Pop: Chapter 10b

    "Dad wrote for The New York Times?  Why didn't I know that?" Sam asks.

    "You were probably still a baby.  Thad said that they used parts of one of Dad's old articles for a hatchet job relating to my recent television appearances."

    "Good.  You needed taking down." Sam shoveled yet another huge bite of food into his mouth.

    "It wasn't my fault.  Dad made the decision to move all on his own." I have to tell him the whole story, and soon.

    Instead, I ask him a question.

    "What will you be doing today until the dinner?"

    "Nothing.  I already checked on the municipal pools.  The nearest ones' opening are delayed until next week. I don't really know any of the neighbors, and I don't feel like I need to either."

    "You could always get ready for your orientation meeting at UK tomorrow.  It will be more than just physicals, you know.  You will be meeting with some of the coaching staff and the team.  You'll be taking a tour of the athletic facilities. Maybe even get to check out some of the classrooms.  This is a really big deal, considering how late your acceptance was."

    Sam gives me a snide look, puts his fork down, and gets up to leave.

    "Whatever."

    To think, just two days ago he would have put the dirty dishes back.

    "Remember.  The dinner is being moved up to six.  Maybe earlier if everyone can make it. " I yell back at him.  Sam turns just before he gets to the living room door.

    "Addie called earlier.  There could be some storms this evening, maybe severe.  We'd like everyone to be safe."

    "I bet," Sam goes back to walking out the door.

    "Just be ready on time.  For Dad, if not for me and Addie."

    I go back to the kitchen to finish breakfast. I wash everything down with. a protein shake.  Unfortunately, the banana mix is back in New York, so I have to settle with strawberry with a half scoop of vanilla.  Supplementing is a drag, but it does make me feel and look good.

    While cleaning up, I decide to wait to read the article.  I'll do a quick total body workout session first, then read.  That should still give me enough time to get ready for the signing at Pulse.  Anything to put off the bad news.  Literally.  When was the last time that paper did anything really great?  Okay, so they aren't all bad, but I only looked into it for the bestsellers list.