FULL CIRCLE
Chapter 46
Outside in the car Frank got behind the wheel and said, "I got the name and address from Natalie. It's called "Harry's Place" and is located at 814 East Wentworth Avenue."
Miles opened the glove compartment and pulled out the street directory. "It shouldn't be too hard to locate," he commented.
"Well, first I want to stop at this toy store. I found the perfect Christmas gift to put away for Tesha," Frank replied.
"Okay," miles said and turned to Frank. "Hey, what would a three-year- old girl like?"
"Your sister? She sure looks like a cute kid, considering the fact that she looks a lot like you," Frank replied.
"Now do I take it as a compliment or an insult?" Miles asked him.
"I haven't decided yet. But as for gifts for three-year-old girls, you are looking at the expert." He quickly drove to the store he wanted.
"Today's her birthday and I might as well get something," Miles told him.
"Little girls are easy to shop for. But don't go for something that's a certain character like Sponge Bob, Teletubbies, Barney, that sort of thing," Frank advised as they headed into the store. "You
never can tell what they like."
"So what's a good idea?
"Stuffed animals, play jewelry," Frank answered as he headed down an aisle of stuffed animals.
"So what are you getting for Tesha?" Miles asked.
"I saw this big floppy doll that looks just like her," Frank answered. "Now how do I get it home without Tesha finding out?"
Miles had stopped to look at a white rabbit wearing a pink dress and pink bows on it's ears. He remembered that Mikayla was wearing something pink. "I think this is a good choice."
"i agree. After we pay for the stuff, we can go get what else you need," Frank said, holding the doll in his arms.
The purchases quickly paid for, they headed out to the car. Miles looked lost in thought as Frank pulled out into the street. Finally he said, "Back at the hotel, well you know how I am without my
morning coffee. Sorry I had you and Nat staying up all night because of me."
"Don't worry about it, Miles. We all know this trip has been pretty rough on you. Being at the place your grandfather died," Frank told him.
"How the Hell did you know that?" Miles demanded. He held up a hand. "No. Wait. Let me guess. Two words--Eva Rossi."
"She was doing some background on Bay View and just happened to come across your grandfather's name. But you gotta admit that you haven't been yourself. And we know how you reacted when Connor mentioned the nursing home. The only other time I see that reaction from you is when the plane is either taking off or landing. It's like you're about to be facing something and you'd rather be anywhere else but there."
"I'm not even sure why I hate flying so much. Been that way ever since I took my first plane trip as a kid," Miles said.
"Yet you keep on flying."
"Yeah. But I have no choice since it's part of my job. And I still hate it every time," Miles replied. "I hope I don't hit the same turbulence flying back."
"Yeah. That was some trip," Frank agreed.
It didn't take long to purchase a card and gift bag. And then they were on the way to the bar. Pulling into the parking lot of "Harry's Place", Miles was relieved to see that the car appeared undamaged.
He had the suspicion that if it wasn't he could very well end up paying for the repairs. Not that he didn't deserve to anyway.
"Car okay?" Frank asked.
"Looks like it. I think I would be in big trouble if it wasn't," Miles replied. He grabbed his purchases and went to unlock the car. "I'll meet you back at the hotel."
"Yeah. You've got to come with us from the airport so you can get the car back," Frank reminded him. He watched as Miles pulled into the street and then followed him.