The week ended on a high note. The valentine exchange and treats had left Teddy's teachers and classmates in good spirits, with everyone chattering about their weekend plans. He smiled to himself, feeling certain his weekend was going to be better than everyone else's.
As they queued up for the car line, Cal reassured him about the Uber arrangements.
"I'll text you all the deets on the driver and the car. I'll add a tip, so the driver will help you with the boxes. Do you know how much a tip should be?"
"I don't have a clue," Teddy admitted. "Maybe I should start paying attention to stuff like that."
"I'm not sure how much to add," Cal said. "But I do know my mom and dad always tip the driver. Do you think fifty dollars is enough? Maybe I should add a hundred."
Teddy shrugged at his friend, not having any idea if fifty dollars, or even one hundred, would be enough incentive to enlist the driver's help. He silently prayed there wouldn't be problems with the Uber. Getting to the Yellow Dot at the correct time was a very important part of Operation Ana.
"I don't know how much is the right amount," Teddy said, "but Grandpa always says money talks, so a big tip is definitely a good idea. I'm worried about being able to carry everything, so the driver will have to be willing to help. Gail made it sound like the roses came in a super large box. You're sure the Uber will get to my house on time?"
"Don't you know who you're talking to? I've got it covered." Cal's smug grin made him the picture of confidence. "Mom is famous for losing her phone and tonight I'm going to help her misplace it for a while. Don't worry about a thing."
"When she figures it out, we're going to be in so much trouble." Teddy's head got woozy when he started to think of all the things that could go wrong. "I won't leave you hanging. I'll tell your mom it was all my fault. Even if it takes forever, I'll figure out some way to pay her back for the Uber ride."
"My mom likes knowing everything about everybody. She calls it tea. Dad calls it gossip. When I explain about the phone and the charges for the Uber, if I can be the first to tell her all about your dad getting a girlfriend, she might not be so angry. You have to text me updates, so I have something to show her."
Mrs. Williams did seem to be highly interested in everyone's personal lives, so Teddy knew she'd be happy with a front seat to any news on the Grey family front. He'd work hard to figure out a way to share just enough to help Cal stay out of too much trouble.
"I can do that," he promised. "We gotta have each other's backs. I'll try to get some pictures, if only so you can see Ana."
Not wanting to slip up and give away anything, the boys were quiet on the ride home from school. The baby slept and Cal's little sister busied herself, trying to remove the arms from a doll. Mrs. Williams seemed to be in her own little world and took no notice of any absence of conversation.
As he exited the car, Teddy exchanged a fist bump with Cal.
"Thank you, Mrs. Williams. Have a good weekend," he said. She gave him a pleasant smile in response. He hoped she'd still be smiling at the end of the day, when she discovered the Uber charges on her phone.
Teddy opened his front door to the heavenly fragrance of brownies.
"You started without me," he called out to Gail.
"Don't be disappointed," she said when he entered the kitchen. "I had to get busy or we won't finish our baking before dinner. I put red, white, and pink M & M's in the brownies, and I set some of the M & M's aside, just in case you want to use them in your cookies."
He was tempted to sample some of the M & M's, but he resisted, deciding to save any extras for Ana.
Gail redirected his attention by rearranging some small bowls of frosting.
"You asked about those candy conversation hearts, which gave me the idea to make sugar cookie copies," she said. "You can decorate them with whatever sayings you want. I've already made the pastel frostings for them, but you're going to make the sugar cookies dough and cut them out."
She handed him an apron. He put it on and washed his hands, ready to do his part. On the counter he spied the large heart shaped cookie cutter they had used in previous years.
She had prepared small bowls of yellow, pink, blue, orange, and green frosting, and had thoughtfully purchased tiny tubes of red and white frosting so he could write Ana's name on some of the treats.
"While the sugar cookies bake, we'll whip up those chocolate cupcakes Dr. Grey likes so much. I've been here since noon. I've done some cleaning. Our chili dinner is already prepared. I'll just need to warm it up."
