Chapter 47

“Dad!”

“Hard day, son.” He looked at Jim. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Gee, Mr. Truttle, you look like crap? You’re all dirty and greasy.”

He gave a twisted smile. “Thanks for the encouragement. Come here, let me give you a hug.” He gave a quick look at his filthy clothes and smirked.

Jim grinned. “You’re going to smother me to death, huh?”

“Yup. Come here.” He held open his arms.

Brian shook his head, trying to be disapproving. “You kids, someday I’ll die of a heart attack because of your antics. Dad, get out of those clothes and I’ll get them in the washer. Take a hotshower and come to dinner.”

Dad stripped to his boxers and Brian shoved the clothes in the washer in the small laundry room off the kitchen.

“Brian, smells awesome in here. Dare I ask, prime rib?”

Brian nodded.

Jim added, “And baked yams with stir-fry vegetables and noodles, Italian bread, and chocolate cake with strawberry frosting.”

A while later, as they ate, Dad asked, “So how was your day?”