Scene 41

Scene forty-one...The Kennel Club # 4
Time: Lunch hour, Wednesday, May 22, 1946
Place: William's boat
Storyteller: William


Harry is sweating, but he wants that hot cat on his lap.

"She caught me. Janet was so excited to show me that shark, but I lied to her. As if that isn't bad enough, I asked her to deceive Lois. What kind of father would do such a despicable thing?"

"A father addicted to gambling. You're hooked on the forbidden fruit. Because it's taboo, you think there must be some advantage or benefit to playing the dogs. You're wrong...no benefit...but it has power over you."

"You mean gambling attracts me more than golf, because hitting a little white ball around is socially acceptable, even when we bet a few bucks on a round?"

"Exactly. Where's the picture of your dad?"

"In the family album."

"Please put an eight by ten of your parents on your desk at the office. You have photos of your wife and children at work and in your wallet, right?"

"Of course."

"Your dad, in particular still has power over you. Look hard at his picture before leaving work."

"Will do." Tom jumps out of Harry lap as he stands. "What would Betty think? She's so hard working and responsible."

We shake on that.




Popular posts from this blog

Scene 95...Epilogue

WARNING Spoiler Alert !!! This is "The End" Please read scenes 1-94 first. EPILOGUE...Scene 95...Letter From Janet Time: June 16, 1948 Place: Nice, France Storyteller: Janet Dear Paul, I can't believe you missed the Monaco Grand Prix, all because of college. Nino won in a Maserati, per usual. The Prince kept staring at me again. Doris needs to see the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. It's on a cliff above the sea. Betty likes her job at the hospital. Also, she's taking Mediterranean cooking classes. By the looks of her, she's eating too much delicious food, or she's pregnant. William will soon be joining the faculty of medicine at Aix-Marseille University. I wonder if they'll get an apartment? Can babies live on boats? Surprisingly, Dad didn't explode about Betty moving a hundred miles away. He's busy getting the vineyard perfect for Tony's visit. Mom continues to paint with the Big Shots. Guess you heard I graduated....
Read more

Scene 69

Scene sixty-nine...Medical issues #2 Time: 6:00 PM, Saturday, September 7, 1946 Place: Sal's Seafood Storyteller: Victoria "I'll pay the bill tonight. You're a college student." "A college student with a job. Don't insult me." "If you insist. This seafood platter is delicious. I should try different foods more often." "How about a Budweiser?" "Not that different." We laugh and click our glasses. "Victoria, I told you my sister is a doctor." "Yes...I'm not sick." "She'll be back from the Bahamas soon. Would you feel comfortable talking to a woman about that medical issue?" "Oh, the ovary. I was afraid to bring up the rest of that story." Paul turns white but replies, "You can tell me anything." "Remember the surgeon said I might not be able to have kids?" "Yes, which is why I recommended Betty." "You need to ...
Read more

Scene 10

Scene Ten...Sailing Party Time: Afternoon-evening, Monday, December 31, 1945 Place: William's boat Storyteller: Janet Betty thanks William for grilling the mackerel steaks. In return, he bends over backwards to compliment her on the broccoli and rice casserole. Then, he notices me. "Why are you so down in the dumps, Squirt?" "Dad will make me quit all dance classes if I make a 'C' in math." "Math was my favorite subject. Couldn't do research without it. Want some help?" "Yes, yes, yes." "Next problem?" he asks.  "Dad likes Doris better than me." Betty laughs, "Don't be ridiculous. She's just more like him, only quieter and less controlling. You scare Daddy with all your 'I'm not going to college' talk."  "I'm not. They don't teach dance at U.M. Without ballet, the Rockettes won't hire me." William asks if I'm ta...
Read more