He looked around in alarm, hoping she hadn't forgotten to pick up the roses and chocolates.
"You're the picture of worry right now." She placed a warm, soft hand on his shoulder. "Don't fret. The candy and flowers are on the coffee table. I was even able to get a custom chocolate mix: dark chocolate truffles and dark chocolate caramels. It's exactly what you asked for. Go check."
She pointed toward the small family room.
Sure enough, there was a red-heart shaped box of chocolates and a long, white box. The box looked unwieldy, but he couldn't worry about that now.
He raced up to his room and brought down the valentines he'd made, stacking them atop the boxes.
"Perfect," he said to himself. The arrangement made for a beautiful Valentine's Day display.
He plucked Gail's valentine from the grouping and took it into the kitchen. He hugged her from behind, so the card would be right in front of her when she looked down.
"What's this?" She took the card from his grasp and turned around to face him. "Oh, my. You are the sweetest boy ever. And you're my one and only true valentine. Thank you."
"You're welcome," he said. Words seemed inadequate. He hugged her again and she kissed the top of his head.
"This Ana is one lucky woman," she said. "From what you've told me, I bet you've already won her heart."
"She likes me a lot. She's going to read to me. We'll play Duck Hunt together. And she wants babies, so maybe I'll get a sister to boss around, just like Cal."
Ana ticked every box for future Mother of the Year. His dad, the Best Dad on Planet Earth, would soon see how much more special their lives could be.
"She sounds wonderful." Gail's broad smile was reassuring. "I bet she's very pretty and very smart. Your dad is a catch, so he needs someone who's his equal.
"She's super cool. She likes dogs and she even knows how to make mac and cheese."
"Everything is happening so fast." Gail's forehead furrowed with concern. "Do you think I should start looking for a new job? If she's a good cook, Dr. Grey might not need me anymore."
"I wouldn't worry," he said, wishing he hadn't bragged so much about Ana. "She's too busy for cooking right now, so we need you. I don't want you to go."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence," she said, tapping him softly on the nose.
The two turned back to their baking, working well as a team.
As the cookies and cupcakes cooled, they enjoyed chili and salad. True to her word, Gail had cut way back on the beans, which gave Teddy more confidence that he'd make a good impression on Ana.
After dinner Teddy used the white tube of frosting to write "Ana" and "Dad" on some of the cupcakes.
The pastel conversation hearts turned out to be his favorites. He used the red tube to write messages on them. Gail helped him keep the writing straight. To make Ana smile, he wrote "hubba hubba" on some of them, then some generic messages like "hug me" and "text me."
He and his dad didn't entertain, so they didn't own any fancy platters. Gail helped him arrange the treats on regular plates. When he stood back, he had to admit everything looked great.
There was milk and juice in the fridge. Gail suggested those were perfectly fine beverages to serve with the treats.
"Relax," she said. "She and your dad will love everything you've planned."
Teddy checked the time. It was half past six.
"I need to take a shower and put on clean clothes, so I can be ready for Ana," he said.
"But your dad doesn't get home from work until late. You can relax." Gail looked at the oven clock.
"I can't relax until Dad and Ana are together." He turned for the stairs. "Ana's my mom," he pronounced loudly.
He raced through his shower and tidied his room.
I don't want her thinking I'm a slob, he thought. Everything has to be perfect.
He surveyed the space and decided it was orderly, then realized his personal appearance needed equal attention.
He turned to his dresser and found his favorite sweater, believing the navy and green argyle pattern would please Ana. He wondered what his father would turn up wearing.
His clothes are so boring, he thought. He's got to make a good impression tonight. We both do.
When he went downstairs, Gail was wiping down the stovetop.
"Almost finished," she said. "Do you want to play checkers?"
"You've worked so hard," he said. "You should put your feet up and watch TV." There was no time for games. It was almost time for Operation Ana to move into final phase.
"If I put my feet up, I'll fall asleep."
Yes, Gail. Please sleep.
