The Horse Farm - Chapter 2-28

Francisco stood next to a split rail fence near Stable 2 wearing a white cowboy hat, scuffed work boots, and a faded denim shirt. He pulled a telephone from a case on his belt and dialed Terri at her office. The morning sun struggled to penetrate patches of lingering fog. 

"Hey!"

"Hi!"

"Is that a bad time?"

"Well, it's never a great time," Terri answered, "but I have a few minutes."

"That's good, because I need to talk to you about something."

"OK."

"I chatted with my son as he was leaving for school. He wants to talk to me this evening about his education."

"Well, that's good!"

"I wanted to let you know, because he also asked if his mother could be here."

"Oh!" Terri remained silent for a moment as she pictured the bejeweled blonde sitting in Francisco's study, flashing a condescending smile in her direction. "So, she's coming over?"

"I haven't contacted her, yet. I wanted to talk to you about it first."

"Francisco, this is your family. If your son needs to talk with the two of you together, then it must be something important."

"Are you sure that it's OK with you?"

"Well, I'm not thrilled, but I understand why she needs to be there."

"Thank you, that's very generous."

"Oh, don't worry!" Terri joked. "You're going to make this up to me. I think I'll spend the rest of the day coming up with a plan."
Francisco let out a baritone laugh. "Okay, well, maybe I should drive over later and take you out for a nightcap."

"I think you should probably be there for you son, don't you think?"

"Well, let's see what time it is when we finish our discussion," Francisco offered. "If it's not too late, I would love to see you."

"Well, that's thoughtful. But just make sure that you spend the time with him that he needs."

"OK, well, I'll give you a call later to let you know how it went."

"That's thoughtful! Thanks!"

"Thank YOU for understanding." 

"It's fine, Frank. Do what you have to do."

"Bueno - ciao!"

"Ciao!"

Francisco leaned against the fence and dialed another call. A woman answered.

"Am I reaching you at a bad time?" he asked.

"If it were a bad time, I wouldn't have answered, silly."

"How did I know that you were going to saw that?" Francisco teased.

"We know each other all too well, I'm afraid."

"Anyway, I'm calling because your son asked if he could speak with us together this evening."

"Yes, he already called me."

"He did?"

"Yes, last night, after his date."

"He went on a date last night?" 

"Oh, God Almighty! What kind of a father are you?"

"He's about to turn eighteen. I don't keep track of his every movement."

"You should pay more attention."

"Anyway, I thought that he wanted me to get in touch with you."

"I guess he didn't trust you to remember to call me since you are apparently too busy to pay any attention to him."

"Dios mio!" Francisco said bitterly. "So, I suppose that you're coming."

"Of course, Darling! My flight leaves at 2:30."

"Should I pick you up at the airport?"

"In the Ferrari? Where will I put my bags?"

"I could bring the Suburban. Or the Benz."

"It's okay, Darling! I've arranged for a car. I'll freshen up at the hotel first. You can pick me up there."

"At what time?"

"6:30?"

"Of course! You are a man of your word."

"Apparently, my son doesn't think so."

"I was teasing you, Darling! He thinks the world of you."

  

'The Horse Farm'

Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South

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