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I remove my Montreal Expos cap and take a step forward. I snag a firm grip of his shoulder, then stare straight into his eyes.
“One day, God-willing, you’re going to have a child of your own. And when you do, you’re going to raise that kid and do everything you can to keep him from becoming the person you once were; maybe the person you are now. When that day comes, I want you to look in your child’s eyes, and ask yourself – was it worth having this child? All the sleepless nights, all the extra-payments, all the stress that comes along with caring for a family?”
“Fuck that, I don’t do relationships.”
I smile. “Have a good day, son.” I turn around to face my wife. “Let’s go, babe.”
She frowns, then takes my hand. We leave.
CHAPTER 2
My Dodge pickup sounds like it gurgles cement as we bump along the road. Loretta unbuckles her seat belt, then leans over the center console and wraps both her arms around my right bicep.
“Let it go, baby,” she says, then kisses my shoulder.
“We should move,” I say.
“Why?” Loretta springs back.
“I don’t want to live here anymore. I don’t want Avery growing up here.”
“You and I grew up here. We have family here.”
“I don’t want Avery dealing with the same bullshit I do. She shouldn’t have to deal with these questions.”
“What questions?”
“C’mon Loretta, you want me to say it?”
“Say what?”
“The fact that I was an NFL prodigy who quit. Fact that the same people who thought I’d be rich and famous call me when their pool’s got too many leaves floating on top.”
Loretta laughs. She sits back in her own seat, crosses her arms, and stares out her window.
“What?”
She looks at me, rubs the tip of her nose, and turns away.
– Thomas M. Watt
Thomas M. Watt 
Thanks for your visit. I like what I read so far. Keep in touch. 🙂
I will so long as you do, Thia! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying Master.
My joy in the Master continues–expecting a baby, my host’s grandson! Next Post will tell all! 🙂
Great news! Boy or girl? And thank you Thia!
A beautiful boy! Ahmad’s my gifted son’s first grand son. All besides themselves!
Wow, you must be so proud. No greater gift than contributing to a new life. I’m so happy to hear that, Thia!
Thank you, my friend! All kinds of good news coming my way. My apartment should be ready in a couple of weeks. And …more, my friend’s shop I built for her got an order, the first! Ha! Ha! HalleluYah! I’m going to explode with joy!
Hi I just nominated you and you deserve this.
https://vincewambua.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/blazing-liebster-award/
Vincent, this is great that you nominated me but, I haven’t got the slightest on what to do or what to think of this nomination, please forgive my ignorance. I have check your link and it seems that it is a lot I have to do to obtain this award and I don’t know yet what is in the Father’s will in reference to this matter. Anyhow, I am honored that you nominated me. 🙂
Hahaha! You make me laugh Thia.
That’s my mission–to make you laugh! I sure do a lot of that! The best laugh was to read that lovely and loved but nasty OM. Just a simple comment to my Do Not Take Things Personally. The World does not revolve around you. He commented, My dream is shattered! lol.
I tell you I burst up laughing at the time that I was about to lose my mind. My mind returned to sanity! Go figure it! Father got a sense of humor.:-)
Man O man! Now I am really confused on this award thing! I wrote to Vincent and Thomas answered? Go figure it for me! 🙂