"Dad and Ana won't be here until late," he said. "Maybe a quick nap will do you good."
Soon enough Gail was zonked on the sectional, snoring loudly.
He stepped outside to check for the Uber, which according to Cal's text should arrive any minute. It was a few minutes before seven, time to make his move.
His dad's shift in the Emergency Room ended at seven, but the place was always so busy he never walked out on time, usually staying a full two hours past his scheduled departure.
The radio show ended at eight and Ana would be free to leave the station soon after.
Everything was in place, and he congratulated himself on a well-conceived plan.
The chocolates and flowers were still on the coffee table, right in front of the spot where Gail napped.
He struggled with the roses, but managed to get both boxes to the front steps, where he'd wait for his ride. The boxes were tied with silky red ribbons. He hoped Ana would be impressed by them.
The text from Cal indicated the Uber driver was Rafe, who'd be driving a black Toyota Camry.
Just as he began getting anxious that the car wasn't going to show, a small, dark vehicle pulled up in front of the houseboat. The driver side window came down.
"Uber?" The man asked.
He didn't look crazy, but understanding one can never be too safe, Teddy knew to ask the right questions.
"Hi. My name's Teddy. What's yours?"
"Rafe."
He reached for the door handle, but Rafe objected.
"Whoa. Are you alone?"
"Yes," Teddy said.
He said a silent prayer.
Please, God, don't let me down. I need this ride.
"How old are you? I can't transport kids under age thirteen who are traveling alone."
"It just so happens that I am thirteen, just very small for my age. I have a genetic disorder that affects my growth." Having a doctor dad and grandma really came in handy sometimes. "And I live with my dad. I'm meeting up with him. There's a nice tip in it for you, especially if you can help me with these boxes."
"Okay." The driver was still skeptical, but wanted the fare. He got out to put the boxes in the trunk and looked at his phone. "Yellow Dot Coffee Shop on Westlake, right?"
"That's it." Teddy got into the backseat. He was extremely grateful to Cal for setting up the ride. All was going to plan.
"With a growth disorder, why are you going to a coffee shop?" Rafe asked. "Doesn't coffee stunt your growth?"
Teddy felt sorry for people who didn't know anything about medicine and didn't understand science.
"Caffeine doesn't stunt growth, but it does interfere with sleep, so I'll drink juice. Did I tell you I'm meeting up with both of my parents? I've had a dad all my life, but now I'm about to get a mom. Her name is Ana." It was exciting to tell the driver about having two parents, even if he was completely disinterested.
Teddy texted Cal to let him know the Uber driver had arrived on time. Cal sent back a thumbs-up emoji.
When they arrived at the coffee shop, Teddy was still a jumble of nerves and excitement. He got out of the car as quickly as he could to peer through the window. There was a short queue, with only four people in line.
Rafe carried the boxes into the Yellow Dot, setting them down on the closest empty booth.
"Wow," Rafe said, looking down at his phone. "Thanks for the nice tip, kid. I really appreciate it."
Cal had really come through. Not only had he arranged for the ride, but he'd remembered to tip the driver. For a moment, he wondered if Mrs. Williams was missing her phone, but the Uber transaction had gone through without a hitch, so Cal's shenanigans probably hadn't yet been discovered.
As for his own trickery, Teddy was certain his dad would forgive all his transgressions the minute he met Ana. And he hoped Mrs. Williams wouldn't be too upset with him or her son.
When she finds out her phone and Uber app have helped me get a mom, he thought, maybe she'll be so happy for us, that she'll forget to be aggravated.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out the sock where he kept his money. He wanted to order a drink for himself before he called Ana and his dad.
There were two ladies directly ahead of him in line, discussing an "unfortunate fashion choice" that one of their friends had made. They reminded him a bit of Lily, his Aunt Mia's friend. He shook his head at the thought of Lily and how she enjoyed talking about other people's mistakes.
One of the women noticed him and became concerned that he wasn't accompanied by an adult.
"Are you here alone?" She asked, nudging her companion to turn around.
