Eric is sleeping hard during his nap when he is startled awake by his phone. He opens his eyes and glares at it. He reaches out his hand and pulls the phone to him. He sees it’s Marco from the Stew Pot. He smiles and presses the answer button.
"Hello Marco, what can I do for you?"
"Funny you should ask that," Marco says with a chuckle.
"So when do you need us?"
"Tomorrow lunch if you can."
"More than happy to. Do you just need me, or me and the boys."
"If it’s possible, I could really use all of you."
"I can safely say without asking them that we will be there. They love coming down to help. They asked me the other day why we haven't been in a while. I think it was Tran who actually asked."
"I love having you guys to help. It’s always a great time."
"How can it not be? We are helping folks who really need it."
"I know, and they really appreciate it, too. Especially the children, because somehow the toy corner and the toy gift basket always seem to grow substantially every time you guys show up."
Eric laughs a moment.
"Marco, really you have no idea. I bet Joey gets 20 teddy bears a week sent to him. Not to mention toys and things of that nature. I won't mention some of the things he gets; it’s pretty disgusting that some of these people out there are sending naked pictures to him. I guess that's why we go through things before he sees them. I am sure that he will be bringing a lot of Tonka trucks since we got a couple of cases of them from Mattel the other day.
“Joey mentioned how he and Alejandro love playing with my old Tonka trucks and the bulldozer. He said he just wished he had a dump truck. Next thing you know, people the world over start sending dump trucks. It’s impossible for him to thank everyone who writes to him, but he does pretty good when they send him a gift. He usually tells them ‘thank you very much’ for whatever gift it was. He is honest with them; he either tells them he loves it and is going to keep it, or that he loves it but gets so many things he wants to share with the disadvantaged children in our community. Everyone knows he does that. He doesn't say where because we don't want problems, of course. But on his website, he says that he donates the majority of what people send him. That's why you see him bringing in dolls and things as well, because people want to help the girls too. It’s a beautiful world … well, mostly."
"I tell you what Eric, you got three great boys there."
"Who you telling?" Eric responds with a laugh.
"I tell you what though, Alejandro, boy he is a peach. I was talking to him today. Hold on just a sec."
Eric hears a commotion in the background.
"Eric, I will talk to you tomorrow. I have to go."
"Is everything OK? Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, it will be fine. One of the ladies cut her finger pretty bad."
"See you tomorrow."
With that they ended the call.
Eric climbs out of bed and the urge to pee is VERY strong, so he rushes to the restroom and lets it go. He cocks his head to the side thinking, “How did Marco talk to Alejandro today?” Or, more importantly, where did he talk to him at today? Eric wouldn't have a problem if Alejandro went to the Stew Pot; he just wants to know. The city is pretty safe during the day; at night, not so much. But it’s just one bus ride with no transfers, and the bus stops right in front of the Stew Pot.
Eric is sure going to find out what the fuck is going on. He is getting more and more upset as he continues thinking about it.
“Maybe I let them have too much freedom. But I rebelled when my dad tried to get me to stop going to McDonald's when I was, what, 10. I ran away from home, and my dad had no clue where to find me. The next morning he picked me up at Mr and Mrs Brown’s house. They talked a good while and decided maybe I was spending too much time there. Then they sat me down and talked to me and explained it so I understood.
“My parents were not being tyrants, and I don't want my boys to think I'm one, either. I should probably keep better track of where they go. I mean, they told me this morning that Alejandro was going to Cindy's. Wait, he didn't tell me that, I assumed it.”
Eric finishes peeing and washes his hands. When he walks out of his room, he hears Cindy's laugh.
"And then he leaned forward and let his hair fall off. Oh, it was so funny." Alejandro is telling the story and laughing as he is, trying to talk, laugh, and breathe all at the same time. It’s a glorious sight to see for sure as Eric walks into the room. Alejandro and Cindy are sitting on the couch, watching a Disney show.
"Alley, I am sure gonna miss Mr Kronk. He is a fun teacher."
