Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 14

CHAPTER 15

I was just walking away. It felt like I was walking away from a part of me. What just happened. I just left, and now my mom is going to disown me. How could she selfishly divorce…Dad! No wonder Dad looked so strange this morning. He had been grieving from Mom’s stupid decision. I need to get home to him; but I suddenly remember I have no car. Looking down at my phone, dead. Of course, taxi it is. Hopefully Dad will be understanding towards the expensive taxi bill on the card.

‘Could this car ride be any slower?’ “Could you find a faster route?” I asked the driver who seemed to be taking the longest way possible.

“I can, but it will cost extra. I won’t be paying the bill for you kid. You got the green?” The taxi driver yelled over his shoulder not really giving a crap about me.

“Sure whatever. I’ll tip you twenty bucks if you get me there in twenty minutes or less,” I said because we are currently at snail speed; I was hoping the bribe would entice the driver to pick up the pace, at least to car speed.

“Your words, and I’ll hold you to them,” he said as he stepped on it.

Yeah, we got to my house in seventeen minutes; It was the most terrifying seventeen minutes of my life. I gave him twenty-five bucks in tip because he did, surprisingly, got me home in one piece and quickly. He tried to get me to pay more. Maybe, because he saw the house and thought I was one of those well of kids. I told him, ‘I can drop it back to twenty,’ at that he rolled up his window and darted off.

Remembering the purpose of all this, Dad! I pull out my keys and open the door.

Their wedding picture was laying on the ground, the glass shattered all over the ground. Mom’s face was scratched. Walking carefully around it, “Dad!? Where are you?” Continuing throughout the glass maze house, I search for him. All their pictures were all broken and shattered. A few empty bottles of whisky were scattered on the buffet; the same place where dad had been sitting when I left this morning. ‘Did he start drinking when I left.’ Hopefully that last thought was not true. I started up the stairs and there was strong smell of liquor.

“Hmmm, bghmmm, balaaaaa,” a mumbling voice came from my parent’s room.

Of all places why did he end up there? Opening their door, there sat the man I’ve always looked up to. My dad was sitting on the bed, close to the side table. He was hunched over looking at a family portrait. A half drunk bottle of whiskey sat next to the lamp.

“Why’d you ta…ke ev..erything frommmm me,” Dad said sluring his words. “You,” he sobbed, “you…took my on..l..y preciousssss thing. Why did you…havvve to take himmmmm.”

“Dad?” No response. My dad had gone off the deep end. He was pouring his heart out to this picture. I finally knew why he was drinking. My mom must have told him some crap about me choosing to live with her. “Dad?”

“I must…be dr..uuunk. Thisss pictttuure iss talkingg to meeee nooww,” he said as he grasped the picture to his chest. “I lovvveee you sssson…”

He was out before I could get to him. He fell back onto the bed; still grasping the photo. “Oh, Dad. Don’t worry I won’t be leaving you anytime soon. You’re stuck with me. I love you too,” taking his shoes off and swinging his legs up onto the bed. I make sure he is sleeping on his side. ‘I know this from the movies; see teachers, movies can be educational.’ I tried to take the photo away, but I guess Dad is determined to sleep with it as he latches onto the frame tighter. Lastly, I cover him with a blanket, and I leave him to his drunken slumbers. I decide to leave the door cracked; just incase he needs me.

‘Shower?’ I decide to clean the house first. I don’t want Dad to worry about anything when he wakes up tomorrow. Before starting, I check on him and he needed to puke; yes, some of the puke got me, but thankfully most of it went into the toilet. Also thankfully I hadn’t showered before cleaning. Once he emptied his stomach, he fell back asleep soundly. As I cleaned up, I could hear his snoring. It was going to be a long night. Shower time.

I’ll do the homework tomorrow; I’m pooped. One more check on Dad; he was completely out of it. It’s two o’clock… sleep time for me. Hopefully I wake up on time for early practice tomorrow. ‘Goodnight those who are reading; I’ll talk more tomorrow.’

…

My alarm went off at some point, but I must have turned it off. The second one…off. The third…off. The fourth…”FINE!” I yell pulling myself into an upright position, as I turn off the blaring alarm. I have to get up. I have to go. Get up. Get up! ‘Yelling at yourself only works so much’; so I throw my body off the bed and into a standing upright.

