Saudade

Chapter 19

                “It’ll be fine,” I decided, cutting the engine and getting out of the truck. “I’m sure they’re not even here, he’s just parked here. Come on,” Harry followed me out of the driver’s side and Liz climbed out as well, tucking her phone into her back pocket. We grabbed the alcohol from the bed of my truck and began the walk to the back door of the house. The closer we got to the small house, the louder music became.

                “Adele?” Harry laughed, Adele’s big voice booming now.

                “My aunt’s obsessed,” I shook my head. My family was probably the only family that got drunk to Adele’s fierce tunes. Harry laughed, and I yanked open the front door. A collective “He-ee-ey!” greeted us, and I kicked off my shoes easily, setting the beer on the ground next to the door. Everyone was crammed into the small house as usual; four adults at a circle table, everyone else sitting on countertops or in chairs in the connecting living room. I went around hugging people, everyone asking me how I was and if I was enjoying England. I nodded, finally taking Harry’s hand to introduce everyone. “Harry, this is,” I began the long line of aunts, uncles and cousins to introduce. “And most importantly, this is my grandpa Eugene.” Harry stuck out his large hand to shake my grandpa’s, who grunted in what seemed to be approval.

                “Jeffery,” he grumbled to his son, “move your ass over and let me talk to this kid.” My uncle stood from his chair and nodded, letting Harry sit down. I watched Harry carefully as he leaned in while my grandpa began to speak. “Now, kid, my family has informed me you’re a musician.”

                “Yes, sir.”

                “Now, I don’t mean to knock the music industry but what’s your plan for when it all ends?”

                “Grandpa,” I intervened before he could start to ask too many personal questions, “Harry has nothing to worry about.” He slanted his eyes at me and pushed his lips together, but I just gave him a stern look back.

                “All right, then, tell me about this music career.”

                “What would you like to know, sir?” Harry asked politely. “Oh, by the way, Ryann mentioned you’re a fans of Budweiser, so I brought you some.” He pointed to the case of beer on the floor, “I made sure it was cold.” My grandpa grunted a second time, crossing his arms over his chest.

                “Well, that was nice of you.” He motioned for me to grab him one and I did, and he cracked it open. “You want one, kid?” Harry shook his head and my grandpa looked at me, “how about you, missy?” I shook my head as well.

                “You’d have to carry me out of here, grandpa.” He let out a full bellied laugh and raised his can to the statement before taking a long drink.

                “You know, kid, I just need to make sure whoever is hanging around my beautiful granddaughters are worth their time. Do you understand that?”

                “Yes, sir, and that’s respectable.”

                “Are you a good person, Harry?” My grandpa asked seriously, and Harry nodded very slowly.

                “I’d like to think so.”

                “What makes you a good person?” Harry stopped for a moment and thought about it, his lips rubbing together and eyes flicking back and forth. I wondered what his response would be. I noticed Liz had perked her head up from across the room and was listening closely through all the noise.