"I almost peed that first day when he lifted up his hair and scratched the top his head," he tells her. "Why do you think he has fake hair if he takes it off all the time?"
"Probably for girls," she says like she knows.
"Yeah, prolly."
"Or maybe he just likes to make people laugh," Eric says from behind them.
"Oh hi, Poppi. Did you nap good?"
"I sure did." As he walks around the couch, Eric sees Buddy sleeping away under Alejandro's dangling feet.
"Mr Eric, you might be right, he does like to make us laugh all the time. But I never learned so much either."
"Apparently proper English was an elective."
She gives him a quizzical look, then giggles.
"You’re silly, Mr Eric."
Eric sits in the chair that's closest to Alejandro.
"Guess who I just had a nice long talk with?"
Alejandro doesn't think and blurts out, "Joy."
Eric laughs.
"That's a good guess for sure. We do have long talks, don't we?"
Alejandro looks to Cindy and explains, "They talk like ten times a day. Then at night sometimes it’s like an hour long."
Eric laughs.
"We don't really talk ten times a day."
"At least five," Alejandro counters.
"Yeah, I will go with five. It’s usually her who calls, though. Besides, I'm not defending talking with my friend, especially the one who brought you into my life."
"And I wouldn't want you to," he says, grinning.
They sit in silence a brief moment.
"I was talking to Marco."
Alejandro was looking directly at Eric and then at his name being mentioned, Alejandro turns his face away from Eric but keeps his eyes on him. Eric knows that without a doubt he is keeping something from him.
"Oh,"is all he says.
Eric has learned that this is the flight or fight mode of his son. From his past experience, if something is going on you are always ready to run. He sees him scoot forward on the seat cushion.
Eric wants him calm but he wants his nerves up a bit too. Because he knows if he is in that state he will get the story. He just has to be smart about it. Alejandro is far from a stupid boy who will just blurt out whatever is going on.
"He asked if we could help out tomorrow for lunch at the Stew Pot. I of course said yes."
Eric hears Alejandro let out his breath and lean back a little. He isn't comfortable but he’s relaxed enough.
"We, uh, talked about you and your conversation today," Eric continues.
Alejandro looks at Eric and gestures with his hands.
"It’s not why I do it, Poppi. I don't want people knowing I'm doing it. If they give me an award then everyone will know. I just want to do it cuz it’s right," he explains, almost crying.
"Why don't you enlighten Cindy about why they want to give you an award. See what she thinks."
He takes in a deep breath and sits back.
"You ‘member how at Thanksgiving time, lots of us boys and girls went out and collected food for the people who need it, right?" Alejandro begins.
"Yeah, you got lots."
"We got lots; we went together."
"They want to give you an award for that? I don't think you even collected the most."
"I didn't, and it’s kinda cuz of that."
He stops for a moment to collect his thoughts. Eric prompts him, interested to see where this is going.
"Go on. Tell her what you did.
"Well, I got to thinking. You know back then I was hungry ALL the time. Thanksgiving to me was any day I got to eat. So I went around the next week and told all the people about me and my past a little bit. How, before Poppi, I was hungry a lot because my mom wasn't in a good place at that time. I asked if maybe they would want to help once a week, or even once a month would be real cool, too. Every bit helps, like Poppi always says. So I go out every Saturday and go through the neighborhood to collect food and stuff for people that need stuff, and then I take it up to the Food Bank and give it to them."
"You been doing this since Thanksgiving?"
He nods at her.
"And you never asked me to help you?" she asks, with a tinge of anger in her voice.
Alejandro turns towards her and takes her hand closest to him in both of his hands.
"Cindy, I know you would have in a second if I asked you to help. But, it was for me. It was so I could pay back all the kindness of people who have helped me. For the times I would be outside super cold, almost freezing, in my coat from two winters before. Maria would bring me a hot plate of food, tell me she loves me and kiss my cheek. It’s me paying it back for when Joey would always share his lunch with me even though he really didn't even have enough for him. It’s for every time our teacher Mr Eric hid money in Joey’s desk or backpack so we could eat again tomorrow.
