Centerfold
475 Words
Joseph Kyle had a lot on his mind. Not necessarily bad things, just … things. His daughter was growing up, he just got a promotion, and he just turned forty. He looked good for forty. That always got him in trouble with his daughter because it made him the main attraction whenever her friends would come over to the house. In fact, he and his wife shared that same trait … not only looking younger than they were but feeling it to. Taking this frequent trip down memory lane, always made him think of how much he missed his wife. He wished she was still alive, so she could see the new things that he and their daughter were experiencing … the everyday things that they used to cherish.
His phone rang and after two rings, he picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Joe?”
“Don’t call here again, okay?”
He put the phone back on the hook. He didn’t need that call. Not with all those thoughts in his head. And yet, the phone rang again.
“Please,” he answered. “I’m begging you. Don’t call here again.”
“And who might you be thinkin’ of?”
“Marie?”
“Yeah, dad. Who did you think it was?”
“Um … nobody. Where are you?”
“At Paradise Heights waiting on Graciela.”
“How long have you been waiting? Why don’t you call her?”
“Laurel’s always hogging the line. Gracie never gets a chance to use it. The only chance we do get to talk to each other is online, but you have me get off before ten.”
“Yes, I do and there is no changing my mind.”
“Darn! I tried. I just wanted to let you know where I was, so you wouldn’t worry. I know you miss me.”
“Of course I do, Doodles.”
“Dad! Do you have to call me that?”
“Oh, come on. I don’t get to see you as much as I used to. Let me reminisce and have a nickname to hold on to.”
“I guess that’s the least I can do. You are half the reason I’m here.”
“Half to blame,” Joseph joked.
“Hey!” she laughed.
“Have fun and tell Graciela I said hi.”
“I will.”
“Be home before six. Love you.”
“Love you too … and I will. Bye.”
He hung up the phone with a smile. His little girl … she was the one thing that kept him going. Marie gave him a reason to live. Her and …
- Writer
