“When is Bob supposed to be here?” I asked hoping to end this ice age soon.
Dad looked at his watch. “Anytime now.”
He started to go get his luggage; I assumed his golf bag was in his truck still since I didn’t see it.
“You’re not going to be able to say goodbye to Johnny and Jojo?” I asked with some surprise. Dad paused near the hall.
“I know, I feel terrible about it. I really do.” He almost glanced at mom. “We’re cutting it close anyways. Tell them I’ll bring them both back something.”
“Golf balls?” Mom quipped coldly. I felt my own balls shrivel from the additional temperature drop.
Dad didn’t respond to the jab.
“Did you want me to bring you something?”
The answer I wanted to give then was ‘no, I have enough golf balls’ but I refrained.
“If you want. As long as Jojo and Johnny get something nice.” I saw mom smile at that.
“Yeah, yeah sure.” He patted his pockets and then disappeared towards their bedroom.
I looked back to mom; her crossed leg was rocking furiously. She had flipped through a half dozen channels since dad had left the room. I stood there awkwardly, unable to leave with dad’s ride about to arrive. I shifted feet uncomfortably.
I heard a honk out front. Dad came huffing out, carrying two suitcases and a garment bag. I grabbed the larger suitcase.
“Thanks Jeremy.” He paused and turned to mom. “I’ll be home Monday afternoon, Jenny.”
Mom looked up at him and seemed to realize that even in the midst of a fight that she should acknowledge his departure. She stood woodenly, allowing dad to lean into her and kiss her cheek.
“I’ll bring you back something extra special honey.”
“That would be nice dear.” She accepted his buss, her voice still chilly.
I opened the front door and got waved at by a large overweight man in an equally large SUV. I nodded to this stranger as I walked to the vehicle. He slowly got out, the rear hatch opening as if by magic.
Dad appeared and called out, “Bob, this is my oldest son, Jeremy.”
Bob reached out a large hand that I had to shake with my left, dad’s bag in my right.
“When’s he going to come to work with his old man?” Bob asked with a large grin.
“He wants to go to film school.” Dad said dryly.
“Oh.” Bob’s grin faded and his hand retreated as if dad had told him I had leprosy or AIDS.
The three of us went to the back of the SUV and stowed the suitcases, dad laying the garment bag atop Bob’s golf bag. He then hurried to his truck to get his clubs. Bob and I stood there. Dad returned and got his bag in next to his co-workers.
“Well, I’ll see you Monday then sport. Take care of everyone. Especially your mother. She’s not been happy about this trip.”
“I’ve noticed.” I didn’t say anything about how well I’d take of mom!
He looked uncomfortably at me and started to reach out his hand for me to shake, then he sighed and grabbed me in a hug. I patted his back uneasily.
“Well let’s go Bob. We may catch Charlie before we have to board.” Dad walked around the other side of Bob’s behemoth. They pulled out and I saw dad wave. I waved back with little energy.