"Not really. My parents are meeting me here. Well, actually my dad is coming. I'm introducing him to Ana, the woman who is going to be my mom."
The old man standing in front of them turned to listen.
"That doesn't make a lick of sense. Your parents shouldn't allow you out at night alone," he said. Raising his voice, he waved at a blonde woman behind the counter. "Hey, Tonya, you need to get over here."
The woman made her way quickly to the line.
"Is there a problem?" She asked. Pushing gold rimmed glasses up her nose, she eyed Teddy speculatively.
"The boy is here alone. Maybe we should call the police." The old man took his phone out.
"No! Please don't!" Tears sprang to Teddy's eyes. Before he completely fell apart, he needed to explain his situation. "I'm meeting my parents here for Valentine's Day. This is their special place."
All eyes were on him. The baristas had stopped their activity to listen.
He felt hot and dizzy. He used the top of the sock to wipe off his clammy hands.
"The Yellow Dot is their special place? Oh, I do like the sound of that," Tonya smiled. "Tell me more."
She had rosy cheeks and twinkly eyes. Her voice was kind and calm.
"This is where they first met. Actually they've never properly met." He wasn't sure he was making any sense at all, but he plowed ahead. "This is the place where they first saw each other."
"I'm confused," she said kindly.
"We're all confused," the old man said. His words were tinged with impatience. "I think we should call the cops."
"For Pete's sake, Burt, stop frightening the child," she told the man.
"I'm just trying to help," Burt said.
"Have a seat," Tonya said to Teddy. She pointed at the nearest table and pulled out a chair.
He tried to settle into the bistro chair, but the hard metal dug into the back of his small shoulders. Worried about Ana's gifts, he looked back to make certain they were still there.
"Those are presents for my mom. Can we sit back there so I can guard them?"
Before Tonya could answer, the old man spoke up.
"The boy might run away, so I don't think it's a good idea for him to sit by the door. I'll move the boxes."
Teddy eyed Tonya as the man fetched the boxes. She had a rash running up both sides of her neck along the collar line. He wanted to say something about the red patches, but the situation didn't feel appropriate.
"Chocolates and roses," she said. "Your mother will enjoy those."
Tonya had an easy, friendly demeanor, but he couldn't help feeling wary.
"I hope so," he said. "It's my first Valentine's Day with her, so everything is extra important."
The old man placed the boxes on the table and pulled up a chair. The two ladies from the line stood behind him.
The presence of so many strangers hovering over him was suffocating. Teddy jammed his hands into his armpits and hugged himself. His heart felt like it would beat out of his chest.
"What's your name and how old are you?" Tonya asked.
"I'm Teddy Grey. I'm almost nine."
"It's nice to meet you, Teddy. I'm Tonya. I'm one of the owners. Start from the beginning and tell me everything."
He looked up and saw everyone in the shop was stood around him. He was a curiosity.
Don't be scared, he told himself. This is what you have to put up with to get Ana and Dad together.
He took a deep breath and released it slowly.
"It all started last year. I've always wanted a mom. Every birthday when I blew out my candles, I'd wish for a mother. Every year my wish got stronger. This past Christmas I asked Santa for a mom, but that was back when I was young and stupid." There were snickers from the crowd. "I don't believe in Santa anymore."
"I do," Tonya said.
"So do I," offered a young woman.
"Well, I don't. Santa is a big, fat disappointment. He didn't bring me a mom, so I decided to call Dr. Elena on the radio."
There were whispers in the small crowd.
"Why her?" Burt asked, sounding grumpy. "She's an overpaid charlatan."
"My friend, Gail, listens to the show, so I figured Dr. Elena was smart," Teddy explained. "What's wrong with her?"
"Nothing," Tonya said, waving a hand a dismissive hand and giving Burt a reproachful look. "What did Dr. Elena say?"
