A Man's Appetite Read Free Page B

become a pleasure. Marla approached the front door with her portfolio in one hand and the house keys in the other. Before she could insert her key, she heard noises from the inside. “Arrrgh!” With a confused look on her face, Marla quickly opened the door and discovered Michael in a ‘dog stance’ on the floor, with Michael Jr. pulling on his neck. “Hey, honey”, Michael whispered as Michael Jr. minimized his ability to talk.
     
    “Hey. Michael don’t be so rough with Junior.”
     
                  “He’s choking me.”
     
    “You know what I mean and please don’t break the table, acting crazy.”
     
    Marla walked over to the couch, furthest away from Michael and Junior, and had a seat. Michael managed to lift up and get an arm around Junior’s waist. Once Michael grasps Junior, Junior let go of Michael’s neck and dangled on the side.
     
                  “How did everything go at the job?”
     
    “Not bad. She wanted to show me the area and have me meet some of my staff.”
     
                  “Friendly staff?”
     
    “Well I actually didn’t meet them. The only person there was an intern.”
     
    Michael laughs.
     
                  “So, she had you meet people that weren’t there.”
     
    “Yes. The staff is small and everyone was out for something different. It just let’s you know that they’re a group of characters. But! Nothing new. Honey, I wanted to throw a party this weekend.”
     
                  “For Junior?”
     
    “Oh my goodness! I have too much going on. Junior’s birthday is Sunday!”
     
                  “Not good, Marla. What was your party for?”
     
    “Well, I wanted to celebrate my new job. Is it possible to do something this Friday and take Junior out on Saturday?”
     
                  “I guess. It makes for a busy weekend.”
     
    “True, but Saturday we’ll go somewhere and won’t have to worry about cleaning and the whole nine.”
     
    Michael brought Junior face-to-face and said, “We have to pray for momma.”
     
    “Don’t do that. That’s not funny. Michael, I need you to barbeque for me on Friday.”
     
    Michael gave Marla a dead stare and walked out of the family room. “Michael”, screamed Marla. Michael didn’t respond and continued to play with Junior. “You can’t make any mistakes in this house”, yelled Marla. Still, Michael did not respond.

Friday
     
    It was mid-morning-afternoon and the sun had found its place for today. Smoke was pouring out, from the back patio of Marla and Michael’s home. The smell of charcoal traveled a mile away. The sound of meat being seared played in the background. “You got it smelling good, Mike”, yelled their next door neighbor, Jimmy. Michael removed the bottle of water from his lips and raised the bottle as confirmation.
     
    “What time did you say? Five”, asked Jimmy
     
                  “Yes, sir”, replied Michael.
     
    Marla decided to call and checkup on Di.
     
    “Di.”
     
                  “What?”
     
    “You don’t say hello?”
     
                  “I did. That’s your cheap phone.”
     
    “Whatever. What did you make?”
     
                  “For what?”
     
    “Girl, don’t play with me.”
     
    Di starts laughing.
     
                  “Don’t worry about it. You’ll see when I get there.”
     
    “Well, I’ve invited a few people. Are you and the family still coming?”
     
                  “Yes. Stanley doesn’t have to work late, tonight. Who did you invite?”
     
    “My home girl from college, Stephanie and her man. And, my new boss, Angie. She said she might bring a date, so that’s four people. So, make sure you bring enough dessert. Don’t make me look bad.”
     
                  “Don’t make yourself look bad. Is mom and dad coming?”
     
    “No. Their flight was cancelled.