Dad?! I ran to his bedroom; he was still out of it. Lucky him. I wish I could still be out of it. I close the door quietly, go back to my room, change, and grab my gear for practice. Heading downstairs, ‘Woops’, I forgot about the empty bottles. Initially thinking of throwing them out, I stopped suddenly. Instead, I line them on the buffet. I also put the half opened one from last night there too.

As I got my breakfast together, my phone went off; it was a text from Jerry saying he had arrived. With my current headache, I didn’t want to think about driving. Before leaving for practice, I wrote a note for Dad and quickly stuck it to a bottle. ‘No more of this. I am not leaving. You are my dad. So get rid of all of this. If you are awake by eleven-thirty come to the pool and pick me up. -George.’

Another bleep from my phone, “Cool it Jerry, sheesh.” I grab my gear and leave. I’m not going to discuss what happened, with anyone, until I talk with Dad.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 13

CHAPTER 14

Small party…yeah right. When Mom plans a “small get together” it never means small; her events are always extravagant. Because of her occupation of being a manager to celebrities, it gives her many connections; which in her mind must mean, parties must go all out. I’m more worried about what she has told these people about me; more than likely, nothing about my swimming achievements.

As we weaved through the herds, various people stopped us occasionally to say small hellos and quick goodbyes. However, one middle aged woman stopped us suddenly and would not let us pass on quickly, “So George, your mother has mentioned this is your sophomore year, any new discoveries in your academic studies?”

These are not my kind of people. Wishing I could vanish, “My studies have been steadily progressing, however, my swimm…” I wanted to share my actual interest but as I expected my mom cut me off.

“George has be excelling in his studies; he is just unable to pull one great lesson out because he has too many to choose from,” my mom answered frantically and ended her statement with a stern side glance at me.

“Oh, I am glad to hear it. Your studies are the most important for your future,” the woman interjects.

Again I’m zoning out from the conversation; I don’t want to hear it, and believe me, neither do you. Looking around, I spot a dark secluded space, somewhere I might be able to disappear. First I’ve got to slip away, “Mom I have to use the restroom. Please excuse me.” I add hoping my polite response will help reduce my scolding from interrupting the woman’s rant about education. I don’t wait for my mom’s approval and I make my way through the crowds to the restroom. I didn’t need to go but I thought it was the only way she would let me go without questioning me.

The dark space was vacant. I’ll just hang out here until the party disperse; I’ve probably got about two hours to kill. Napping sounds more inviting than this party. Mom is definitely going to kill me. Oh well, I lay down on a bench, next to the wall, in the pitch dark. I only planned to close my eyes for a few minutes, but that constant beat from the music is quite relaxing…

…

“George.”

Well I must have been found out. There goes my quick napping. Opening my eyes, my dark corner was unbearably bright, causing me to quickly shut them again. Man that hurt!

“George!”

It was my mom’s voice. Yep, I was in trouble. Slowly I opened my eyes and sit up; probably revealing my hiding spot.

“George!!”

“What!?” I said standing up. Realizing the party was long over, and my mom had been looking for me. ‘Great.‘ I wasn’t in trouble, but now I am; because, I have to reveal that I was hiding. ” Mom.” I said as I stepped into her eyeline.

“George Jacob Matthews!” Mom met my eyes. “What are you doing back there? Why weren’t you at the party? You have completely embarrassed me and yourself in front of your future friends. I had wanted to introduce you to some huge modeling managers. They wanted to recruit you, instead, you went a blew it. I can’t believe you are so selfish. Just like your father. I should have never married him. I should have divorced him long ago, so that you would not be influenced by him. You…”

“Wait… What?” I stopped her. ‘Did she just say divorce?‘ “Mom. What did you do?”

“Don’t use that tone with me. I did what needed to be done. Your father is a selfish man, and should not have a role in your life. He is only thinking about himself or children who aren’t even in our family. He would ruin your future, and he did not show me any respect. So I divorced him. I also decided that you will live with me. I am the far better choice, after all,” she spoke proud of her decisions.

“Are you kidding me? I’m not living with you,” I said as I grabbed my phone and keys, heading towards the exit.