"I wanted to ask her how I could get a mom, but I couldn't talk to her, because they don't put kids on the air. I talked to Ana. She's the call screener for the show and she's really nice. She and I got to be friends. I got to meet her in person when my nana took me to KKAV for the Saturday tour. Ana is the best. I've chosen her to be my mother, but she doesn't know it yet."
"You can't just go around picking out women to be your mom. That's not how it works," the old man said.
"You're crushing his spirit." Tonya scowled. "Please, Burt, listen to the child."
"I'm just trying to help," he countered.
"Go on," she told Teddy. She narrowed her eyes at Burt, as if daring him to interrupt.
"During the time I was getting to know Ana, I found out my dad had a crush on a girl he saw here at the Yellow Dot. He told me she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen. He never got to talk to her, so he doesn't know her name."
This nugget of information got the crowd buzzing.
Tonya touched his forearm and nodded, prodding him to continue.
"My dad has never met Ana, but the description of the lady he saw matches Ana perfectly. Both even have the exact same necklace, a tiny gold horseshoe. Are horseshoe necklaces a common thing?"
Teddy looked up at the crowd and they were shaking their heads. He did a quick count and the group had grown to over twenty.
Be brave, he told himself. You can do this.
"Well," Tonya said. "They probably aren't rare, but I don't think they're common. I don't know anyone who has one. Of course, I'm older. Maybe those are a trend with the younger set." She glanced around the group. "Do any of you own horseshoe necklaces?"
A chorus of no's erupted.
"So I'm not crazy," he said. "With all my heart I believe Ana and the lady my dad saw here at the Yellow Dot are the same person. I want Ana and my dad to get married, so she can be my mom forever and ever."
"Er my gawd, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard," a young woman said.
The two ladies who had been in front of him in line were crying and he heard more sniffles from the crowd. Someone was passing around a small pack of tissues.
"If the Yellow Dot is the reason they met, I'd like to support your efforts in bringing them together. How can I help?" Tonya asked.
"I'm not sure if there's anything you can do. I already have a plan. I'm going to call them. They'll come looking for me, but they'll find each other. When they see each other, I hope they'll see what I see. I want them to see we can be a family."
Teddy became alarmed when a low sob echoed from within the group. He couldn't understand why anyone would be crying over his problem.
"I was going to walk home with my chai, but I think I'll stick around," Burt said. "This could get interesting."
"Me too," someone said. "This is going to be amazing. I'm calling my roommates to get over here so we can watch together."
It all sounded horrible to Teddy.
"Oh, no," he said. "If there are too many people, it might put them off. Dad doesn't like crowds."
"Everyone will mind their own business and act natural, isn't that right?" Tonya addressed the group, lingering a bit on Burt. "If folks can't behave, I'll ask them to leave."
"I'm sure there won't be any problems," the old man said.
"Then let's get back to business," Tonya ordered, shooing everyone away. "I'll help Teddy get situated."
He was relieved to see everyone disperse, some taking seats and others getting in line. A long queue formed. The baristas were going to be very busy.
Tonya picked up his boxes and moved them to a booth on the far side of the shop. She pointed at a small table opposite the booth, gesturing for him to take a seat.
"Your dad and Ana will have the booth and you can sit here," she said. "You'll be next to them, but they'll have their own table. I'll do what I can to make it romantic and cozy."
"I thought I could sit with them," he said, realizing his voice sounded whiny. He had imagined himself sat between Ana and his dad, enjoying a group snuggle.
"If you want them to get on, you have to give them some privacy and space," Tonya said. "I know you've decided Ana will be your mother, but she and your dad have to choose one another before that can happen."
Teddy already knew and understood what Tonya was telling him, but he was impatient.
"What would you like to drink?" She asked. "Are you hungry?"
"I already ate, but I am thirsty." He held up the sock where he kept his loose change and singles. He jingled it to let her know he had money. "I'd like one of your kiwi-starfruit blends, please. Don't worry. I brought plenty of cash and I know how to tip."
"Someone taught you well," she said with a giggle. "But you can put your money away. Tonight everything is on the house. How much time do I have to spruce up their booth?"
