Book 5: Another Way

Episode 21

© by William Arthur Holmes

Armando Lopes (pronounced LOH-psh) was behind the counter tending to his customers as he did every day but Mondays — twelve hours a day since emigrating from the US. He was of average height, well-tanned, with thick gray hair. His poker buddies called him Wrong Way Lopes for emigrating from the United States to the Azores instead of the usual other way around. It was all in good fun. They knew him as a good man, even if he was from the wrong side of the pond.

Over the years growing up in the States, he developed the habit of regularly glancing out the window so no one could sneak up on him. It was during one of these glances now that he saw something to make him smile. On the other side of the plate-glass window, a beautiful young woman was smiling to herself and checking out his wares.

It had been years, and she was all grown up now, but he could never forget that face, that smile.

He apologized to his customers, instructed a young assistant to cover the register, and hurried out the door. He had to find out for sure. Had to move fast, too, before this woman moved on to the next shop.

She could easily pass for Azorean, but he said in English as he came out, “Excuse me, miss?”

She turned and smiled uncertainly. Still recovering from jet lag — and that hotel desk clerk — she lost her balance, mid-turn. Armando reached out to help steady her.

“D... Dad?” she said as soon as her mouth allowed her to speak.