Thursday morning Chris’s phone rang at 7:00AM, a full 30 minutes before his alarm would go off. “This is Chris,” he mumbled into the phone.
“Chris boy it’s your uncle Doug. I didn’t wake you did I?”
Chris sat up now fully awake. “Hey Uncle Doug, you didn’t wake me. What’s up?”
“Have you had your breakfast?”
“Not yet, but I usually just have some coffee. Wait a second, are you in town?”
“Not just me but your uncle George is here too. We are sitting outside your dorm. Hustle down and we can have breakfast together.”
Chris hung up the phone, threw on some clothes, and ran down the stairs carrying his shoes. When he reached the front door, he spotted Doug and George and ran to them embracing Doug in a bear hug. “It’s good to see you uncle Doug,” with that he turned and grabbed George, “You to Uncle George.”
“It’s good to see you too boy,” Doug said smiling and looking into his eyes.
“Ya boy you’re lookin good,” Uncle George said as he patted him on the back.
“What are you two doing here? Not that I’m complaining I was really getting homesick, and I missed you both.”
Well, we came on an errand of mercy. We talked to your mother and finished up the Galaxy you, and your Dad worked to restore. We thought you might like to see it before we sold it for her.”
Chris’s heart sank. The old 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 was his and his Dad’s last project together before his Dad died. Chris had always hoped to finish the car and drive it himself. They had scoured the country for parts together they only needed to put the last of it together and paint it. However, Dad had gotten sick, and they never got the chance to finish it before he passed. “I’d love to see it.”
Doug and George could tell that Chris’s heart was not in it. “Well we got plenty of time for that. Let’s get something to eat first.” Doug walked back to his car and got in. George followed on his heels and nudged Doug as he got in. Doug gave George a hard look. Chris climbed in the back, head down, and the hurt on his face was evident to everyone in the car.
As Doug and George had come into town, they had spotted a breakfast only dinner called the Copper Kettle. They decided to take Chris there. The food was good the coffee fresh and hot, and the waitress’s had plenty of attitude. Chris ate the food, but his mind was elsewhere.
“What did you get for it,” Chris asked?
“Some guy in CA wants it for $98,000.00,” George smiled. “We are planning on taking it part way and meeting the new owner somewhere in Missouri.” Chris’s mood fell even more. George asked, “What’s with you today? You were happy to see us, but now you're more down in the dump than I have ever seen you.”
“I’m sorry guys. I was hoping to finish the car myself and drive it someday. I guess I’ll never get the chance now.”
“Well your mom really needs the money, and we thought we could help her out. Sorry Chris if this blows a dream for you. There will be other cars and other dreams.” George looked at Chris and patted him on the shoulder.
“I know. It just hurts.”
Doug and George sat in silence as they finished breakfast. Chris was in no mood for conversation so when the check arrived Chris took his and headed for the door. Doug called after Chris, “We are buying you breakfast. It's the least we can do now that we have succeeded in bumming you out.”
“Thanks Uncle Doug,” Chris handed over the check and waited next to the table for the men to dig out their wallets and put the cash together to pay Chris’s bill. “I’m sorry I’m so down guys. I miss my Dad, and the car was just one thing I was holding on too. I guess he really isn’t coming back, is he?”
George seeing the sadness in his eyes said. “Afraid not boy. We miss him too. But we have to go on with life. Just remember that you were his life. He lived to raise you right. He did nothing but talk about you when we got together. He loved you like nothing else in his life. You have made him so proud, and you make us proud by going on with life.”
Chris leaned over and gave George a hug. “Thanks Uncle George. You guys are the best uncles a boy could have.” A smile spread across Chris’s face. “So I have a question. When do you guys stop calling me boy?”
Doug laughed and said, “Never boy. Never, so get used to it. We promised your Dad. we would look after you so you are our boy now and forever.”
“That actually feels good. Thanks guys.”
The three left the restaurant and headed back to Chris’s dorm. When they parked Doug and George got out and took the tarp off the Galaxy on the trailer. Chris got out of the car and stared at the finished product. The color scheme was the same one he had drawn up. When his Dad died, Chris had taken the drawing and had it framed and placed on the wall of his bedroom. He didn’t want to bring the picture with him to college for fear of it getting wreaked. The base color was a candy-apple red with white and blue pin striping. It was perfect. The convertible roof was white, and the seats were white with red and blue trim. The whole thing was chrome trimmed and looked like it just came off the assembly line. Chris walked around the car looking in awe at his dream now a reality on the trailer.
“What do you think?” Doug asked, and George was smiling.