He checked the time on his phone.
"Ten minutes," he said. "Then I need to text my dad and call Ana."
"That's plenty of time. I can manage," she said.
Teddy watched her bustle around, chatting with other customers as she prepared his drink. She ducked into a back room, what he imagined to be kitchen or a workroom. He wondered what she intended to do with the booth she'd reserved for his parents.
Parents, he thought. Plural. Before my head hits the pillow tonight, Ana will be my mother.
When Tonya returned, she carried a large round tray piled with objects, including his drink. The sweet-tart liquid provided icy relief to his dry throat.
Looking around, he understood why people liked this place so much. The fragrance of spices mingled with vanilla, chocolate, and coffee, creating a special perfume. All around him were happy sounds: laughter, the whir of a frothing machine, and the chime of the door being opened or closed. The air was abuzz with anticipation.
He relaxed as he watched Tonya go to work on the booth.
She laid out a large pink linen tablecloth, then placed a smaller white square cloth on top. She arranged the boxes of roses and chocolates along the outside edge of the table. Teddy thought this must be so his dad and Ana would have space for coffee. In the center she put a glass candleholder and a single white taper. She lit the candle, then stood back for a moment to admire her handy work.
There was a light switch panel on the opposing wall. She fiddled with the switches until one of the baristas called out to tell her it was perfect. "Moody and romantic, but we can still see well enough to do our work. When do you want us to crank up the tunes?"
"No time like the present," Tonya replied.
She approached Teddy with a wide, infectious grin.
"I think we're all set. How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Good," he said, returning her smile. "Thank you for your help."
A male voice boomed from the speakers, singing "all of me loves all of you." He hoped Ana liked the music.
"You're welcome," she said, gently swaying to the tune. "You're a good kid. I like you."
"I like you, too," he said. He was happy to have made a new friend. "I noticed you have a rash on your neck. Does it itch?"
"Yes," she said, reaching up to touch one side of her neck. "It appeared yesterday, out of nowhere."
"Looks like contact dermatitis. It's an even pattern on both sides of your neck, where your shirt collar rubs against it. It's probably your laundry detergent. You should dump whatever you're using and get some that's free of chemicals and fragrance. In the meantime, use over-the-counter cortisol cream. The rash should be gone in three or four days."
Her eyes were wide with wonder.
"I'll do that...Wow. You're all kinds of smart."
"Thank you," he said. "But Dad says character is more important than being smart or good-looking. He's going to be angry at me about this."
"I'm sure he'll forgive you," she said. "I'll be at the end of the counter, keeping an eye on you. I'll check in on you as often as I can. Wave at me if you need a refill."
"This drink is delicious. I'll definitely be able to drink another one later." He took another sip and then shared his fears. "What if Dad doesn't like Ana the way I want him to?"
"If Ana is everything you say she is...and your dad breaks your heart...I'm gonna have to kick his tail." Tonya winked and grinned when she said this, so Teddy knew she was teasing. "But if things don't work out, I'm sure you'll be okay."
"I hope you're right," he said.
She gave him another warm smile and checked her watch.
"It's time for us to turn things over to Cupid," she said. "Let's hope his aim is true."
The image of Cupid shooting arrows into his dad's butt gave him a giggle.
It was five after eight.
His first order of business was a text to his father.
Hi, Dad. I've run away from home. Bye forever.
P. S. Don't be mad.
He knew his dad had a tracking app and would be able to find him. Adding 'bye forever' sounded dramatic and he thought it gave the message extra flair.
Next up was his call to Ana at the station.
"Good evening. You've reached 'The Dr. Elena Show.' This is Ana. How may I help you?"
"Hi, Ana!"
"Teddy! How was the class party? Did you score some good stuff?"
"The party was great. I called to let you know I've run away from home. I'm at the Yellow Dot Coffee Shop on Westlake. Bye forever."
"Bye forever? Why would you say that? This is not funny. If this is a joke, I'm really disappointed in you."