“Sometimes I didn't eat for days and had to fill up my tummy with water so I could go to sleep. I do it so I can make sure there is a little boy or girl who doesn't have to do that. I do it because the world has given me a perfect life now. I can go downstairs and eat any time I want to. I can eat as much as I want to. I am so blessed, I guess is the way to say that I have the greatest family in the world. I got the prettiest girlfriend in the world, too. I never thought in a million years my life would be this great, but it is. So I can help people now, and I want to help people. It’s the right thing to do because they are right in front of me everyday. You don't know, maybe it even goes to one of our classmates. You don't know who you help most of the time. But you know you that are helping. So see why I have to do it on my own? Why it’s so important to me?"
Cindy absorbs what he has said and you can see her replaying it word for word in her head. The tears start to slip from her eyes.
"I wish you could forget that all of that happened to you," she says through her tears.
"Cindy, I don't EVER want to forget that. Because as long as I ‘member how it hurts to be so hungry, how even a saltine cracker can taste like heaven when you haven't eaten for two days, I can ‘member how much better I have it now, better than most of the world for that matter. If I ever forget, then I may start thinking I'm special or something. I don't want to feel like I'm better than anyone, cuz I know I'm not. I'm just real lucky is all."
"He didn't tell me who wants to give him the award," Eric says. He isn't lying; Alejandro didn't tell him, any of it for that matter.
"The ‘Lunch Optimals’ or something like that."
Eric smiles.
"The Noon Optimists?"
Alejandro eyes light up.
"That's them. But Poppi....do I have to get the award?"
"I tell you what. When I heard what you did my heart nearly burst out of my chest with pride, even more so than you just being my son," Eric says while thinking, “I heard it from your own lips less then two minutes ago.”
"I think you should, Alley. It’s a real honor. My dad says they only honor exemplary people in the community. I had to look up ‘exemplary’ and it means really good people."
"But it’s private," he half begs her.
"Have you thought that when people hear about the award, they might donate more often as well?" Eric asks. "You know it’s always good to get the food bank’s name in the paper, especially with something like this. It will make people think that when someone so young is helping, then why aren't they?"
"I never thought about that," Alejandro says, scrunching his face a bit in thought.
"I tell you what," Eric says, putting his hand on Alejandro's knee. "I will let you decide if you want to or not. I will back you up either way."
"I know you will, Poppi. You always got my back."
"I always will, too. Now I will let you two get back to visiting."
Eric takes his leave and goes back to his room to slip on the tennis shoes the boys gave him and heads out to the pool area where he immediately calls his best friend.
"What’s up, Eric?"
"You are never going to believe this. OK you will, but it’s amazing."
"Well, tell me or I will never know."
"Noon Optimists want to give Alejandro an award."
"Wow. What did he do? They only give out four a year and sometimes not even that many."
"If you would shut up I would tell you," he says, joking with her.
She gets serious.
"OK, what did he do?"
"He has been sneaking around behind everyone's backs collecting food every week and taking it to the food pantry. He’s been doing it every Saturday since Thanksgiving. I tell you what, Joy, most parents are worried their boys are sneaking behind their backs doing drugs or drinking. I got to worry mine are trying to save the world," he laughs.
"Oh my god, Eric, that is so sweet."
"He was telling Cindy why and went through part of the list of the hunger he had to endure. I almost started crying again over it. It just rips my heart out every time I hear it. My little guy hungry; or any little guy for that matter."
"What about the girls?" she asks jokingly.
"Fuck the fish," Eric tells her.
She busts up laughing.
"Oh, speaking of fucking the fish, Lucas is having his girlfriend over from college to meet me. I think it’s pretty serious, my friend."
"How long has the little shit been home? He hasn't said anything to me. I would have brought the boys to welcome him home for the summer."
"He just got in like three hours ago. I'm sure he will be by tomorrow. Especially after I tell him about Alejandro."
"Oh, you can't tell him that."
