What the hell was this? Some Valentine's day this turned out to be. Oakley wasn't sure which way to turn when Phil showed up.
"Oh, he's new. Maybe you could show him around," Alfie was all casual about this little get-together. She'd hoped it would be cozy at the little out-of-the-way Mexican food place that she heard had great Margaritas, even the kind with jalapenos.
This was really making her think twice about him. Sure, she'd always thought it would be a dream come true to get together with someone who was actually her brother's blood relative. Maybe she was asking for too much she thought.
Phil was a bit confused. Perhaps. Although, it felt as if the blind was leading the blind. She didn't know what Alfie wanted her to say.
"Now, be nice, Oakley," Alfie smiled and then explained his little brother's name was Boone. "Your folks must have loved westerns or something." He told Phil he hadn't known Oakley long, "She's like a little sister I never had. Heck, I never had a brother until now, either."
She wasn't sure if Alfie was just a joke or what.
"Oh, she's serious," he told Phil. "I think she can play just about any musical instrument, but she doesn't want to be a music teacher." Alfie shrugged. "I'm not sure what you're going to do with a degree in music."
She was furious with him then as she squinted hard. "But she likes the outdoors," Alfie nodded with a smile. "Do you like the outdoors, Phil?"
"Well," he winced as if to say not really. "I've never been to this part of the state. I mean, we get a lot more snow out our way. I-I can't say I really want to be outdoors at the moment, but you know, I-"
"We'll have to go to the zoo when it's warmer," Alfie shrugged. He talked about how he went to UNO while Oakley went to UNL. "My little brother is there now. I think he likes it."
Oakley practically scowled. Alfie had never talked this much about Boone. She gave Alfie a serious look.
"Oh, am I bad?" He cracked up. "Am I talking too much about family? I never had a chance until now."
Good
ReplyDeleteA visit to the ZOO when it's warmer ... good idea.
ReplyDeleteIt will take a bit before Phil feels comfortable around his new friends.
ReplyDeletePhil, kind of spoiled Oakley's hope for a cozy Valentine get- together with Alphie at the Mexican food place. Oh, well, it happens in the best of families.
ReplyDeleteHello!! a really good chapter, thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!!
Ellie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy coming here to read your series of narratives.
Kisses!!!
nice conversations...
ReplyDeleteGreat post 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice evening.
Oakley and Boone . . . that is cute! I guess their parents really did love westerns. I was really surprised and impressed that Alfie set Oakley up with Phil instead of moving in on her himself. Very mature! Even if he did insult her about not wanting to put her music education to use as a teacher (as an English major with no intentions of teaching, I heard it all!). And the end, of course, is so clever: ' "Oh, am I bad?" He cracked up. "Am I talking too much about family? I never had a chance until now." ' Even when he grows, Alfie can't help but be snarky. And that's why we love him!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love, love, love your festive collage! 🌵💖🌮💖🌻💖