The thought Ana could be disappointed in him was a dagger to his heart.
"This isn't a joke. If you come to the Yellow Dot, I can explain."
"Don't move a muscle," she said. There was fear in her voice. "Don't go into the bathroom. Don't eat or drink anything. And don't talk to strangers. Promise me."
He looked down at his yummy fruit drink. He didn't want to risk her being more upset by telling her he'd already broken some of her instructions. It was impossible to count how many strangers he'd had contact with since he'd entered the shop.
"I promise," he said, not wanting her to worry needlessly.
"I'm on my way," she said. "I mean it. Stay put."
Her protective instructions felt good, exactly the way he thought a mother would be.
The coffee shop had been relatively quiet when he'd entered, but the place was full of life now. Most of the tables and booths were occupied, and the baristas were quite busy filling orders.
The tunes vibrating through the overhead speakers added an atmosphere of conviviality.
Tonya brought him a refill, so she must have been paying close attention, just as she'd promised. His clear plastic cup had been empty for less than a minute.
"Do you like the music?" She asked.
"It's okay," he said. He didn't want her to know romantic music wasn't his thing. "I just hope Ana likes it."
"She will," Tonya said, a gleam in her eyes. "And so will Cupid. The right songs help his aim."
As she walked away, he surveyed the room, half expecting to see a cherub floating around.
He checked his phone, surprised that he hadn't yet heard from his dad.
Cal would be waiting for an update, so he snapped a pic of his fruity drink concoction and sent it to his friend.
Everything is great. Ana is on the way.
Every time the bell above the door tinkled, he jumped.
It wasn't long before she arrived.
Ana.
The woman who was always meant to be his mother.
The tune playing in the background suited her perfectly. Someone was singing about a "Pretty Woman."
Ana was definitely that.
When she entered, everyone noticed. She was by far the most attractive person in the place.
Her boots clicked gently against the tile floor.
Her slim, petite frame was dressed in jeans, a navy turtleneck, and a matching pea coat. She carried a leather tote. She flipped her long, shiny brown hair behind her shoulders, as she searched the room.
When her blue eyes landed on him, her gaze was filled with wonder and gratitude, as if she too had found what she had been searching for.
She raced to scoop him up from his chair.
She was a small woman and he was a large child, but she was strong, pulling him up off the ground into a hug unlike any other he'd ever felt.
This was definitely a mom hug. He was sure of it.
He felt a loss when she released him.
She tipped up his chin, so he would face her.
"Your call terrified me," she said sternly.
"I knew you'd come," he said.
"Of course I came," she said softly. Hands on hips, she looked down at him with concern. "You should be home at this hour, getting ready for bed. Why did you run away from home?"
"I didn't mean to frighten you. I needed to get you here so you can meet my dad," he said.
"Is he here?" She narrowed her eyes and scanned the room.
"Not yet. I texted him. I'm sure he'll be here soon." Surely his father had received the text. Teddy wondered if he should send another or maybe even call.
"I'm meeting you and your father over spring break. There was no need for this." She reached out to smooth his hair. It was comforting. "Are you hungry? Has anyone bothered you?"
"I know all about stranger danger. Everyone's been great. I had a bowl of chili for dinner, so I'm not hungry. How about you? Tonya is one of the owners and she gave me this yummy drink. Would you like one?"
"No, thank you. But I'm happy to watch you enjoy yours." Ana joined him at the table. "How did you get here?"
"Uber. My friend, Cal, set it up."
She shook her head in disapproval and bit her lower lip. It was obvious he'd caused great distress for her, and for that, Teddy felt terrible.
"If I'm unhappy over what you've done, I can only imagine how your father will feel," she said.
"Can I get a picture to send Cal?" He was pushing his luck, but he maybe he could distract Ana and get her in a better mood.
"I guess so," she said, taking the phone from him. She pulled him into her side, leaned her head against his, and snapped a selfie of them together. "Here you go."
Teddy sent the image to Cal, who responded immediately.