"Why the hell not?"
"Because Alejandro may not accept it. He doesn't want any recognition for what he’s doing. He just wants to do it because it’s the right thing for him to do."
"That boy just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. He needs to get in trouble more often."
"What? Fuck you. He doesn't need to be in trouble. He is a gooood boy."
"I know he is. It’s really sweet that he doesn't want to be rewarded for it though."
"I know, isn't it? But I tried to talk him into it. I am leaving the ultimate decision up to him, though."
"I would try to force him."
"I know you would, it’s why Lucas hates you."
"He does not," she protests with a laugh.
"So you got to tell me. Does Tran have a boyfriend or not?"
"I think he does, but I'm not positive. It seems like he is leaning in that direction."
"What did you think of him?"
"Tyler is his name. He is a really nice young man. I think he will be great for Tran."
"Most dads aren't that quick to accept a child's boyfriend or girlfriend."
"Believe me, I was looking. He really just seems like a very good young man. He takes his piano lessons on Friday evening because it’s the only time available."
"So he’s got discipline and goals, it sounds like."
"That's what I gathered, too. Tran told me Tyler is on the honor roll as well."
"That's good. Maybe they will get married and take over your empire."
"You know, it’s scary. But this ‘empire’ is getting so big, Joy, that it’s terrifying. It’s just too much for one man to have, I think, and it keeps getting bigger."
"What are you going to do, give it all away?"
"I don't know. I could be like Warren Buffet and give half away. But then, who would I give it to? I don't know, I probably won't do it. But it’s really overwhelming sometimes to realize that the boys and I could live literally anywhere in the world, own the nicest homes, and have the nicest things. All from a stupid little kid who loved cheeseburgers."
"For one, you were never stupid. Two, I couldn't see you living in Beverly Hills or something driving a Bentley convertible. Honestly, I'm surprised you got the house you did. I know it was always your dream house, but you’re so fucking sensible about things. You have more money than fucking Wyoming, probably, and you bitch about paying $90 for a pair of tennis shoes for the boys."
"But it’s $90. I mean, don't get me wrong at all. I love the boys and am happy to get them anything they want within reason, regardless of cost. It just seems ridiculous that they charge $90 for tennis shoes they make in China for like $3 and pay the workers about the same, then have maybe $20 in them all together and then charge $90. And those are the mid-range kind. They got some for $200 and more."
"Eric, we don't need to go over this for the hundredth time. You’re preaching to the choir."
"But when I was a boy.…"
"Oh Jesus, Grandpa, give it a rest." She starts sounding like an old woman. "When I was little, a Coke was a nickel, and you were glad to have it."
Eric laughs at her.
"And this is why I hate you."
"So I hear you are going to be at the Stew Pot tomorrow?"
"I'm so glad you and Marco hit it off. You are good for each other."
"Me too. He is such a good man."
"Yes, we are going to help at lunch is my understanding."
"Now you can unload all those trucks."
Eric laughs.
"People are so great, you know."
"Most are. I just wish I spent more time with the good people."
"Hey, why don't you and Lucas come to dinner with his girlfriend tomorrow. That way his girlfriend knows he has influences apart from poor white trash."
"Fuck you, dickhead. What’s that song, ‘White Trash with Money?’ Ring any bells there, mister?" They both start laughing.
Eric really wants to meet this girl who has Lucas’ heart. A boy he has known and loved his entire life. A boy that was in a way his first son, in his heart anyway. So he says what he knows will get her.
"I will make lasagna."
"Homemade, no cheating with the boxed one."
"But you like that one!"
"I do, but yours is better."
"Alright, no cheating."
"Good. I will see you then."
"Six o’clock good?"
"Perfect, see you then."
They hang up and Eric walks back into the main part of the house. He loves talking to Joy because he can be as stupid and goofy as he wants, as you can only do with a friend who has been so since childhood.
He goes to look into what to make for supper for them tonight, and also what he will need to get tomorrow at the store. He really wants to celebrate Alejandro's award even though he isn't sure if he’s going to accept it or not. He really doesn't want to cook, either. He sends out a group text to the boys.
