Chapter 8: Imagine Her Surprise

Soon after, Rosa and Naomi headed back to San Jose to talk to Naomi’s mother. Naomi’s mother did a double take when they walked into the restaurant. 

“Naomi, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?” 

“Actually, I am. Mom, this is my boss, Rosa. Rosa, this is my mom, Erika.” 

“Pleased to meet you, Erika,” said Rosa. “Sorry to drop in unannounced.” 

“Oh please. There’s no ‘uninvited’ at a restaurant,” said Erika. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard good things.”

“That’s nice to hear,” said Rosa, smiling. 

“Now sit. Can we get you some coffee?” 

“That would be lovely, thank you,” said Rosa. 

“Naomi, why don’t you get Rosa some coffee. Get me a cup while you’re there too.” 

Naomi rolled her eyes, “Sure, Mom.” 

It took her a while to make a fresh pot of coffee. By the time she got back to the table, Rosa and her mom were spilling the tea like old friends. 

“So, Rosa has been telling me about this computer virus you two have been trying to track down. You’ve got quite a puzzle on your hands.”

“We do, Mom. And we were kind of hoping you could help.” 

“Me? How could I possibly help?”

“Did Rosa tell you about the money?”

“The money?”

“We think the virus is giving money to people who need it,” said Rosa. 

“Interesting. Where do you think it’s getting the money?” asked Erika. 

“We’ve a heard a few examples of the virus showing some clear anti-corporate tendencies,” answered Rosa. “We’re wondering if there’s a connection.” 

“You think it’s redistributing some wealth, huh? You’ve got my attention, but I still don’t see how I can help.” 

“Well,” said Naomi, “When we were talking about it, this guy was describing the virus’ behavior. He said it reminded him of his old professor, Alice Lewis.” 

“Ah,” said Erika. “Yes, that does sound like her, doesn’t it?”

“You know her?” asked Rosa. 

“She’s a regular here at the restaurant. When things are slow, we sometimes chat.” 

“Ah,” said Rosa. 

“So, tell me about some of these Robin Hood shenanigans,” said Erika. “Who’s been impacted?”

Rosa looked at Naomi, silently asking her the question. Naomi nodded in response. 

“Well,” said Rosa, “My mom got a mystery deposit in her account last night after I got fired. 

It was a huge relief, because I’ve been sending her money, but I want to make sure it’s for real.” 

“We both got fired, Mom. The CEO was mad that we couldn’t find a fix for the virus.” 

Erika paused, “Please tell me you’re not here trying to fix things for that man.” “No, Mom. We just want to make sure Rosa’s mom will be OK.” 

Erika nodded. She looked at both of them, leaned over and rubbed Naomi’s arm, “Sweetie, why don’t you go get Rosa some more coffee. She looks tired.” 

Naomi nodded and walked to the kitchen. When she came back, Rosa and her mom were deep in conversation. Her mother asked, “Honey, can you help with the lunch shift? Rosa and I are having a nice talk.” 

Naomi saw how tired Rosa looked and nodded, “No problem, Mom.”

Throughout the lunch shift, the two of them sat at the table in the back. Naomi brought them lunch and let them keep talking. Every once in a while, she’d glance over to see them deep in conversation. At one point, she saw her mother reach out and pat Rosa’s hand. At another point, she actually saw her mother cry. There were no words. Who would have thought they would have bonded so completely? 

Finally, the lunch crowd thinned out. Erika asked Naomi, “Have you eaten anything, Honey?” 

“Not yet, Mom.” 

“Well, go get yourself something. You’re going to want to eat before we go see Alice.”

[Chapter 9 coming soon]