ME: Yes, it’s been so awesome! I went sightseeing with Auntie Nora today while Uncle Nigel was at work. They’re out to dinner with friends tonight, so I’m exploring the neighborhood right now. I’m taking them to brunch tomorrow to thank them for having me, then we’re going to Leadenhall Market.

MOM: Sounds fun. Be careful, Auntie will try to grab the bill at brunch. Or if you pay, she’ll try to slip you money later on.

I sigh. Ever since I was a kid, Mom and Auntie Nora have fought over bills at restaurants and other expenses. It’s only natural she’d try to do the same with me now that I’m an adult and can pay for things. But even though I appreciate her generosity, she and Uncle Nigel have done enough by flying me to England and letting me stay with them. The least I can do is treat them to a meal.

ME: I’ll be ready. Want any souvenirs?

Callum returns with two pints just as she texts back that she wants a refrigerator magnet with the Union Jack flag on it. I chuckle and show him the text.

He lets out a soft laugh. “Really? A magnet? Your mum doesn’t realize you don’t have to travel to London to get one of those? She can order one online.”

“Even if I told her, she wouldn’t care. She would still want me to get her one from here.”

We take long sips of our beers, and I peer around the pub. It’s bustling for a weeknight, with the after-work crowd filing in for a drink before heading home.

“I totally dig the pub culture here, by the way.” I tilt my head to the line forming at the bar. “We have happy hour in the States, but nothing like this.”

“It’s ingrained in us from an early age. Any excuse to day drink.” Callum takes another sip.

A trio of middle-aged men make their way to the table across from us, pints in hand. I focus on the one seated nearest us, who has an old-school flip phone tucked inside the leather cell phone holder on his belt.

The memory of my dad sporting the exact same look pops in my head. I cup my hand over my mouth to stifle my laugh so the table doesn’t hear.

Callum’s face is pure confusion when he looks at me. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing. Just . . .” I nod to the table, and he twists to take a look. “My dad used to wear his cell phone on his belt just like that guy. It drove me and my mom crazy. He was the most stubborn person ever when it came to technology. Like, our family phone plan would let us upgrade every year, and every year either my mom or me would get a new phone. Not my dad.”