Four Hundred Seventy Nine

Four Hundred Seventy Nine
"Well I mean... I have to work at the clinic tomorrow," Heather shrugs. "Alicia you don't have art class tomorrow do you?"

"No. Not until the 3rd, but I do have to do stuff at the gallery."

"What about you Jonathan? Do you have to work tomorrow?" Heather asks.

"Yeah, I better. I have some stuff to catch up on at both locations before my appointment, Tuesday. And I have to stop at the gallery too. Boss lady here is having an internal meeting," I laugh. "I know how much she loves having meetings."

"Oh! Hush up!" she laughs.

"Should be interesting. It's been years since I've seen her in action. Which reminds me.... what kind of meeting is this?" I ask.

"Just to go over a few things and to see where we are at before the opening. I have several interviews."

They take a seat at the table and Kenny drums his fingers on the table.

"How are y'all gonna manage if... his test results come back bad?"

"We aren't gonna worry about it until we know for sure what's happening." I yawn.

"The 2 restaurants and the gallery is a lot..."

"Well then I will just have to figure it out."

"I can help at the restaurant." Alicia says quietly.

"No." I nod.

"Why not?"

"Because you have a class to teach and the gallery. Thats too much."

"But I want to help."

"I know sweetheart... let's just see what happens."

"You two were trying to figure out a way to lessen your load," Heather sighs... "and now this."

"We will still figure it out," Alicia says confidently.

"Well we definitely will be around to help too. Right, Kenny?"

"Oh for sure."

"Seriously though... Why don't you let Irene and Jameson do the initial interviewing and see what they think? You do a second one after the holidays. Just relax.

You can easily postpone. Uou are still recovering, Alicia."

"And you should let Anthony and Jeanette and Lucinda handle the restaurant stuff. I know you want to be hands on, but you need to delegate and think about your health, too."

"I guess," I sigh.

"So really. Tomorrow you should just chill."

"I think she's right, Jonathan.""

Of course I'm right!" Heather smiles.

"Looks like Heather is the only person working tomorrow!" Kenny laughs.

"I'm thinking of calling in sick for real. Don't snitch on me."

"I guess we better get going," Kenny nods. "It's getting late as fuck."

"Thank you for dinner... for everything."

"Dude, it's no problem. I know I'm not the bomb cook... but I was happy to do it."

"It was delicious Heather."

"Thank you."

She heads up to get Anya and Kenny hollars for Crew.

"Crew! Time to bounce."

"Oh man!" he yells.

"It's getting late!"

He comes into the kitchen and grabs his coat from the back of a chair. He looks flushed.

"You good?" Kenny asks?

"Yeah, I'm good".

"You feel okay? You looking a little flustered."

"I'm straight Dad."

"Ahhhh," Kenny laughs. "Yo... "

"Stop it!" Crew hisses.

"You gave her the thing? "

"What thing?" I ask. "What are you talking about?"

"I gave Avery a pinkie ring," he mumbles.

"Like a real ring?" I ask.

"Yeah."

"You're buying my daughter jewlery?" I ask.

"I... I like her."

"Aww shit!" Kenny laughs. "Don't trip."

"I'm not. I just asked if it was a real ring." I shrug.

"Not no nickke or dime ring. He saved up money and got her a ring with her birthstone."

"Are you trying to make me pissed off Kenny?"

"Nah. Are you tripping?"

"No. Shes... They're... too young."

"It's more of a token of affection." Kenny nods.

"Crew... What is your plan for my daughter?"

Kenny starts laughing and Alicia smacks his shoulder.

"I really like her. A lot. I always have. Please don't be mad at me. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her feelings. I really love Avery."

"Ok dude... You're really digging yourself a deep grave." Kenny sighs.

"But it's true. I love Avery. She's my best friend."

"So? You're gonna marry her one day and spend the rest of your life with her?" Kenny asks.

"Yes."

Heather and Anya come into the kitchen bundled up in their coats.

"Jonathan do you want us to take Avery with us? I don't know if she's staying or going back to Jeanette's? But if she's going then we can give her a ride."

"It's not funny dad!" Crew yells.

"Dude. If I'm laughing, it's because this is am uncomfortable conversation to be having. I'm surprised is all. I didn't mean to make fun of you. You're 12 dude. It's okay to be attached to her. She's your best friend, and you've been through everything together. I get that. I can dig it. But love?"

"I love her Dad!"

"Yes. I know-- but dude, loving her as a friend is different than being in love."

"Nope. It can be the same thing!" he nods.

"Whoa!"Heather says. "Back the fuck up... What I miss?"

"Crew gave Avery the ring." Kenny sighs

"Awww... he's been saving up for it for awhile..."

"I know, but he just told us he was in love with her and wants to marry her one day."

"Ok????"

"Heather! They are too young. You were tripping about this a few months ago."

"I was." 

"And now you're cool?"

"I believe he does love her," she whispers.

"Like.... that?"

"She's been a constant in his life, Kenny. And he's been there for her these past few weeks... months... he's very protective of her."

"I'm not mad. I'm just..."

"Exactly", I sigh. "You two don't... you're too young."

"Ok. Hold on a second. I think we should sit down with you and Avery and talk about this," Heather says.

"Fine, but it won't change anything. I love Avery."

Avery comes into the kitchen wearing her coat.

"I'm ready," she says quietly.

"Avery?" I ask quietly.

"Yes dad?"

"Can I see your ring?"