“I don’t care, young man. Bad words are bad words.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Thirty-two-years-old and still reprimanded for a curse word I learned in the third grade. From her.
“Watch the news before you make any decisions, okay? I’ve got to go honey, but I love you.”
“Okay, Ma. Love you too.”
We hang up and I can’t help but smile. My mom is the best. Maybe I should go home as scheduled and then take a road trip to visit my parents. Even though she said they were fine, I still worry being away with dad’s health in question. I may have stayed with them the whole off-season but I miss them too.Being the mama’s boy that I am, I go inside and pull up the U.S. news channel.
BREAKING NEWS: STATES BEGIN TO IMPLEMENT SHUT DOWN PROTOCOLS
The banner reads across the bottom of the television screen as the anchors begin their segment.
“Thank you for joining us. States have begun shut down protocols in the wake of the World Health Organization declaring a pandemic. The New York City public school system has closed down. And several other states, like Ohio, have called for restaurants and bars to close.”
“That’s right, Tom, this comes on the back of the CDC issuing a no-sail order and the Administration calling for a travel ban on non-US citizens traveling from 26 European countries.”
“This is unprecedented, Vicki. Have you ever seen anything like this?”
I tune them out, processing what the anchors are reporting. When I left Florida, I didn’t think anything of it. Now, everything is changing so quickly I’m not sure what to expect.
My phone rings again. “What is this, grand fucking central?” I mutter to myself as I see it’s Miller calling.
“What’s up, bro?” A text alert comes in on my phone as I answer the call.
“Just chillin’. How’s that epic adventure coming?” I look at the message on my phone and see a picture of Miller lounging by my pool.
“Why are you chillin’ in my backyard? You have your own pool.”
“I like yours better. Plus, you have good beer.”
“Don’t drink all my beer, dick.”
Miller fake gasps. “Is that any way to talk to your best friend?”
“Who said you’re my best friend?” Sarcasm bleeds into my tone.
“You did, multiple times.”
“I don’t seem to remember that.”
“It’s your old age. Memory issues.” I shake my head at my best friend’s taunting. “Anywho, the reason I was calling…”
“Yes, please tell me.” I roll my eyes.
“Coach may or may not have found out you’re in Belize.”
“And?” My palms sweat. I didn’t tell him I was going on vacation. He can’t be happy.
“And he may or may not be pissed about it.” Miller’s sobers. I can hear the grimace in his voice.
Dragging my hand over my face, I groan. “I’m betting on themaypart of that. What did he say?” It would be even worse if he knew Ivory were here.
“Something about ‘I told you dumbasses to stay by the phone and stay ready, not get on a goddamn airplane and fly to a different country.’” He raises his voice imitating Coach.
“Did you tell him it was your idea?”
“Well, of course not! Why would I put myself in the doghouse?”
