High And Dry

Dollars & Cents

David walked Anthony to the front while Ian found a place to park.

When he reached them, David had the tickets out and ready.

Ian went to the zoo as a kid a few times, but he wasn’t nearly as excited as Anthony looked. Anthony looked like a kid in a candy shop on his birthday or Christmas, and he’d just been handed a million dollars to buy whatever he wanted, and eat it too.

David picked Anthony up and put him on his shoulders so he could see more. If possible, Anthony looked more excited.

“You like the view?”

“I love it!” Anthony smiled, then climbed down and ran over to a kiosk, which had a stuffed monkey with long limbs and Velcro on the hands and feet.

He grabbed it and wore it like a necklace.

Before Ian could stop him, David pulled out his wallet and bought it for Anthony, who happily climbed back onto his shoulders, screaming, “Thanks Newbie!”

David chuckled and pocketed his wallet.

“I’m not letting you buy that for him.” Ian said quietly.

“Too late.” David laughed.

“I’m paying you back for it.”

“I’ll just spend it on something else for him.”

“Then I’ll keep paying you back.” Ian grinned.

“Then I’ll keep-”

“Would you like a photo?” A lady asked, stopping the bickering.

Ian shook his head, “No thank you.”

He wanted to playfully banter with David again. It reminded Ian of how he used to be, before he had to put on a straight face and be a father. Not that being a father wasn’t fun, he had a great time with it.

David ended up fighting Ian for the lunch bill, and Ian finally let him win because Anthony began to look worried.

“Why do you keep insisting on paying for everything?” Ian asked, looking up at David and grabbing Anthony’s hand, “Don’t run off. Stay with Daddy.”

Anthony nodded.

“Because I feel like I owe you.”

“Why?”

He shrugged, “You sort of picked me back up. You gave me a job. You gave me hope. You gave me people to care about, other than Mari and Matt, who I’ve known for ever.”

“It’s no big deal.” Ian looked away.

“Yes it is. It is to me.” David replied, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ian glanced back at him before turning to Anthony, “You and Newbie go play on the playground, okay? Daddy has an important call to make.”

Anthony nodded and grabbed David’s hand, dragging him off.

Ian called the man who publicized his show, “Hello?”

“Mr. Hecox. Good news.”

“Yeah?”

“We’ve been informed that your show will be broadcasted on national television permanently.”

Ian would’ve done a spit take had he been drinking anything, “You’re serious?”

“Absolutely. Possibly daily, possibly a few times a week, but at least once a week.”

“Wow….We’re already on television though.”

“Yes, but this is permanent. You’re an official show now.”

“Would you like to tell the others?”

“I’d love to.”

“Are you still keeping the name?”

“Smosh?” He frowned, “Oh, definitely. My son came up with that. It’s sticking.”

“Well, congratulations, Ian Hecox. Smosh is now going to be a news show.”

“I’ll have to change it back to its original roots for that to happen.”

“Of course. I preferred it that way anyway.”

“Yes sir.” Ian couldn’t stop smiling, “I’m at the zoo with my son currently, so I’ll have to let you know-hang on. I’m getting another call. It’s the man who’s watching my son.”

“You let a stranger watch your son?”

“No, sir, it’s just David.”

“Well, answer that. I’ll be waiting for the first episode.”

“Yes, sir. Good bye.”

He hung up, “David? What’s wrong?”

David sounded worried, “It’s Anthony. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m freaking out more than he is.”