"The Golden Boys" (StoryADay Challenge/Day 27)

The Prompt: (by Matty Dalrymple, who writes, podcasts, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author, and is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Wake With Clouds

*

“The Golden Boys”

"Why are you wearing that shirt Dad?" 

"What's wrong with it?"

"Literally everything."

"That's the problem with you young people today, you insert your opinions where they weren't asked for. This shirt is gorgeous."

"It's not Dad. It's really not."

"Do you even know what these shirts are called?"

"Hawaiian shirts?"

"Wrong kiddo. It's an Aloha shirt."

"But we're not in Hawaii. We’re in St. Barts"

"We don't need to be. I’m well aware of where we are. You don't understand. You're still just a pretty young thing."

They both laughed together.

The concierge returned. “Pina Colada for the young man, and a raspberry mojito-”

“Go ahead, call me the old man Sofia.” 

Sofia smiled. “That’s not what I was going to say Mr. Golden.” She placed the drinks on the table between them.

“Mr. Golden is unnecessary, call me Leo. This is my son Malcolm.”

“Hello gentlemen. Your villa will be ready shortly,” Sofia said. “If there’s anything either of you need during your stay, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and dial one. We are here to ensure that your stay is phenomenal. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.”

“Thank you Sofia,” Malcolm said.

Sofia nodded and walked off the patio and back into the lobby. 

“But on a serious note,” Malcolm said. “Thank you for this dad. I know you didn’t have to do this. This is already just....incredible.”

“My little boy is now twenty-five. I can’t believe how fast time flies. It feels like yesterday I was changing your diaper.” 

“Come on dad.”

“What? Am I embarrassing you? Don’t be embarrassed, soon you’ll be changing my diaper.”

Leo turned to Malcolm, lifted his shades and laughed. Malcolm rolled his eyes and smiled.

“After me and your mother divorced, I was determined not to let our relationship deteriorate. Separation is tough. Divorce is worse. I was bitter for a long time. Anger consumed me for years. I always tried to hide it from you when we were together.”

“I knew you were angry,” Malcolm said, looking down into his drink.

“I’m not surprised. You can’t hide things from kids. They see through the charade.”

“How did you feel when mom remarried?”

“It threw for a loop initially, if I’m being completely honest. She seemed to be moving on so quickly, and there I was standing with broken glass in my hands. I wasn’t happy about it. I wasn’t happy about another man around my young son, you were only six at the time. I was furious. You’ve never asked me that before.”

“I know I haven’t,” Malcolm said. “I guess I was too afraid before.”

Leo put the drink back on the center table. He looked at Malcolm and took his shades off his face. “Me and my father had a terrible relationship. He would just make me do things. He used to beat me and threaten me. We never communicated with each other in a healthy manner. Although it was all I was used to, something within me, knew it wasn’t right. And I vowed to myself, if I was ever blessed to be a father, that I would create a loving and open space between me and my child. I never want you to feel reluctant to ask or tell me anything. I know we laugh a lot together, but I’m your father. Anything, anytime, anywhere, I’m here for you son, until the day I leave this earth. That is my word.”

“Thanks dad.”

“Have you ever jet skied?”

“Nope.”

“When you, your mom and Gordon went to Aruba, you didn’t jet ski?”

“Nope. You know how Mom is.”

“Yeah, you’re right. That’s way too much excitement for her,” Leo said, laughing loudly. “And Gordon is just clueless, God bless his heart.”

Malcolm chuckled. “They’re sun-bathers.” 

“I wish them both nothing but happiness together.”

“Are you being sarcastic?” Malcolm asked.

“I’m actually not.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m serious Malcolm. Over time you realize that everything happens for a reason. Your mom and I shared time together to create you. You are the reason we had to cross paths. I’m eternally grateful for her, simply because of you. I will always love your mom. Anything she needs I’m there. All because she gave me you, kiddo. All the things we went through, I wouldn’t change a thing. It brought us here. You’re an amazing son Malcolm. And I freaking adore you kiddo.”

“Love you too Dad.”

“You better love me. You were in my scrotum once upon a time.”

“Your humor is weird.” Malcolm said, laughing.

“It's just our thing,” Leo said. “I’m just being honest, champ.”

“Too honest maybe?”

Sofia returned. “Golden boys, your villa is ready.”

“I like that. ‘Golden Boys.’ Leo said. “It has a nice ring to it” 

“Oh boy, look what you’ve created Sofia,” Malcolm said to Sofia.

Sofia giggled. “I’m sorry?”

Leo was spaced out in thought.

“He’s thinking up strange things,” Malcolm said. “That’s my dad, the noble wild-heart.” 

Leo snapped back to reality. “Malcolm, I have an idea.”

Malcolm grabbed the room keys from Sofia. “We just got off a long flight. Let’s recharge. Tell me your idea later.” 

“The Golden Boys are in the building!” Leo shouted through the lobby, as other guests starred bewildered.

The End.

**This is a work of fiction. Names. characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.