“What do I think? I think it is beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. It is just how I imagined it would look. You guys did a fantastic job. No wonder you’re getting 98 grand for it.”
“That’s not all,” George said. “Check out the Dash. It has a complete computer navigation system with XM radio and a 20 CD changer. Add to that the 500GB music storage system, 1000 watt amplifier and Dolby 5.1 surround sound a pop up 10” video display with DVR, and you have one cherry ride inside and out.”
“Doug, George, thanks for letting me take a peek at it before you sold it. It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.” Chris just continued to start at it in total amazement.
“You wanna drive it,” Doug asked?
“Absolutely,” Chris said.
Doug and George got it off the trailer and let Chris get in for a test drive. For the first few minutes, Chris just sat in the driver’s seat feeling the seats, Dash and controls. Then he put the car in drive and took it for a spin. He took it out on the highway 95 and opened her up. When he hit 100, he eased off the gas and listened to it purr as he flew down the highway. It was perfect. After a while, Chris started to feel guilty about having the car out so long and turned to head back. He wished the car could be his, but he understood that his mom could really use the money. When he arrived back at the trailer, he started to pull the car onto it but George stopped him. “You want me to put it on the trailer,” he asked?
“No I’ll do it thanks,” George replied. “It’s a little tight to get on the trailer.”
Chris got out of the car and stepped back to take it all in one last time. George and Doug came and stood on each side of Chris. “You did a great job with picking the colors,” Doug said.
“Ya, it’s choice. Thanks again for letting me drive it.”
Doug smiled at George and asked Chris if he had a couple of bucks on him. “I’d like to get a soda from the machine before we head out.” Chris dug in his pockets and pulled out two bucks.
“Here you go.” Chris smiled as he gave Doug the money. “I got to get ready for class. Thanks for the breakfast and the test drive. I love you guys.” Chris began to walk to his dorm when Doug called out to him.
“Hey Chris, before you go, I want to ask you something.” Chris turned as Doug continued. “Will you promise us that you’ll visit your mom as often as you can?” Chris started to respond, but Doug held up his hand stopping him. We would also like a promise that you will come see us as often as you can. We would in addition like to spend the Day with you. Can you skip your classes?”
“You know I will guys. You’re family. You’re also the coolest Uncle’s a boy could
have. I’d love to spend the Day with you two.” Chris smiled and once again hugged them both.
George spoke up, “So did you see the present in the back seat for you?”
“No.” Chris went to the car and looked in the back seat at the small flat box. Chris reached inside thinking it was a new shirt, but the box was too heavy to be a shirt. Chris was not sure what it was. He opened the box and found a license plate inside. He read the plate number and started jumping up and down saying no way over and over.
George started laughing and produced the title and registration from his breast pocket. “It’s true. You just paid a dollar for galaxy.”
Chris couldn’t contain his excitement. “This is the coolest present ever. Thank you, thank you. I can’t believe it’s mine. No way, No way. Chris opened the door and sat in the front seat again.
Doug spoke up next. “Remember your promises. Your mom wanted you to have it, and we helped her get it done. But the deal is if you start neglecting your mom or us, we will pick up the car and sell it for real. You ok with that?”
“Yes, of course I am. This is so cool. I can’t believe this.”
“We have a few things we need to get done today so you can drive this bad boy. Let’s go get the insurance set up and George wants to put a Lo-Jack system on it.”
The three spent the rest of the Day getting the chores of a new car done. They had clam baskets for lunch and when dinner rolled around Chris recommended the Japanese Steak House. There was lots of love and laughter flowing. After dinner George and Doug said their goodbyes and headed home with the empty trailer. Chris stood in the parking lot just walking around the car over and over. He kneeled in front of the car and fastened his plate on. He walked to the back of the car and attached the other plate. He took a step back and looked at them in the dim light. “Chris’s 68” He smiled and mouthed the words' thanks Dad.
CHAPTER 5
When Chris got back to the room, there was Duff spread out on his bed reading. “What happened to you today? You didn’t show for any classes.
“I had a visit from my two uncles. They were dropping off my car.” The smile on Chris’s face told the whole story. “I’ve got to call my mom but when I’m done. How about, I take you out for a drink?"
“As long as you’re buying, count me in.”
Chris grabbed the cordless and dropped on his bed. He dialed the only number he knew by heart other than Centerville Pizza and waited for an answer.
“Hello,” came the voice on the phone.
“Mom its Chris.”
“Chris I was waiting for your call. Did your uncles leave yet?”
“Ya they just left. Thank you for the car mom. It means the world to me.”
“I figured you’d like it. However, you really need to thank Doug and George. They took care of everything. I couldn’t have done it without them. Did you like the plates?”
