And I don't think we can solve 'em

 Bren missed Eddie and Roman's wedding. She worked on the Fourth for a co-worker. She knew Mario was disappointed, but he seemed disappointed about a lot of things lately. 

Really, she didn't mind. It was best to keep busy. He could go to his Dad's and really all she wanted to do was go home and collapse. It felt like one little catastrophe after another at work. Long lines. People needed ice and wasn't anyone working at the deli? Somehow she mulled through it. 

She knew her co-worker always worked the holidays. Her co-worker said she wasn't the kind who needed to visit with her sisters, but they were in town and it was a long-lost reunion to finally happen. All four of them could get together. Perhaps Bren envied that co-worker, yet she felt as if she was swallowed in her own grief because she didn't have any family like that. Just Mario, the fiance who didn't have time for anything these days.

Yes, a faint smile came to Bren's face thinking that must have been a nice moment, being with family like that. She hoped they were having fun and making good memories. All the while she scanned one item at a time and went on to the next customer. Sure there were a lot of self-checkouts open, but she still had a line to see to.

And then he showed up. He was much taller than she expected. It was like a big tree was coming through, or was it a bear? He had kind of a silly look on his face. Like he wanted to smile but knew he shouldn't. Like it was just a secret. His face was much older now, but she knew of it.

Bren acted as if she didn't notice. Of course, she was on the brink of tears. Not that she was thinking of who he was exactly, but she thought of her mother instantly. She knew where the photos were. Her mother never exactly said who he was. And it wasn't that they'd ever met. Still, as she looked up at him for a second she wondered if he had pictures of her.

It was doubtful. No, he wouldn't. He just couldn't care, she told herself. She scanned the tall diet drink and the leftover brisket that no one wanted.

"I'm just in town. My son got married," he smiled. "But I guess I missed him. He can be so aloof, you know." He sounded as if it wasn't right. Like how could he have raised him so wrong? He noticed her engagement ring.

"You're getting married?" He asked.

She nodded. Her smile was weak.

"When's that going to happen?" He kept giving her questions.

"Not anytime soon." She asked then if it was cash or card. He paid with a card. She looked at his name. It didn't mean a thing to her.

"You remind me of someone," he told her.

She gave him a dead stare as if he better go.

"If..if you've got the time, I'd really..really would like to talk to you."

"Fine." She couldn't imagine what he'd have to say now. Her dad had never been there, and she didn't really need one now.