3.26 A little extra spice

The neighbors finally left shortly before dinnertime, so Dad and I got changed and went to a Mt. Komorebian restaurant I found in downtown San Sequoia. It was fun when we got dressed up for Night Out on the Town, and deep down, we both enjoyed our fancy wear, so I picked a restaurant with an elegant dress code. Between that and the fact the restaurant would bring back positive memories, I thought we should have a good time.

The menu impressed him with all the vegetarian options. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for him. I ate vegetarian at home to make it easier, but that was the extent of it. Restaurants typically only had one or two options to choose from. It’s no wonder we never ate out when we lived with him on top of not having any money. I was glad my choice of venue worked out.

“This place is amazing,” he said. “How did you find it?”

“I saw it on one of those review websites.”

“Thanks for putting this together. I appreciate you.”

“Of course, Dad. It’s your birthday.”

We chatted for a bit while waiting for the food. He asked how I was enjoying San Sequoia. It was too early to tell, but so far I thought it was nice. He agreed.

“Looks like we chose a good place for me to retire, huh?”

“Totally. Are you gonna do that right away?”

“Retire? Nah, I don’t think so. This move cost a little more than I planned, so I want to build my savings back up a little. Plus, I want to finish this project I’m working on.”

I wondered how he’d feel about revisiting the conversation concerning my finances. Would he be open to letting me contribute now? But I knew him. I hated to think it, but he was a little prideful when it came to money.

The food came, and my meal looked amazing. His, on the other hand…

“Ummm…”

“Don’t eat that, Dad. You’ll get sick.”

He flagged down the server to see about sending the dish back.

“Excuse me…what is this?”

The server looked highly confused.

“Your…sushi, sir?”

I saw the moment Dad’s patience flew out of the window, and it was hilarious. He blinked a few times as he held his gaze with our idiot server, making him squirm. I stuffed my mouth with noodles so I couldn’t laugh.

“Does this look like sushi to you? Did you expect I would enjoy this? You know what? Tell the chef I am not happy with my meal and I would like something else.”

Most people didn’t know this, but both of my parents could get spicy when pushed. Dad was sweet, but he’d let you know what’s up in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, sometimes he couldn’t control his spice and it came out at the wrong times. But tonight, it was timed perfectly.

“Something else,” the server repeated slowly, as if he didn’t understand.

But Dad never let him go.

“Okay, okay,” the server relented. “I’ll tell him.”

“Can you believe that guy?” Dad huffed. “He shouldn’t have even brought this out!”

My restaurant was doing so well. Can’t win ’em all, I guess.

Dad got texts from Less and Mama. They both made him happy. He was still upset about the food, but maybe not enough to chop the server’s head off. I felt bad about eating without him, but I never had lunch, and I was starving.

Later on, the server came back around to check on us as if he forgot what happened earlier. That was when Dad decided it was time to leave. I had cake wait for him at home anyway, so at least he wouldn’t go to bed hangry.

“You thought of everything, huh?

“Really, Dad? What’s a birthday without cake?”

“You are 1000% correct. Never forget the cake.”

Dad stepped toward the cake.

“Aren’t you going to make a wish?” I asked.

“Why? My life is already great. I get to spend more time with you. Alessia is healthy and happy. I’ve got this great house. What else do I need?

Maybe a girlfriend, but I guess that’s more a nice to have than must have. How nice must it feel to have everything one wants? Maybe one day I too will be able to walk up to a cake and blow out the candles without care.