Captain Tony

     It was a cold Friday night in February and Joshua was just barely finishing his work for the newspaper when his good friend and work buddy, Matt comes up.

    "Hey Josh, I was wondering if you would like to go get some dinner after work. We haven't hung out in a really long time."

    "Oh, I don't think I can tonight. I need to get home and plan stuff for my son's birthday tomorrow."

     "Right, I forgot. Alexander's birthday right? Isn't he turning eleven?"

     "Yeah. I need to figure out where I'm going to take him."

     "Understandable. Perhaps next Friday?"

    "I think that could work. I'll have to check my schedule. I'll get back to you."

    "Great! Oh, and I heard about a new pizza place nearby, if you would want to try that out. It's called Pizza Palace or something like that. I'll send you the website link."

     "Okay, I'll check it out."

    Matt walks away and back to his own office, and Joshua quickly finishes his article. He grabs his suitcase, jacket, and car keys, then gets up to leave. He says goodbye to Matt and Jason, and goes to leave. As he heads out of the building, LIVE corporations, he sees Tony approaching. He tries to hurry to his car, but Tony catches up before he can get across the parking lot. Tony worked at the restaurant across the street from LIVE corporations, and unfortunately ended his shift at the same time. He groans, and slowly looks at him. No! I really don't want to deal with his weird crap today...

     "Hey Joshua! How are you doing?" Tony asks as he approaches, staring Joshua dead in the eyes.

     "Um, good. I guess." Joshua replies slowly, trying to be polite.

     "Well, that's wonderful! Anyway, the main reason I'm here! I was wondering if you would like to meet me at the dock tomorrow night?"

     "Oh, I can't. You see, it's my son's birthday that day." And you're crazy. That's the main reason.

     "Well, does he like boats? I own one if he would like to see, and maybe ride it?"

     "Oh, I don't know. I'll ask him." I really hope he doesn't... But I'll ask anyway, maybe this would make a good birthday. Even if we have to spend it with a psychopath...

     "Alright, well if he does, meet me there at six am tomorrow." He briskly replies, and walks back to the restaurant parking lot before I can respond.

    Joshua quickly gets in his car before Tony changes his mind and comes back. He starts the drive home.

    As soon as he unlocks the front door, two of his kids come running up and give him a big hug. Alexander, age ten, and Sophie, age seven. His eldest, fourteen year old Mike, walks in slowly afterwards.

    "Oof! Hey kids! Have you been good for mommy while I was gone?"

    "Yes Daddy!" Alex and Sophie say in unison.

    "Yeah, I guess." Mike says, staring at his phone screen.

    "Ok good, now get off a me before I come and tickle you!"

    Alex and Sophie scurry off of him as fast as little mice, giggling as they run away. Mike gets up and walks upstairs after them.

    Joshua smiles at them, then goes into the kitchen to say hello to his wife, Angela.

    "Kids been good? Or do they need me to go teach 'em a little lesson?" I say with a smile across my face, hugging Angela from behind as she works on washing the dishes.