points “Double date, moral support and exit strategies. If it sucks….we both get sudden food poisoning?” Brayden pretends to make a retching noise and Dave comes out from behind the counter looking concerned. “Oh sorry...I’m totally kidding around….the pizza’s great…” Dave goes back and Brayden almost falls out of his chair laughing “Shit……” He composes himself. “OK I know how to find Shauna but you may have to….ask Angel for a favour. Unless you camp out on the school steps and jump up and ask for her number as she goes in or out of work….bit of a creep factor there. I actually can't tell you where she lives offhand….on of the apartments by the docks I think...or the bottoms. I haven’t been keeping track. But...a little reconnaissance…” He pulls out his phone and opens a social media app “Do you do Crossroads? It’s better than Facebook...not so corporate….less ads.” He clicks around and then types something in “Jessica Agnor…….Jess...she goes by Jess….there she is...blonde curly hair, nice smile.” He holds up the phone on her profile to Pedro. There’s lots of stuff about kids and causes for children but seeing as how she's a  teacher it’s not unusual. She also has a tiny dog in almost every profile picture...a little black poodle named Lulu. Lulu has many bows and little booties. Jess clearly babies this dog.

Hayley thinks about Daniel’s question as she chews and then she takes a sip of water after to wash down her bite “You mean like pepperoni or bacon? Well I guess you don’t do bacon….I think they do one with ground beef here. I’m pretty easy going about food in general so yeah meats are fine. And I don’t think I’ve had pan pizza but I’m sure it would be tasty.” She laughs “I like pizza pops even. My Aunt and Uncle doa  make your own pizza night….well so far it’s been a birthday thing but I think it’s common. Then it’s like a pizza bar and you just put on whatever. But they even had shredded chicken for that night. I went with pepperoni and veggies kind of like this.” She gestures at what they’re eating.

Daniel nods.  “See pizza and Judaism don’t always get along well.  Since you can’t combine meat and dairy, you can have cheese or you can have meat, but you can’t have both.  Or you can have white sauce instead of tomato.  If I can learn to make pizza, I want to experiment, because pizza is usually awesome unless you’re trying to keep kosher.”  he rolls his eyes.  “See make your own night sounds incredible.  We’ll have to try that someday.  You can teach us.”

Pedro laughs uproariously at the way they will cover each other.  “Yea, I will probably ask Angel to either get her number for me or set me up on a date with her.  He can be good about stuff like that.”  he then looks at her Crossroads page.  Especially the dog.  “OK ….  OK …. The dog …  well if it’s love the dog can be my Luis Guzman … that sacrifice you make for the one you love more than any other.”  he is now looking for a picture of her withOUT the dog and coming up with nothing.  “I hope she can leave the dog home for the date …  no …  no Pedro .. this could be the woman of your dreams … just in your dreams .. maybe not so … little old lady dog lover…”

Hayely ponders the kosher pizza thing “That’s right about the cheese and meat…..what if we got some vegan cheese if you want to do meat pizza stuff? We recently discovered Dustin’s a bit dairy intolerant so they’ve been buying those vegan shreds for him. They seem to melt ok…..I’ll ask my aunt and uncle for their crust recipe. You have make the dough and then separate it out and let it rise...but if we start early.” She shrugs.

Brayden snorts “Oh no...do you hate dogs?” He takes his phone back and peeks at Jess’s photos “Because that could be a deal breaker…..definitely the Guzman factor.” He clicks on a picture “Oh looks she gave it a little Halloween costume….Lulu the bee….and so many bows. I wonder if it fits in her purse…” He laughs and laughs and then to be fair clicks on Shauna Stevens. “Damn Shauna’s isn’t as public…..how am I supposed to stock her….” He passes it over to Pedro with a cheeky look “But no poodles…”

Pedro rolls his eyes.  “I like dogs …  that i more like a rat dressed up as a poodle.”  he argues.  “But again …  if that’s her only problem I can…”  and he also looks at Lulu the bee andsighs.  “But the human is very pretty….”  he admits.  Polishing off the pizza, he gives his friend the finger at his choice of poodleless girl.