Grabbing my arm, “George Jacob Matthew. You ‘will‘ be staying with me. Your life will be in total ruins if you stay with your father. Also I can help you, to be the better version of yourself. I have connections; without me, you will never accomplish anything.”

“Mom, have completely lost it? Why would I stay with a parent who doesn’t even know what I want in life. One who doesn’t know anything about me. I am a swimmer. A great swimmer. My future…do you even know my goals in life. Next year, I’m transferring to a school in Montana; a school that specializes in swimming achievements. Why would you even know this? You’ve never cared about what I want.” I remove her hand from my arm, “this…,” gesturing to our surroundings, “this is not me, and will never be; unless through swimming, I will never be part of this world.”

Stepping back and away from her, “Mom, I do love you, but I will live with the parent who knows and supports my dreams.”

“George Jacob Matthew. If you walk out that door you will no longer be my son. I refuse to have a worthless son who will not amount to anything. Think about your decision. It will be the deciding choice of your future,” she crossed her arms and sternly looked back at me. She just threw the gauntlet down…

I was stunned. She would throw me away. She truly believes if I reject her I will become worthless. Still…knowing all this, I know it is pointless to stay with a parent who could threaten their children with abandonment. Also, I know she would forever be trying to mold me into someone I will never be. I look back at a woman that I couldn’t recognize anymore, “Goodbye.” I turned and left. I left the building. I left the woman I had always called Mom. I left half of my family behind. I left.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 12

CHAPTER 13

Weeks have flown by, since I told the guys about the Jenny news. My focus towards school, Jenny, and practice have changed. I’m focusing more on school and practices. I have had more time and brain space; now, that Jenny isn’t my main focus. Jenny…Jenny had taken a new role in my head and heart. She was now just my first crush turned good friend.

Believe me, a couple weeks ago I was not like this. Earlier, in the moving on process, the guys had to slap me a few times to snap me out of it. Classes and practice were my only escape from my crush depression. Which is why now, I have prioritized my focuses: Swimming, school, the guys, and then Jenny. After last week, of me still acting weird around Jenny, the guys insisted that I move on; as they said, ‘I was embarrassing them and myself.’ I spent a whole week focusing on keeping Jenny in the friend-zone. When she asked me to hang out I would answer ‘no’, and instead do something with the guys. Whenever she smiled, I would acknowledge but then quickly turn to someone else and start a new conversation.

Just like now, as I’m getting ready for school, I’m only worrying about what my mom will say if I don’t wear this tie today. She told me a few days ago she would picking me up today and that I needed to be presentable; so for no criticism, I will wear the tie. This is a new feeling for me; my first concern is not first what Jenny might say. I’m not even worried about what the guy’s will say. As I finished that thought, I realize I might have brainwashed myself into an emotionless robot.

Whatever I grab my homework, backpack, and phone, and then I rush into the kitchen to grab my breakfast. Dad is sitting on a bar stool, at the island, with his head in his hands; he didn’t look too great and he didn’t respond to my entrance. “Dad?” No response. “Dad, you okay,” I said placing a hand on his shoulder.

He jumped at the touch and quickly lifted his head, “Oh, George. Sorry I was lost in thought. What were you saying to me?”

He didn’t look so good; he looked like he had aged ten years since the last time I stopped to look at him. He wasn’t the carefree singer songwriter he was a week ago. Maybe since I had been in my funk of changing, I hadn’t been paying attention to anyone except myself. I’ll have to add family to that list from earlier: Family, swimming, school, and the buds. Oh, and Jenny. “You sure your okay, Dad? You don’t look too good. Have you been sleeping alright?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. You should be heading out. I’m proud of how you have been so focused on school and swimming; don’t let your efforts falter. Your old man will take care of himself,” Dad said, as if he mustered up every ounce he had, trying to seem okay.

“Okay, I’ll be heading out. Don’t forget. Mom is taking me somewhere after school today; I’ll be late because I will have to drive the jeep home,” I saw a small hint of something flash over my dad’s expression, but I am unable to name it.

“Thanks for the reminder. Don’t worry about driving home; I’ll go over to the school later and drive the jeep home for you. You, uh, just enjoy your time with your mom,” he talked as he got up to search for the spare key. “Got it!”

