Chapter 7: A Father’s Expectations
871 Words
Morning arrived with a blanket of gray clouds over Todu.
Rain tapped softly against the windows of the Thompson mansion as Bill sat at the breakfast table, absently stirring his coffee.
He hadn't slept much.
Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Maya's smile.
It was strange.
He had only met her twice.
Yet she had occupied his thoughts more than anyone had in years.
"You're distracted."
Gerald's voice pulled him back to reality.
Bill looked up.
"I'm listening."
"No, you're pretending to."
Monica quietly placed a plate of pancakes in front of her son.
"Eat before it gets cold."
Bill thanked her with a small smile.
Gerald folded his newspaper.
"I spoke with Anthony this morning."
Bill already knew where the conversation was headed.
"He and Janet are hosting a family dinner this Saturday."
Bill took a sip of coffee.
"I hope you enjoy it."
Gerald's expression hardened.
"You'll be joining us."
"I have plans."
"What plans?"
Bill hesitated.
The truth was...
He didn't have any.
Not yet.
But he intended to find a reason to see Maya again.
"I'm busy."
Gerald leaned back in his chair.
"You've become very fond of that word."
"I'm twenty-two, Dad. I'm allowed to have a life."
"And I'm your father. I'm allowed to remind you of your responsibilities."
The tension in the room thickened.
Monica glanced anxiously between them.
"Can we please have one peaceful breakfast?" she asked gently.
Neither man answered.
Gerald looked directly at Bill.
"The Lopez family has been close to ours for decades."
"I know."
"Clara is intelligent, educated, and comes from a respectable family."
Bill slowly put down his fork.
"If this is about marriage..."
"It's about your future."
"My future should be my decision."
Gerald's voice dropped lower.
"Your future affects this family."
Bill stood.
"So does yours."
Without another word, he walked away from the table.
"Bill!"
Monica called after him.
But he didn't stop.
The front door slammed shut.
⸻
Outside, rain drizzled steadily as Bill climbed into his car.
Instead of driving toward the office, he found himself heading toward the center of town.
He didn't admit it to himself.
Not at first.
But eventually...
He realized exactly where he was going.
Collins Bakery.
⸻
The bell above the bakery door chimed softly.
Maya looked up from arranging fresh loaves on the shelf.
Her eyes widened.
"Bill?"
He smiled awkwardly.
"Hi."
For a second, neither of them spoke.
Then Mr. Collins appeared from the kitchen.
"Welcome! What can I get for you?"
Bill looked at the display case.
"I... actually don't know."
Maya laughed.
"You came to a bakery without knowing what you wanted?"
"I guess I did."
Mr. Collins grinned knowingly.
"Our cinnamon rolls are the best in town."
"I'll take one."
"And coffee?"
Bill nodded.
"Please."
"I'll bring it over."
As Mr. Collins disappeared into the kitchen, Maya stepped around the counter.
"So..."
"So?"
"You just happened to be passing by?"
Bill rubbed the back of his neck.
"Not exactly."
She folded her arms with a teasing smile.
"I thought so."
"I wanted to see you."
The words escaped before he had time to reconsider them.
Maya blinked.
For the first time since they'd met, she didn't know what to say.
Bill looked equally surprised by his own honesty.
"I mean..."
He laughed nervously.
"I was nearby."
"Were you?"
"Close enough."
Maya smiled.
"I appreciate the effort."
Before either of them could continue, the bakery door opened again.
Gladys walked in carrying a stack of textbooks.
She stopped in her tracks.
Her eyes moved from Bill...
...to Maya...
...and back again.
A slow grin spread across her face.
"Well, well."
Maya sighed.
"Don't."
"I didn't say anything."
"You don't have to."
Gladys walked over to Bill and extended her hand.
"I'm Gladys."
"Bill."
"The orange guy."
Bill laughed.
"I guess that's one way to remember me."
"It's the best way."
Maya shook her head, trying to hide her smile.
Mr. Collins returned with Bill's order.
"Here you go."
Bill thanked him and took a seat by the window.
Rain continued to fall outside, creating a peaceful rhythm against the glass.
Maya glanced toward the empty tables.
Business was slow.
She looked at Mr. Collins.
"Would you mind if I took my break?"
He smiled knowingly.
"You've earned it."
She poured herself a cup of tea and walked over to Bill's table.
"Mind if I join you?"
Bill looked up with a smile that reached his eyes.
"I was hoping you would."
Outside, the rain grew heavier.
Inside, neither of them noticed the passing time as they began talking—not about wealth or work, but about favorite books, childhood memories, and dreams they had never shared with anyone else.
For the first time in a very long while...
Bill felt as though someone was listening to him, not because of his last name, but because of who he was.
And for the first time since meeting the mysterious young man on the quiet street...
Maya realized she was beginning to look forward to seeing him.
Neither of them knew it yet.
But somewhere else in Todu, someone had already started asking questions about Maya Carter.
And the answers would change everything.
- Writer
