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And the clip? Yeah. I found it during take down. I’m keeping it until I can give it back to her. It was probably expensive.
Andrew, those things are not expensive.
We’re getting off track. Can you please please please fill out the forms? I think this could be good for you.
Fine. But I’m not making any promises of doing a photoshoot.
That’s what you think.
Thanks. I think this could be really awesome for both of us.
You know I could never say no to you.
I didn’t even have to give you puppy dog eyes, or bribe you with candy this time. You’re getting soft on me, Andrew Cunningham.
Oh no, I expect a full bag of Easter Egg Reese’s candy for my efforts. It’s only fair, Marley Bell.
Ugh. Fine. But only because those are the superior kind of Reese’s.
I’ve just finished dropping off the finished table a few days later for the gal with a million kids, and I’m heading back toward home when my phone rings. Of course, it’s Marley. Ever since I filled the form out, she’s been bugging me for more information.
For a minute, I thought about filling out the forms with lies, and bullshit stupid answers, but then I felt bad, and didn’t want to upset Marley, so I went through and changed my answers.
“Yes?” I answer, knowing exactly what this conversation is going to be about.
“Hey, are you free tomorrow?”
I think through my mental calendar, then decide I really should buy an actual calendar, and use it. “Umm I think so, besides Sunday brunch at Mom and Dad’s, but you already know that.”
“Yes, sorry, I meant after.”
Since we were kids, Marley and her family have always come over for Sunday brunch after church. We've all grown up now, but it’s a tradition that has somehow stayed, even though none of us go to church anymore.
“Then I don’t think anything, probably watch the baseball game.”
“Okay, wear something nice tomorrow please. Like a pair of dark jeans, and maybe a button up shirt.”
“Why?” I ask, we haven’t dressed up for brunch in years, unless it’s a holiday or something to celebrate.
“Just, do it please. I want to try and take some photos of the families. And I think Jason said Lennie’s getting taller, so I figure it's a great time to do some updated family photos.”
At the mention of my three year old niece, I soften slightly. “Alright fine, but only for Lennie.” His ex-fiancee skipped out on Jason and Lennie when Lennie was about one. Didn’t even come to her first birthday party. Drugs took over her life.
Jason has full custody now, and hasn’t seen his ex, Talia, since.
“Ugh, thank you,” sighs Marley, the tension leaving her voice.
“Were you really that worked up over me potentially not wanting to dress up?”
“No,” she quickly says. “Just trying to make a plan and make sure everyone is on the same page. That’s all. You know how your brothers can be.”
“I guess that’s true,” I say. “Let me know if anything changes and I can wear a tshirt, okay?”
“Don’t count on it,” Marley says before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone.
I pull into my driveway, and shut off the truck. I climb out, heading into the house. My golden retriever, Travis, is sprawled out on the couch. He’s sleeping like a log, snoring and all. My mom hates his name, but I think naming an animal such a distinctly human name is hilarious.
Travis is a great dog. He loves to come with me for runs, or swimming in the lakes. He also loves to hang out with me in the shop. I click my tongue, and he wakes up immediately, his tail wagging furiously against the couch.