“Okay Dad. See ya later,” I said as I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. That was weird. Dad is acting strange today. Wanting to stay, I instead jump into my jeep. My mind was still on Dad as I pulled into the school’s parking lot; after spending time with Mom tonight, I’ll make sure to check on him when I get home. First school and practice, second Mom, and third Dad. Begin list now.

…

Where is she? Mom was supposed to be here close to thirty minutes ago. I was standing in front of the school lobby doors. The school door were locked. Dad had already taken my jeep home; or I would taken just driven myself to wherever my mom was.

Well, I guess I’ll recap the day with this new found time: Jenny was absent today; the rumors hadn’t gotten any better; instead, the rumors were morphing into horrible gossips. Midterms are coming up so teachers let us self study today; which entailed most of the students to mess around and not study. Coach did a ‘you choose‘ day; we choose the stroke and he chose the yardage and intervals. I thought I was clever and choose breaststroke. ‘Yeah, Coach saw through my idea, three thousand breaststroke straight. All you non swimmers, one hundred and twenty laps non stop.’ I shudder still feeling the burn in my muscles. Never again. However now, I’m waiting for my very late mom…speak of the devil, she just pulled up.

“I’m so sorry my sweetie. I was getting our evening event ready and I lost track of time,” Mom said frantically.

“No problem mom. Just next time, I’ll drive myself to the venue. What do you mean our evening event?” Realizing what she meant and rolling my eyes, “not another party? I thought it was just going to be the two of us.”

Mom didn’t hesitate, “Don’t worry sweetie its only a few people. You should know most of them. I see you are wearing a tie; thank you so much for dressing up. I know you are not a big…”

I stopped listening to her for myself, but also your sanity. It’s difficult to listen to my mom when she begins her various rants. She is still going. I’ll just summarize the key points for you.

‘You look so handsome, which comes from my beauty genes… I have great sense of fashion; at least my son knows I choose great clothes… The people at this party are on the upper level of success; you should try and use these people to replace your old friends… Your current friends will never be on our level… etc.,‘ directly from my mom’s mouth. I’m sorry, but I can’t listen to her nonsense or comments anymore. Instead we will ignore her and sit in silence; as we drive towards a night filled of people spewing their own opinions, and everyone else fighting for the spotlight. ‘Great. Wish I had stayed home.’

Life Of To Best Friends CHPT 11

CHAPTER 12

“Dude. She did what?” Jerry said standing up from shock.

We were in my room. Jerry had been sitting on the bed next to me. Ken was sitting in my computer chair, and Matthew was laying sprawled out on the floor. As I finished the recap of Jenny events, Matthew sat up, Ken scooted closer, and Jerry was standing next to me. I hadn’t expected this reaction.

“Yeah. She gave me hope and then crushed me; thankfully, before I could become an idiot in front of her,” placing my head in my hands because of the embarrassment spreading across my face.

“No Dude, that is really messed up. She should have given you a sign, or said something after the incident with John. Not continuing to wear your jacket and acting the same as always. I know you like her and all, but that was uncool of her,” Jerry finished as he sat back down and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t waste anymore time on her. She doesn’t deserver anything from you, especially since she friend-zoned you.” Ken said as he spun in my office chair.

I lifted my head, “Thanks guys. I was dreading explaining because I didn’t want the jabs at my stupidity,” I said looking to each of them. Stopping on Matthew who wasn’t saying anything.

He quickly nodded, gesturing towards the guys, that they had already said what he was going to say. “What is your plan now? Are you going to treat her the same; like she is a special treasure to you?” Matthew said.

Laying down on the bed, looking at my blank ceiling, “I don’t know. I’m not going to completely blow her off, but I definitely don’t want to do anything extra like I’ve been. Like now that I know I’m forever in the friend-zoned, I won’t be there for her confessions. I really don’t want to sit through another one.

“You won’t have to worry about that so much,” Jerry interrupted, “in my other classes Jenny has been marked as not dateable.”

Surprised, “What do you mean?” I said jolting back up into a sitting position. Ken had scooted closer; he loves gossip.

Matthew nodded and laid back down and added, “yeah, in my classes too.”

I looked between Jerry and Matthew, “Why didn’t you guys tell me?”

Jerry answered for both of them, “we thought she was your girl; so, we just assumed when they said not dateable it meant she was taken. We were surprised that everyone knew you got her. But don’t worry, we didn’t interject any additional information when people were talking .”