[Eric] Meet me in the living room
He walks in, sits down, and waits for them. Maybe the phones weren't such a bad idea; texting them surely was easier than hunting them down in 16,000 square feet of house.
[Alejandro] Be right there Poppi
[Tran] I'm on it Ba
[Joey] Dad I’m still at my friend’s
He reads them and sends one back to Joey.
[Eric] Is he staying the night?
He waits a moment for Joey’s answer.
[Joey] No dad he has to go to a family thing tomorrow
[Eric] Alright head home I want to talk to you boys
[Joey] Be there in 5 minutes dad
About two minutes after the initial text, Tran walks in holding a book.
"You really are enjoying ‘The Restaurant at the End of the Universe’ series, aren't you?"
"I am Ba, it’s just so funny and crazy. I just can't stop reading about Arthur, Ford and Zaphoid. I laughed so hard at one part, I cried."
"Do you remember the part?"
"Sure,” he says," A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."
Eric laughs.
"That is so true."
"What’s true, Poppi?" Alejandro asks as he walks in with Cindy.
Tran repeats it. It takes them a second and then they both giggle.
"So what’s up, Ba?"
"Well, I heard something interesting I want to celebrate and thought we could go out and have a nice steak dinner tonight. But I can't tell you anything because it’s not official yet," Eric says and looks at Alejandro to let him know what he is talking about and isn't sharing with his brothers because it’s not his place to do so at this time. He wants to keep his confidence.
Alejandro knows that Eric has probably told Joy by now, but he doesn't mind her knowing. She is Poppi’s best friend, after all. He tells Cindy everything. Well, except what could get Poppi in trouble, which he thinks is stupid because he wants to do stuff as much as Poppi does.
"I think that sounds like a fine idea," Alejandro says, imitating Eric.
Tran and Cindy are rolling with laughter and Eric chuckles at it.
Eric gives them a minute to calm themselves.
"Tran, what do you think?"
He imitates Eric saying something like he would say it.
"I concur it does sound like a fine idea."
Alejandro can't stand it and is laughing so hard at his brother. Cindy can't seem to stop giggling and Tran is rolled up in a ball on the couch, laughing. Eric can't help but to join in. “These boys are really something,” he thinks. “I never know what to expect.” Joey walks in as he is thinking this.
"What’s so funny?"
The boys calm down and Alejandro looks at Joey and says, "Poppi." That gets Tran, Cindy and him going again.
He looks at Eric with a clueless look on his face.
"Did, you tell a joke or something?"
"No, I am the joke."
Tran is laughing so hard he is snorting at Eric's wit.
Alejandro has to sit on the floor, he’s laughing so hard. Buddy comes up and licks his face.
"So Joey, we are going to Bob’s and have a nice meal is what was decided."
"Do I got to wear a tie?” he asks, hoping for the answer he pretty much knows he isn't going to get.
Eric simply nods.
"Miss Who, would you care to join us?"
"I've never been to Bob’s; how should I dress?"
"Just wear one of your Sunday dresses," Eric tells her.
"So we leave in an hour. I will call and make sure we can get in. Otherwise I guess it’s Sizzler."
"Poppi, what’s Sizzler."
They all look at him waiting.
"It’s a steakhouse chain. I think it’s still around but I'm not sure. It was meant kind of as a joke, because people used to say it was cheap but awful. I honestly liked it. Joy and I went there a lot years ago. It was great because I wasn't making a ton of money then and Joy had just started at CPS and made less than me. So it was a nice treat going out and having a steak dinner you can afford and not have to stress about it later."
"You should get one of those, Poppi."
"I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to run a regular restaurant. Besides, I think we got enough chains going now with two."
"Maybe buy the whole chain, Ba, if it’s not so big, don't you think?"
"Just go get showered and dressed," Eric says, exasperated.
