Esperanza’s is a great little taqueria,
one of Aunt Cora’s favorite “hidden
hot spots.” Apparently it’s one
of Bryce’s favorites too.
He pulls up in front. They have
killer burritos here. Oh, hey,
you do like Mexican food, don’t
you? Wow, this place is rocking.
“Well, yeah. It is lunchtime.
And yes, I do, in fact, like Mexican
food. We’d better hurry, though,
or we’ll be late back to school.”
We go inside, squeeze our way
through the crowded tables
to the takeout counter. Bryce
orders his burrito. I ask for
a chicken soft taco before
I discover,
“Oh, no. I didn’t
bring any money.” I must have
left it in yesterday’s jeans.
Bryce doesn’t miss a beat.
I’ve got it. I invited you to lunch,
remember? Surprise number two.
Some guys are still gentlemen.
We eat in the car, listening
to music I could never play
at home, at least not without
headphones, at least not
when Grandfather is around.