Daniel’s eyes suddenly go wide.  “Vegan cheese!”  he looks very excited.  “Hayley, you’re a genius!”  and he kisses her, impulsively on the cheek.  “I just have to find the best brand to use and … oh we can make our own pizzas and I don't have to miss out or pray the guilt away!”  he dances in his chair as he eats.

Hayely beams at Daniel and then looks surprised by the impulsive kiss on the cheek but happy about it. She smiles sweetly at him after he does it. “I’m sure we can find some good shreds. I’ll ask Dustin how he likes the one we have at home. He’s not very picky though. No guilt needed.” She watches Daniel’s chair dancing with amusement.

Brayden shugs “She’s cute…..she just has a dog baby….hopefully she’s not looking for a puppy baby daddy.” He teases and laughs as he’s flipped the bird. He sips the last of his drink “Wanna catcha  movie or something?” They could still make the late show.

Pedro finishes his pizza and nearly chokes at the puppy baby daddy comment.  He recovers and gulps the last of his drink.  Glancing at his phone for the time, he nods.  “Sure .. we start late on Saturdays.”

Daniel is steadily eating pizza now, excited with his pizza adventures.  “Yes, lets .. and do some research as well.  I’d even be willing to ask that lady with the burlap clothes and weird hand movements.  She’s vegan, right?”  he drinks deeply and realizes almost with a start that they are almost done eating.

Brayden starts gathering up their stuff and taking it to Dave at the counter. He doesn’t have to but everyone pitching in on everything is hard wired from the fog “Hey we’re going to settle up….Pedro I’ll get the pizza and drinks if you wanna grab the movie and popcorn?” He pulls out his card ready to commit.

Hayley thinks about the burlap thing “Do you mean Rain from the place next door?” She gestures. “I think so yeah…” She finishes her last slice of pizza too and looks at Daniel “You ate many tomatoes. I’m proud of you.” She grins at him.

Daniel nods.  “Yes.  Great sweet potato fries.”  he beams as she give him praise.  “Thank you for talking me into trying it.”  he tells her.  “So … what should we do now?  Your place?  Mine?  Well, by mine I mean the place with the completely dressed brother not the mid life crisis with pastrami father.”

Pedro nods.  “Done deal, man.”  he agrees and stands ready to go once the bill is paid.

Hayley thinks “Well at mine we’d be walking in right in the middle of a movie I may yet want to see…...but it depends where they’re watching. I suspect it’s not Laura and Dustin appropriate which could mean they’re in Winona’s room or planning to watch on the downstairs couch after those two are in bed. Which leaves the upstairs couch….where we’d have to keep our voices down so we don’t then wake up Laura and Dustin…” She laughs “How about yours? If Levi doesn’t mind that.”

Brayden pays and says goodbye to Dave and then is out the door with Pedro to whatever is playing at the late movie time. 

Daniel listens and grins.  “See how complicated it can be in a penthouse?”  he winks at her.  “I’ll tell Levi we’re on our way .. oh and ask Dad if I can spend the night, so I can just go back there after I walk you home.”  he sends off a couple of text messages, then stands to go pay for the pizza while he waits on a reply.

Hayley giggles as he once again calls it a penthouse and follows him to the till since they’re done “Can I chip in at all?” Daniel is clearly paying and efficient about it.

Daniel hands over this card and is quickly rung through.  He turns and heads out with Hayley before he speaks, so the clerk doesn’t hear them.  “Well … maybe we should figure out something about that.”  he considers.  “Like … next time we eat out, you can pay for us … or like if we go to a movie AND eat, one of us pays for one and one pays for the other and then we switch?”  he doesn’t really know too well how dating is supposed to go.  “My brothers all way you should pay for a girl, and I can do that, but if you want to pay, you should be able to, I think.”  he realizes there is a lot of space between her financial situation and his, but he doesn’t want to rub it in her face.

Hayley seems happy with the suggestions “I’d like that.” She actually has some money now as opposed to none like she did before. But she’s been thinking about babysitting too to see if she can make a bit of money...or maybe even as Daniel suggested selling some felt creations if she ever gets really good at them. Soon they’re out the door and walking towards his brother’s apartment hand in hand.