Chapter 2
He loved the open-air cafes. He had been spoiled by his new lifestyle, breakfast in cafés and strolls along centuries-old streets. It was just missing one thing.
"Mon fraire." Mozzie said to the man in the fedora sitting with his back to him.
Neal stood and turned. He smiled broadly and embraced his old friend.
"You did it." Neal said. "You waited the whole year."
Mozzie nodded. "Of course." He said as he sat. "I had to. The suits were watching me. So I grieved for my friend, and I ran small cons to stay busy."
"How's Peter?" Neal asked. He knew it would only make him miss them all more, but he had to know.
"Peter's great, loving the promotion. And he's…. They named the baby Neal." Mozzie paused watching Neal's reaction. "They wanted some way to honor you."
Neal looked at Mozzie, shocked for just a moment. "After me…really?"
Mozzie nodded.
"Wow!" Neal said, shaking his head. "That's…."
"Amazing." Mozzie finished Neal's sentence as he dug in his pocket for a picture. He handed it to Neal.
"That's newborn Neal." Mozzie produced another picture. "This is from about 2 weeks ago. El takes him to picture studios all the time, every time she buys him a new outfit."
Neal stared at the pictures. He could see features of both El and Peter in the baby's face. He smiled at his namesake.
"I'm so happy for them, Moz. I knew El would be a great mom. But, Peter…."
Mozzie nodded. "He took to it right away." Mozzie paused until after the waitress came and took his order. "He's great with Neal. And El said he got home on time, most times these days."
Neal nodded. But there was a sadness in his eyes.
Mozzie looked at him. "You can't go back, Neal. That bridge is most definitely burned."
Neal nodded. "I know, but I had a great life for those 6 years with such good people…."
"We make our own destiny, Neal." Mozzie stated. "We are in Paris."
"I still want to know."
Mozzie nodded. "June's spending more time with her children in California. El's restarted her event planning business. She takes Neal with her to client meetings sometimes. Peter kept Hughes' job. Jones got Peter's old job. And Diana moved back to D.C to be near her parents. They offered her 24/7 babysitting services."
"A lot's changed." Neal observed.
"You 'death' changed things. June decided she needed to be closer to her family. And Peter and Diana decided to put their children's needs first. They realized what's important." Mozzie stated.
"Moz, you getting sentimental on me?" Neal grinned.
"They are lucky to have parents who care."
"You have friends who care, Moz."
Mozzie took off his glasses and wiped his eyes. "…a lot of dust in the air today."
Neal shook his head then went back to drinking his coffee.
TBC
