My son Alex had been spending some time on the back deck when I heard the back door open. “It’s beautiful outside.” He called. I could hear the sound of something being put in the kitchen sink.
“Dishwasher’s clean!” I called back.
“Okay, thanks.”
I was sitting on the couch, working on my laptop, when he came around the corner and stood in the living room.
“You should really try and get outside today.”
“I know. I know. But I just want to finish this up before I head out.” I was still typing when I looked up and saw he was holding a book. “Hey, what are you reading?” I tried squinting but couldn’t see the title.
“It’s about an economist who started a hedge fund.” He held the book up for me to see.
I nodded as if I were interested. “Does he get the girl in the end?”
Alex looked confused. “What?”
“Well, I like a book that has some twists and turns but in the end everyone lives happily ever after.” I pointed to his book. “So is he married? Does he get the girl in the end?”
Alex looked at the back cover. “I think he’s married.”
I was still nodding. “So, what about kids? Does he have any of those?”
Alex shook his head still looking confused. “I think so.”
“How many?” I closed my laptop and moved a pillow behind my back to get more comfortable.
Alex shrugged his shoulders. “I think he has two.”
“So, he does get the girl and live happily ever after. Sounds like a good read to me.” I opened my laptop again. “Maybe when you’re done you can let me borrow it.”
Alex burst out laughing as he held up his book. “There’s no way you’d find this interesting.”
I didn’t look up but continued to type. “You’re sure right about that.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But since you just kind of gave me the Cliff Notes on the parts I’d be interested in I guess I can skip it now.”
Alex walked over to the couch and sat down next to me. “Okay, really. When was the last time you read anything about finance?”
I stopped typing, looked over at him and smiled. “Last week when I read my bank statement and balanced my checkbook.”
He laughed again. “Okay, I guess you got me with that one.” He got up from the couch and started to walk to his bedroom.
“Hey!” I threw up my hands. “I feel like life’s tough enough. When I read it’s for a little escapism. That’s why I usually prefer a light read.” I called.
Alex stopped and turned around. “I get it.” He held up his book again. “You’re just not interested in this stuff.”
“But I’m glad you are.” I smiled as I blew him a kiss. “Because if I ever get enough money and want to start my own hedge fund I’ll know exactly who I can go to.”
Alex laughed as he started walking down the hall again. “Just let me finish the book before you start asking me to open a hedge fund for you.” He called.
Slice of Life 