Understanding I nodded, “Thanks guys. I wouldn’t want my humiliation to spread outside of this room. Remember Brit doesn’t know; Jenny at least had the decency to not spread it among her friends.”

“Don’t worry about it too much George,” Ken said getting up from the chair and sitting next to me, “since no one knew about your misunderstanding, no one will be talking about you behind your back.” Ken finished with a jab at my side.

I was still sore from practices, “Dude, ouch! If you don’t want to have me return the favor keep your hands off me.”

Putting his hands up in surrender, “No problem. I apologize,” he finished as he darted back to the safety of the chair.

The knock on the door abruptly brought me back to reality, Dad was opening the door, “Do you guys need a lift home or are you staying the night? The guest bedrooms are still made up if you want to just crash here.”

“No thank you Mr. Matthews,” Ken said getting up and wrapping his arm around Jerry’s neck, “I don’t think I can be in the same room with his one after all that meat he had. His farts will be killer,” Ken said as he quickly noogied Jerry and then swiftly stepped behind my dad. “However, I will be taking you up on the ride though; I think my mom will kill me if I take an Uber home again.”

Jerry looked like he was going to strangle Ken, but Matthew stopped him, “Don’t kill Ken. We need him for the swim meet coming up. You can kill him afterwards,” Matthew said laughing as Ken squirmed a bit.

“Yeah, don’t kill him. Sadly we need the little shrimp; if there was anyone else, Jerry, I would let you go ahead. Dad is on our side, “I wink at Jerry muffling a laugh.

“Sure he is,” Ken stepped out from behind my dad and looked up at him, “are you?”

“I shall not say a word,” Dad said putting his hands up. “Well George, I’ll give your buds rides home. You do your homework and get ready for bed,” He said as he stepped past Ken walked back into the hallway. “Come on you three. Let’s get going,” He called over his shoulder.

“Don’t think too much of what happened. You still have us and we will agree and follow whatever you deem necessary,” Jerry said giving my back a swat.

“Seriously ouch,” I punch Jerry back as he left my room.

“Ouch!” Jerry howled down the hallway.

Matthew was up from the floor, “Yeah, we are always here for you. We wouldn’t make fun of you when it truly matters. Maybe except this one,” he thumbed toward Ken who was still standing by the door. Matthew walked up to Ken, “don’t you dare rat on your bud; death before the swim meet is still an option,” Matthew said half jokingly, half serious. “See ya George,” He said as he left too.

“Don’t listen to Matthew. I’ve got my pal’s back; pal’s before gals,” he said as he stepped to me and clapped me on the back.

He was out the door before I could return the hit. ‘What’s with them and beating me up‘, “If my back hurts more than yours tomorrow I’m paying you all back tenfold,” I yell down the hallway. Only answered with laughter and the front door slamming shut.

I felt relief. The guys knew and they’ve got my back.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 10

CHAPTER 11

After the class with Jenny and the girls, the rest of the day went somewhat the same. Every chance I got I attempted to stretch out my sore muscles. I didn’t have Brit’s extra support anymore; so instead, I just limped faster to each class. At least today, all of the teachers wanted to speak their opinions instead of the factual lectures; it might mean more homework, but I was able to rest my eyes throughout the day. In preparation for practice.

Practice. Coach was a smidge nice. He was sitting in his chair, drinking his coffee, as the whole team slowly waddled onto the pool deck. Jerry, Ken, Matthew, and I were all leaning against each other waiting for Coach’s command.

“Begin the stretching warm-up,” Coach said between sips.

Imagine sloth camels trying to do yoga; watching us do the stretches’ probably seemed similar to that. As a co captain, I tried to be the example of perfection, but like Jerry I was stumbling around trying to at least stand up. Don’t even mention balancing.

“Coach we are done. What is warm-up now?” I coughed out, as I wasted all my energy on stretching.

“Are you guys really that dead? You all look like you will topple over if I tap you.” As is to see if it was true, Coach got up from his chair and poked Ken in the side. Sure enough, Ken jumped and fell into the pool. “Right as always.”

We all busted into a crippled laugh, because it hurt too much to do a full belly laugh.

” You all have eight hundred yards freestyle. Mix it up. Enjoy this warm-up because practice will be great,” Coach finished with a smirk.