What Eric is thinking is. “I'm not getting a fucking Sizzler let alone the whole chain if it is even around anymore. The one here closed like ten years ago.” He thinks he will have to check that out as the children scurry off to do as they are asked. Eric sits a few minutes, then realizes that he’d better get going, too.
He heads up the back steps to his room and he takes a quick shower. When he gets out he dries off and gets dressed in a nice blue pinstripe with a white dress shirt and a red tie. He goes to the restroom and styles his hair a bit with gel. He looks in the mirror and thinks, “I look good.” He isn't bragging to himself; usually he looks in the mirror and thinks, “Meh.” He considers himself to be an average looking guy who sometimes has really good days. Eric heads back into the bedroom and slips on socks and some black cap toes. He heads down the main stairwell and finds Joey at the piano playing a song. Eric goes and sits on one of the couches in the area and listens.
When Joey is done he asks him, "Is that a new one you’re working on?"
"Yeah, dad. What do you think?"
"I really like it. I like how the speed goes up and down. How it’s like a crashing wave one minute then the soft sound of a song bird next. It’s really amazing, Joey."
"Dad, you would say anything I play is amazing."
"I know; maybe I'm too proud of you if that's possible. But I am always honest with you. I think that is the best song you have ever written. I think that's saying a lot. Why don't you play it for Tran and Alejandro when they come down and see what they think?"
"Alejandro really likes it a lot. I haven't played it for Tran yet."
"How about this? Wait until Cindy gets back so you have more peoples’ thoughts on it."
"Alright, dad." he agrees, but he’s still not sure it’s really good. He knows he could play Chopsticks and his dad and Alejandro would think it was great. Tran, however, will tell him if he doesn't like it, and then tell him why. He likes that about Tran; he is always honest with Joey and not blinded by love. He knows Tran loves him a lot, just as he does Tran. It doesn't keep them from being honest in their feelings, though. Such feelings cloud the judgment of the other two, he thinks.
"Why don't you go do your hair while we wait."
"Dad, I already did my hair."
"It’s so messy though. Just go run a comb through it."
"Dad, this is how it’s supposed to look."
"Alright, if you want your hair to look like you just got out of bed, it’s fine with me."
Joey rolls his eyes at Eric, knowing he is trying to get his way and is not very subtle this time.
Eric thinks it is kind of cute, though, but just so messy. He wants to run his fingers through it to straighten it out. How does he know if it’s right, even? It doesn't matter, it’s not my hair I suppose, he finally decides.
Joey gets off the bench and goes and sits on Eric’s lap. Eric wraps his hand around his chest and pulls him into him.
"I love you, Joey," Eric says and kisses the top of his head.
"I love you too, dad."
"You wear your hair however you want. I'm not saying I won't complain about it sometimes. But it’s how you want it. You’re young yet. Why not do crazy stuff with your hair?"
"Can I dye it purple?"
"I'm not sure the record company would like their big young star with purple hair. They may make you change it back before the tour which is just a couple weeks away. So at this time it might not be a prudent choice."
"But otherwise you would let me?"
"I would make you think about it a couple weeks first if you REALLY wanted to do it. But after that if you said yes, then sure, I suppose. It will grow back normal."
"Do you want purple hair?"
"No, not really. I was just wondering what you would say."
"They got that spray stuff you can use if you wanted to try it."
"That might be cool. You gonna try it too?"
Eric laughs, "Can you imagine me with purple hair?"
Joey imagines just that for half a second and starts laughing.
"You’re way too serious for that." He gets off Eric’s lap. "Purple hair," he says looking up at Eric, and laughs again.
"What, I think I could pull it off," Eric insists, trying like hell to be serious. But finally he starts laughing as well.
"We would so have to send Joy a picture of that," Joey says, grinning.
"No way; she would make posters of it. She’d take a loan out on her house and put up a billboard. You don't know her like I do. You think she is all sweet and nice. But she’s really super mean."
"She is not," Joey giggles.
"You have no idea," Eric says while managing to keep a straight face.
"I'm making you boys’ favorite for supper tomorrow."
