Episode 13. Dinner at The Lost SpurA Chapter by FrankyThe whole family is invited to a meal at a fancy restaurant.In May of 1989, Robert graduated with a dual bachelor's degree in mathematics and business administration. He's twenty three years old having worked a full time job and been a full time student concurrently for several years. He's happy to have mostly avoided debt while a student, and he's looking forward to starting work as a computer programmer for Lexington Industries in Minneapolis. It's a decent salary and has great benefits. The best part of this job is that Robert will get his own workspace so he can mostly work without interference. Robert's relationship with his father Mel is going well. Mel has stayed sober now for four years, and is doing well with his small bookkeeping and tax prep business. Robert is relieved that his dad has become 'dad' again, whereas Robert felt as if he instead the parent in the relationship for a few years. Mel is proud of Robert for being a college graduate who's worked very hard, andl tells him so often. Robert is the first in the family to graduate college. At various times each year, either Jeannie or Mel will arrange a family get together. In August of that year Jeannie invited all family members to a dinner at The Lost Spur Restaurant in Eagan. Mel and Jeannie, although divorced, get along reasonably well. They agree that keeping the family close is a challenge but well worth it. For this event Mel is not able to make it due to a previous commitment he's made with a client. At the meal, Robert is excited to see so many family members, including siblings and several young nephews. All five of Robert's siblings are in attendance, two of his brothers in law, all three of his nephews, and his two young nieces. But Robert is also disheartened to hear several negative comments made about Mel during dinner. A few are complaining that he didn't make it, and there is a comment made that maybe family isn't important to dad anymore. This is frustrating! If dad were here he'd be crushed. Can't these people appreciate their own father? Even my own nephews are making harsh comments-and they're barely teenagers. At the end of the meal while everyone is enjoying their dessert Robert speaks up and calmly tells several family members how well dad is doing now and how he shouldn't still have to pay a price for past conduct. "Everyone makes mistakes." No one says anything in reply, but when Robert is later walking to his car he overhears one of his brothers in law say, "He has no idea of what he's talking about. Robby is living in his own little world. He's a daddy's boy." Robert decides to simply let it go. I love these people and I loved seeing them tonight, but their pettiness and negativity is depressing. Later, when Robert returns home to his apartment he calls his dad to check on him and they enjoy a nice chat. "We all missed you dad. It wasn't the same without you." "Thanks man." A grateful Mel says. "I hated missing out tonight, but it couldn't be helped. I love you Robert." "I love you too dad." After hanging up the phone, Robert pulls the curtain closed on the main window in his living room. Before it closes he sees an unusual car across the street. A man appears to be sitting alone in the drivers seat. Ever since Kathy's death it's become common for Robert to tense up when seeing unexpected things. The man in the car appears to be watching Robert's apartment. © 2023 FrankyFeatured Review
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4 Reviews Added on April 18, 2023 Last Updated on April 18, 2023 AuthorFrankyOHAboutI need a space to share my writings so i can grow as a writer. I mostly write short stories, but I'm working on a book about a serious family saga. Things seem calmer these days at the cafe. I'.. more..Writing
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