Chapter Text
“Bonjour. Que voulez-vous?” You ask with a smile. Your French really has gotten better, your accent is almost perfect.
“Um, parle anglais?” He asks his accent is horrible, but he’s trying. The little girl in his arms lets out a giggle.
“I do speak English.” You say, it’s strange getting to speak in your native tongue.
“You’re American?” He says sounding surprised.
“I am.”
“Amma!” The little girl squeals reaching for you. Her dark hair is wild and you don’t see much of her father in her, except for her eyes. They have the same eyes.
“No Tali. That’s not Amma.” He says sadly, “I’m sorry. You just look a lot like her mother.”
“Oh,” What do you say to that? “She’s beautiful.”
“So was her mom.” Was. He said was. The little girl, Tali he’d called her, starts to whimper then cry and reach for you. “I’m so sorry.” He looks embarrassed.
“I can hold her for a bit if you don’t mind.” You offer. You’ve always been good with kids.
“You really don’t mind?”
“Not at all. I’m a preschool teacher back in the states. I just needed to get out of there for a while.”
“I know the feeling.” He shoots you a smile as he passes his daughter to you over the counter. “Her mom never told me she existed. I only found out a three months ago after she died.”
“I’m so sorry.” You say rocking the toddler who quiets in your arms. “Does she know English?”
“Not much.” The poor man looks exhausted.
“I’m Layla.” You offer as the little girl buries her face into your shoulder.
“Tony.” He says with a soft smile, “This is Tali. But I think I already told you that.”
“That’s a beautiful name.”
“It was her mom’s sister’s name. Her mom is from Israel, Tali is the last surviving member of the family.” He says sadly.
“I’m so sorry.” You say as his daughter rests her head on your shoulder, she gently tugs on your hair. It bounces back up off your shoulder and she giggles.
“No, I’m sorry for dumping all this on you. I don’t know anyone in the area yet and it’s been a stressful few weeks.”
“Do you live here now?” You ask, please say yes, please say yes.
“Yes. Tali’s grandfather had a place here.”
“If you want to get together with someone, let me know.” You pull out a business card for him, one for the coffee shop, and jot your number on the back.
“I’ll be sure to call.” He says flashing you a smile.
“I’ll see you soon Tali.” You say giving the little girl a soft squeeze then passing her over to her Dad. “Did you want a coffee or anything?”
“Please. I swear this little girl never sleeps.” He says with a laugh, “I’ll take something with lots of caffeine and two sugars.”
“No problem.” You tell him before getting to work.