"Cool are you gonna make the garlic bread homemade or the store kind?"
"I suppose I can make it since you want
me to."
"Cool."
"That's not even the best part."
"I don't see it getting much better unless you say we are having cheesecake for dessert."
"Duh, that's a given with lasagna."
Joey giggles.
"Don't get the fancy kind. Get the regular one so we can put that cherry stuff on it. That's the best way."
"Your wish is my command."
"So is it better then that?"
"Joy is coming to supper."
"OK, but she comes all the time. I mean it’s nice but it’s not like super exciting."
"Lucas is home from school and coming, too."
Joey grins a huge grin.
"Now that is so cool!"
"I thought you would think so. He can tell you about your song, too."
"He’s kinda like a big brother, isn't he?"
"I suppose that seems about right. He has a girlfriend who’s coming, too."
"Aw man, does she bowl? Cuz I gotta beat the big guy at bowling."
"I have no idea. I don't even know her name yet. But she has to be pretty special to get our Lucas' heart."
"She better be," Joey says with furrowed up brows.
Alejandro and Joey come down the stairs looking dapper in their suits.
"We should go out more often. You boys are all so handsome in your suits."
They all smile at the compliment.
Eric suddenly says, "I just thought I better just pick up Cindy. I wouldn't want her to get her dress mussed."
"We sure don't want that,"Alejandro said with all the seriousness in his being.
Eric pulls his phone out of his pocket and calls the Brady's.
"Hey John its Eric. I suppose I should have asked before inviting Cindy to dinner. I hope it’s alright."
"Eric, we figured she would have dinner at your place anyway. She seems to most Saturdays."
"Yeah I guess so, I never thought of it like that before. You and the wife want to join us?"
"No, but thank you. It’s just a nice night and we would like to stay home and enjoy each other’s company." Eric hears a bit of jest in his voice.
"Oh, it’s that time?"
"You betcha!" he chuckles.
"I was actually calling to let Cindy know we will pick her up so she won't get her dress mussed up."
"No, we don't want that. We’d hear about it for a week again."
"I just wanted to let her know. We are leaving here in about five minutes so hopefully she is ready."
"She is a female that's for sure. I still haven't figured them out."
"If you do, let me know. I will buy a publishing house and we will be rich."
John chuckles, "Eric, you are already rich."
"Yeah, I'm poor compared to what that would make."
John starts laughing. "You’re probably right about that. I would buy a copy as would most men I think."
"We could charge a hundred dollars a copy and it would sell like hot cakes. Trust me, I know how hot cakes sell," Eric says, laughing.
John has a good chuckle at that.
"Oh, here she is. I will let her know you will pick her up."
"Alright, we will be there in about ten minutes then."
"See ya Eric."
"Have fun tonight, John. Maybe Cindy will get a baby brother or sister out of the deal."
"Bite your tongue," John laughs through the phone.
They end the call.
"Joey, play your song," Eric encourages him.
"No telling Tran what you guys think," he says as he looks at both Alejandro and Eric. They nod.
Joey sits down at the piano and plays for a good five minutes. When he is done he looks at Tran.
"Well?"
Tran just looks at him for
about thirty seconds.
"Is it that bad?" Joey asks, looking worried.
Tran shakes his head “no.”
"I'm just trying to come up with the words to say what I want to say. Give me just a second."
Tran thinks for another fifteen seconds.
"You remember the movie we watched called Sailboat?"
"Yeah."
"You remember how when he played it the song made everyone happy and they all just loved his talent? They wanted him and begged him to play it. Remember how we both got frustrated because we wanted to hear the song yet they never played it?"
"Yeah."
"That is the song they should have played."
Joey is so moved by the compliment he can't even form words.
"Wow Tran, that is the best compliment I think I have ever heard you boys say to each other." Eric says. "For certain one of the best I have heard in my life."
Tran smiles at the compliment.
