Chapter 11
DYLAN: Hey. I got a kitten.
POPS brODIE: Well hey there, Dylan. Is that meant to be code for something?
DYLAN: No. I brought home an abandoned baby cat that someone found. I’m keeping her. Her name is Mr. Noodles.
POPS brODIE: Well now how do you like that. You got yourself a little girl to take care of. Your mama’s not on this text convo, you know?
DYLAN: Yeah, I know.
POPS brODIE: And if she finds out I heard this news before she did, I will never hear the end of it.
DYLAN: I know. I’ll tell her. I just wanted to say hi.
POPS brODIE: To me?
DYLAN: Yeah.
POPS brODIE: Well hello. Pardon my surprise, but the only time you’ve ever texted me without including your mama was to ask me what to get your mama for her birthday. Everything all right?
DYLAN: I’m fine. Just started therapy with someone new. Been thinking about things.
POPS brODIE: I see.
POPS brODIE: Not exactly a parent’s favorite thing to hear.
POPS brODIE: Anything you’d care to discuss?
DYLAN: Nothing bad. I was just thinking about when we’d go visit you on set when I was little. How that made me want to be an actor. I can’t remember if you encouraged me to do that or not.
POPS brODIE: To act?
DYLAN: Yes sir. Were you happy that I did?
POPS brODIE: I was when I saw how happy it made you. I was glad you found your calling when you were so young. Not many do.
DYLAN: Did you love it? Acting?
POPS brODIE: It was just a job, to be honest. I would not say that it was my calling, no.
DYLAN: Then what is?
POPS brODIE: Being married to your mama.
POPS brODIE: Just don’t tell her I said so. After all these years, I wouldn’t want it going to her head.
DYLAN: Your secret’s safe with me, Pops.
POPS brODIE: You sure you’re all right?
DYLAN: Yeah. I better leave for my appointment. I’ll text Mama about the kitten after. Thanks for the chat.
POPS brODIE: Anytime, son. You take care.