INT. COFFEE SHOP—DAY
Papa and Claudia sit in a booth by a window. The shop isn’t very crowded. They each have a cup and a plate with a treat in front of them.
CLAUDIA
It isn’t fair that Mom gets to talk to him first! I mean, he’s your son. And I’m the one who did all those puzzles!
Papa smiles.
PAPA
Yeah, well, there’s not exactly an etiquette manual for this sort of thing.
CLAUDIA
Guess not.
She takes a sip of her iced mocha.
PAPA
How’s your cupcake?
CLAUDIA
Kinda dry. How’s the pie?
PAPA
It’s okay. Listen, um, you’re probably going home after this trip, but I just wanted to say, I’m really glad you came to stay with me this summer.
CLAUDIA
Me too.
PAPA
Watching all those home movies with you, well, it made me realize I wasn’t really the father I wanted to be with Jeff. And with you here this summer, and us working together on that treasure hunt, it’s like I got a second chance with you.
Claudia smiles.
CLAUDIA
Oh, Papa, that’s so nice!
He reaches out and pats her hand, then looks away, embarrassed.
PAPA
This pie could really use a scoop of ice cream.
CLAUDIA
Everything’s better with ice cream.
PAPA
That was my one parenting trick. If things are going badly, buy the kid a snack.
CLAUDIA
Works for me! Remember those Popsicles we had before the merry-go-round?
PAPA
I think my fingers are still sticky.
Claudia laughs.
CLAUDIA
I don’t think you did such a bad job, Papa. At least you didn’t with me.
PAPA
Thanks.
They smile shyly at each other. Then Papa pulls out his phone.
PAPA (CONT’D)
I gotta call the hotel. Make sure they don’t give away our room.