"Joey, I want to pose a question to you. Do you want to play that song your entire life? Because people will ALWAYS want to hear that song. Even when you’re old like Ba, people will still want to hear it. So if you release it, you will be forcing yourself to play it the rest of your life. Some people hate that. Some people love it. Maybe Ba can get the record people who have someone who has that problem, and talk to them about it. See what they think."
"You think it’s that good, really?"
"I know it’s that good. I can only think of a few songs I like better. I already want you to play it again. When you put words to it. I bet it’s my favorite song. As it will be for a lot of people."
"That is a really good point Tran. I hadn't even thought about that aspect of it. It’s just really good, I think. I know what the record people will want to do. Make the money. But I think I know a guy we can talk to who will keep it confidential. Now let’s go eat!"
"Yeah, I'm starving," Joey moans, holding his tummy.
They go to the garage and Alejandro puts Buddy in his crate. It’s hardly a crate, it’s more like an indoor pen.
When he gets in the truck and fastens his belt he asks, "Poppi, why do we make Buddy stay out here when we leave?"
"This is the first time we’re leaving him."
"Nuh uh, when we got the phones."
Eric had forgotten that.
"It’s because he may have separation anxieties. If that's the case he will like smaller spaces like the crate. It makes him feel more comfortable. Also, he may tear up the house. So we don't want him upset and we don't want the house torn up. So that's why."
"Oh," is their response.
Eric drives to pickup Cindy and then on to Bob’s Steak House. It’s not a great name but the people know fantastic the food is, so the dumb name makes no difference. They arrive and walk in. The hostess that usually seats them greets them with a smile first. She is a cute young lady in her early twenties. She might not even be twenty yet.
"Mr Murphey, we have your table ready for you. So are we celebrating tonight or just felt like a nice steak?" she asks.
"We are celebrating something that might happen," Joey blurts out.
"What might happen that you are celebrating?"
"Don't know; he won't tell us. But it’s a steak, so who am I to complain, right?" he says in a thick Brooklyn accent that makes the young lady laugh.
"My sister wanted me to tell you thank you for the picture you gave me for her."
He smiles.
"Sure, it’s nice that people want it. We got some new stuff." He turns to look at Eric. "Dad, do we have any in the truck?"
"They sent some sample t-shirts for our approval. I guess we can give those away."
"I'll go get em,"Joey says and starts to take off.
"Buddy, I think we can wait until we are done eating," Eric suggests, putting a hand on his shoulder. She giggles at this.
"Yes, Joey I can wait. I work until nine tonight."
"Cool. Don't let me forget, OK?"
"OK." she says and rubs his other shoulder.
She seats them and supper is uneventful. They all got steaks and baked potatoes with caramelized carrots, except Tran who got asparagus. Eric and Alejandro don't like it and Joey just likes carrots better. They have a chocolate raspberry mouse for dessert that's light, fluffy, and lovely. When they leave, Joey brings the lady a couple of shirts for her sister.
"She is going to just die. These aren't even out yet," the hostess says, holding them. "Thank you, Joey!" She bends down to hug him.
"You’re welcome. I would sign them but then she wouldn't wear them. We got some new pictures coming soon. I will make sure to bring some next time."
"You’re so sweet," she says, and kisses him on the cheek.
They head home, all shower up, and watch a movie. Then they head to bed, ending their busy day. Buddy did fine in the crate, and everyone was happy.
__________________________________________
ericmurphey1971@gmail.com
OK so here are my thoughts today.
I thought about leaving it blank. I thought it would be funny.
Sorry I missed a week. Ive been busy and just couldnt find time to get everything done I needed to and sleep as well. But I hope you enjoyed in anyway.
I want to thank the two people that emailed me last chapter. I know more are reading. Or so I hope. But if not I dont mind. The two that emailed me are the nicest guys and have been reading my ramblings since I started. So if its just them reading Im OK with that. They enjoy it and I enjoy writing it.
As ALWAYS thanks so much to Zero for his wonderful help to make it more enjoyable for you. That way you arent reading and think. Wait, what the fuck?
Hope you enjoyed it.
Peace love and good happiness
Eric