A smirk. ‘Great.‘ So much for thinking that Coach might be a little merciful. “Begin,” I yelled, just before I jumped into the pool to start.

Coach wasn’t lying. Practice was difficult, but was also good. After the warm-up, Coach had written up the set on the white board. There was lots of pulling and kick sets; not much swimming sets. Believe me, after the last two days, this was the best compromise. I knew Coach wouldn’t give up the chance to push us past our breaking point. Finishing the set, my muscles were burning, but it felt like a strange soothing burn. If you are an athlete you understand me; if not, I don’t know how to explain it more.

“Nice job today, all of you,” Coach said as he scanned the entire pool. “You should all be proud of yourselves. I wanted to push all of you to your breaking point. Then, for good measure, beyond it. I am proud of the workout you gave me. Lanes two through eight, you have a six hundred cooldown; again, slow it down and focus of your breathing.”

Then Coach turned to our lane, “You four will just continue to swim until all the lower lanes are finished. The…big incident that happened a few days ago, is causing me to leave practice early again. Can I count on you four?”

Without hesitation we said, “Yes, you can count on us.“

“Good,” Coach said as he walked off towards the exit. The lower lanes saw Coach leave and begun to goof off.

“We are still in practice time. Do as Coach said or I will relay your bad behavior tomorrow,” Jerry said.

I was thankful to Jerry; I was happy to not be the bad cop again. To help Jerry out I left the wall to begin our very long cooldown.

…

“So George, any more news about your ‘girlfriend‘?” Jerry teased as we were walking to my Jeep. Thursday nights always were spent at my house with the guys; because my dad always wanted barbeque. I also assumed my mom wanted to play hostess; whenever she was home, she would make sure to be home for a Thursday.

“Yeah, tell us all the gross details,” Ken and Matthew said as they pretended to kiss each other.

“Let’s talk when we get to my house,” I said as I threw my bag in the back, maybe a little too hard.

“Oh. Sure dude. No problem,” Jerry answered probably realizing he hit a sore topic.

He would be right. Great, now I have to tell my story of humiliating rejection to the guys. The jokes are going to be unbearable. The car ride seemed to take forever; even though, I drove like something was chasing us. I really didn’t want to attempt this talk in the car. Everyone in the car was silent. Jerry was in the passenger seat and he had pulled out his phone to do the mindless swiping. Ken was in the back with his eyes closed. Matthew was just staring out the window. At least the guys understood and were understanding in this situation.

Finally pulling into the driveway, I paused, “I will tell you guys what happened, but I would like to wait until after dinner. I would rather my mom not know; she would go ballistic or over the top dramatic at me if she found out.”

Matthew grab my shoulders from behind, “No problem Mister Sensitive; we will follow your lead.”

Sighing in annoyance, I got out. They all followed pursuit. They would rather not be the first one to enter the house first and find my mom waiting. She usually gives kisses on the cheek to the first one through the door. Jerry and Ken have both experienced this; their faces afterwards were priceless. I begin to open the door, just as Jerry shoves Matthew in front of me, right into my mom’s embrace. Sucker. Mom gives him a huge smooch on his left cheek; ending with a tight squeeze hug.

Instinctively we all chuckle silently to ourselves; the chuckles quickly die down as we watch Matthew shaking in annoyance. “Mom, I’m right here,” I say as I step beside her; trying to save my friendship with Matthew.

Mom suddenly lets go of Matthew and looks at me, and then back at him, “I should have known; Matthew is quite taller than you.” She says as she tilts her head all the back to look up into Matthew’s face. “Sorry my dear,” she says as she steps away from Matthew.

“No problem Mrs. Matthews. Thank you for commenting on your son’s current height situation; it has always been a deep topic for us to discuss with him,” Matthew said all annoyance gone an smiling once again.

“Whatever, lets go find Dad and eat! I’m starving,” switching topics as I walk towards the kitchen area. Why must they always jab at my height.

As always the guys follow my lead, setting their bags down in the entry hall, and following me to the kitchen.

Dad is grilling up some delicious smelling meat, “I made lots today thinking you would want extra for the all the pain you all are in.”

“Great idea Mr. Matthews.. Don’t expect there to be any leftovers,” Jerry says as he pulls up a chair. We all dig in!

…