Gabe was usually the first up in the morning. He would always make coffee for Jenny and fix something for them to nibble on before heading out for work. Gabe tossed on a robe and some slippers and shot downstairs. As he came down, there was an aroma in the air he smelt coming from the kitchen. When he walked in, he found Dick cooking in his kitchen.

  “Good morning.” Gabe said as he came into the room.

  “Hey Gabe,” Dick said with a warm smile. “I hope you don’t mind I raided the fridge. I thought it would be cool to make breakfast.”

  “Not at all,” Gabe said as he leaned over Dick’s shoulder to see what was on the oven. “What on earth is that?”

  “Oh, this?” Dick asked. On the frying pan was a piece of bread. A circle had been cut out of the center and in its place was an egg that was cooking while the bread toasted around it at the same time. “I learned how to make this from one of my former band mates from the United Kingdom. Whenever we stayed over at his place, his wife would cook this breakfast for us. It’s called an egg in a basket. It’s Jenny’s favorite.”

  “I’ve never tried it.” Gabe confessed.

  “Oh, you’re in for a treat.” Dick said as he took one off the pan and brought the plate over to him.

  Gabe looked at it and gave it a taste. It was quite good, especially when he dipped it into some ketchup. “Thank you.”

  “That’s no problem.” Dick replied. “I’ve even put the coffee machine on. She’s like me; need our go go juice in the morning.”

  As if she heard her name from a floor away, Jenny came down to get her morning java.

  “Hello everyone,” She said, trying her best to be pleasant.

  “Here you go.” Dick said as he came over with her coffee. Gabe had told him seconds ago how she takes it so it was perfect. He also gave her a plate with her own egg in a basket.

  “I had forgotten about these.” Jenny said as she did her best to give her old man a smile. “Thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome, princess.” Dick said as he took the pans to the sink. He’d get to them later as he grabbed his own coffee and took a seat. “So, what’s in the books for today?”

  “Work.” Jenny replied between bites.

  “Work here too.” Gabe said.

  “I see,” Dick said as he suddenly remembered everyone else had real jobs and schedules to keep. “Anyone open to meeting me for lunch?”

  There was a pause, so Gabe jumped in. “Is it okay if my brother joined us again?”

  “Yeah, sure. He’s a good kid.” Dick answered.

  While Jenny was still a little distant, Gabe was actually making a real effort to make him feel welcome and he greatly appreciated it. There was a good chance Gabe would have acted like this even if he wasn’t Jenny’s father, but his jumping in right now was for Jenny so she wouldn’t have to rush into things until she was ready. He was acting like a buffer for her, and the old man respected that. He could tell how much Gabe loved about her by how protective he was and that was something. Seeing that love in the room it made Dick more comfortable with Gabe and his relationship with Jenny.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  After the kids took off for work, Dick decided to take a little down time and just relax. He did the dishes, which was the first time in forever for him. He paid people top dollar to do that kind of work for him, but he wasn’t feeble and had no problem cleaning up after himself. After that he parked himself in the living room and watched a little television and farted around. He even considered taking a nap before lunch, but something caught his attention. In the corner of the room was a guitar. It was acoustic, but a nice-looking little thing that was hidden away in the corner behind a plant. Dick got up off the couch and walked over to the instrument hiding in the corner.

  “Hello baby.” Dick said to the guitar as he picked it up and brought it back to the couch.

  He started to fumble with the chords a bit and did so for the next several minutes, playing with the tune of it and getting to the way he liked it. Another thing he never did anymore, as usually the roadies tuned all the guitars before the show so he wouldn’t have to. He started to play a song he hadn’t done in a while but was reminded of it when he was talking to Gabe and his brother the day before. He started to hum some of the lyrics to himself as he played the guitar to his liking…

Up in the clouds, no more tears

Be with God my little one,

I’ll be seeing you soon

Give’em all hell for me till then,

My sweet angel…

  Dick was about to start a verse when the phone rang. He looked around and realized it was the home line in the household. He looked at his watch and it was only half past ten. Was Gabe calling to cancel lunch? Dick walked over to the phone and picked it up.

  “Hello?” Dick said after picking up the receiver.

  “Who is this?” the lady on the line suddenly asked.

  “You’re calling me,” Dick shot back. “Isn’t that my line?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” The voice replied. “I’m looking for Gabe Davis.”

  “I’m afraid he’s not here,” Dick informed her, “He and Jenny went to work a short while ago. May I take a message?”

  “This is Alicia.” The voice replied. “I’m Gabe’s ex-wife.”

  Ugh, Dick thought to himself, the ex. “What can I do for you, Alicia?”

  “I’m sorry,” Alicia interrupted. “But who are you?”

  “My name is Richard.” Dick answered. “I’m Jennifer’s father.”

  “Oh,” Alicia said, surprised to hear that. “I really need to speak to Gabe. It’s about his son Michael.”

  “Is he alright?” Dick asked, trying to be polite.

  “Physically, yes.” Alicia answered. “But I got a call from the school. He’s been suspended for fighting. They’re asking for someone to pick him up from school. I can’t do it because I’ve got a board meeting in an hour. Gabe is supposed to take him tomorrow, so I was hoping he’d take him a day early.”

  “Gabe is at work too, but I’ll tell you what.” Dick said to her, “Call the school and tell them that Jenny’s Dad is coming in to get him. I’ll watch him here until Gabe gets home.”

  “Oh my, thank you!” Alicia said, clearly blown away by the gesture.

  “Is this normal for Michael to be suspended?” Dick asked.

  “No!” Alicia responded, rather surprised by the question. “He’s never been suspended, ever. Are you sure it’s not going to be a problem?”

  “I have four boys of my own. I’m pretty sure I can handle it.” Dick said to her with an air of confidence in his voice.

  Alicia didn’t realize Jenny had so many siblings but that was all she needed to hear. “I’ll call the school immediately. Thank you so much for your help, Mr. Kershaw.”

  Dick didn’t bother to correct her and played along with her assumption. “You’re quite welcome, Alicia. Good luck with the board meeting.”

  “Thank you very much!” Alicia said just before hanging up. She literally had no idea who she was talking to or for that matter what person she was really sending in to pick up her son.

  Dick couldn’t help but laugh as he put the phone down. Now he was able to spend some of the day doing what he loved best: being a total shit disturber.