Your mom is really pretty. My mom is still looking for her phone. :)
"Are you tired?" Ana asked. She took the phone from him and placed it face down. It was a not-so-subtle message that he should stay off his phone. "Too much screen time interferes with sleep."
"I'm wide awake. I feel like I could stay up all night." It was true. He brimmed with energy.
Teddy's phone buzzed against the Formica tabletop. He turned it over, expecting Cal.
He was wrong.
Dad.
This wouldn't be good.
"Uh-oh. It's my dad. He's gonna chew me out."
"And well he should. Answer it," Ana ordered.
Teddy sat frozen, avoiding the inevitable.
Ana picked the phone up and handed it to him.
"Hi, Dad," he squeaked.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" His father's voice was so loud, he may as well be on speaker. "Gail woke up and couldn't find you. She called me, scared to death. I just saw your text."
Teddy hadn't considered Gail might wake up. And he'd never heard his father sound so alarmed.
"I'm sorry, but I really needed to do this," he said. "I'll explain when you get here."
"For the love of all that's holy, stay put at the Yellow Dot. I'll be there soon."
As he shut down the call, Teddy felt ashamed and embarrassed.
"Dad's upset. Gail...she's our housekeeper...she fell asleep and that's when I sneaked away," he said. He fiddled with the cuffs of his sweater, unable to meet Ana's eyes. "I didn't mean to worry everyone, but I wanted you and my dad to meet today."
"Why today? I'm really trying to understand what's going through your head." She ran a hand through her hair in exasperation.
"It's Valentine's Day." Teddy absentmindedly picked up his near empty cup and shook the ice. "Spring break is too far away. I couldn't wait that long. I want you and my dad to meet today so you can become each other's valentine. It's important."
"That's a lovely thought. But you can't force two people to become valentines," she said.
Before he could respond, Tonya approached carrying a tray with another fresh kiwi-starfruit drink. She placed it in front of Teddy and took away the empty.
"You must be Ana," she said with a big smile. "Welcome back to the Yellow Dot. What can I get you?"
"A decaf latte, please," Ana replied.
"Coming up. I'll be right back." Tonya winked at Teddy before stepping away.
"How did she know my name?" Ana asked.
"I told her about you. She's my friend. See that table," he said, pointing across the aisle. "She set it up. That's for you and Dad. Everything is on the house tonight."
"Looks like she went to some trouble. She needn't have." Ana looked toward the ceiling, as if seeking answers.
"Theodore Grey!" His father's voice boomed throughout the shop so loudly that Teddy hadn't heard the bell announcing his arrival.
The shop went completely silent.
All eyes were on Dr. Christian Grey.
Uh-oh, Teddy thought. I've never heard Dad sound so furious.
His frantic father surveyed the room, nostrils flaring and eyes bulging in sheer terror.
Teddy stood up, waved, and called out to his father.
"Dad! Over here!"
When their eyes met, Teddy could see the relief on his father's face; he felt very guilty for having put his father and Ana through so much aggravation.
His father stomped toward him in fury, but the closer he got to holding his son, his demeanor softened. He pulled his son to him and kissed the top of his head.
"You scared the life out of me. And poor Gail. What's the reason for this?"
"This is the reason." Teddy stepped aside and waved his arms in Ana's direction. With the fanfare of a showman he said, "Ta-da! Surprise!"
He thought his dad would jump up and down and shout hallelujah, but instead his father dropped his hands to his knees. He was bent over, dazed and slack-jawed, staring at Ana.
She touched her horseshoe necklace, then spread her fingers out in a fan against her breastbone. She gazed wide-eyed at the man in front of her.
They're acting so strange. They seem to recognize one another, he thought. Is this good or bad? Uh-oh. Maybe I've done the wrong thing.
A/N: Thank you, dear readers, for sticking with us. We apologize for the cliffy, but it's what works best for the story. There are only two chapters left and the next one will be posted before Thanksgiving. We appreciate your support and kindness more than you can know. Much love, Carmelita and Paula