“Mom they are great and I did thank the guys. Are you sure you don’t need the money? I mean we can sell it for a lot of money, and you could use that to live on after you retire.”
“Chris honey, your dad took good care of me. The house is paid off and there is enough money to see me through until the end. You don’t have to worry about that. I know he would have wanted you to have the car.”
“Thanks mom. I don’t know what to say. It’s more than I could have hoped for. You’re the best. I love you mom.” Chris could feel the tears in his eyes. Once again, Dad had come through for him and his mom. “I miss him mom.”
“I do too sweetheart. He was a good husband to me and a great father to you. We have been blessed by knowing him. However, you know he would have wanted us to be happy and not spend all our time thinking about him. Just remember this Chris, your dad would be so proud of you. I’m proud of you too Chris. You are one amazing kid. Not that I haven’t wanted to kill you from time to time or been willing to sell you for a quarter at others, but you will always be my son, and I am so proud to be your mom.”
“Thanks mom. It means a lot knowing you, and dad are proud of me. I have to go. I promised Duff a pint at the pub to celebrate my new wheels.
“You have fun sweetheart and don’t let your studies slip now that you have a car. I love you.”
“I won’t mom and I love you too.” Chris hung up the phone wiped his eyes and told Duff it was time to go.
As expected Duff was blown away by the car, and wanted to drive it. Chris made it clear he was the only driver of this car, and he also told the history of the car. Duff understood but still wished he could drive it.
“This thing is a babe magnet. You can just cruise around town and you will be the most popular guy on campus.”
Chris laughed; he had no interest in collecting women like notches on a gun handle. His heart was set on Amy. He was fascinated by her. He couldn’t wait for his date tomorrow.
The boys drove to Mike’s pub took their booth in the back and ordered two pints of Gunnies. Mike himself brought the pints to the booth and took a seat. “How you two doing,” he asked?
“We’re good, how about you?” Chris casually asked.
“Well to be honest I am getting tired of hearing your name.”
Chris looked up at Mike concerned, he had done something wrong. Duff joined him in the gaze and waited for Mike to explain his comment.
“Amy has done nothing but talk about Chris this and Chris that. She is acting like a school girl with her first crush.” Mike smiled, and both Chris and Duff relaxed. Chris wanted to hear more about how much Amy liked him but thought that asking would seem conceded. So he just continued to listen silently.
Mike went on a few minutes then asked Duff if he could speak to Chris alone for a second. Duff did well with the hint and said he needed to go relieve himself anyway. As he left the booth Duff patted Mike on the back and whispered, “Go easy on him.”
Mike smiled and half waved to Duff as he left. Then his took a serious turn to Chris and looked him directly in the eye. “I’ve know you a while now Chris and I like you but I wouldn’t be a very good father if I didn’t ask what your intentions are toward my little girl. She’s all I have since her mom died and I would do anything to make sure she doesn’t get hurt. I guess what I’m saying is that if you just plan on getting into the pants of a local girl then dumping her, I’m going to be very upset. Chris, you don’t ever want to see me upset. There is a good reason I don’t have a bouncer. I’ve never needed one.”
Chris held back a smile. He knew Mike was serious and very concerned for his daughter. Living in a tourist area or a college town you meet guys who think bedding a local is a fun way to spend the summer. But when the summer, or the school semester, is over they simply want to forget about the girl involved. Chris’s mom had dealt with suicidal girls who had just been dumped by their summer loves on more than one occasion. He understood the pain on not just the girl but her family as well. He vowed a long time ago to respect women more than that. “Mike, I grew up on the Cape and have seen my share of summer loves. I would never do anything like that to any women. I really like your daughter and am looking forward to spending more time with her. It may sound hollow coming from the guy but I think your daughter is the most interesting women I have ever met. I have no intention of hurting her. I promise you I will always show her the proper respect.” Chris thought for a minute then added, “If you would like I would be happy to give you the number of a few of my ex-girlfriends. I still talk to them and we are all friends.”
Mike smiled, “You really still talk to your ex’s?”
Chris blushed, “Ya, my mom always taught me to respect women and value the friendship first then the dating relationship second. The funny part is that they all agree that I made a better friend than boyfriend. It’s a bit embarrassing to hear them talk when they get together but we really are friends.”
“That’s good to hear. I would like a na
me or two to call. I just want to make sure my little girl doesn’t get caught up with a guy like a summer tourist.”
“No problem,” Chris dug in his pocket for his cell phone and wrote a couple of names and numbers on a napkin. He slid it across the table to Mike who put it in his breast pocket. “Thanks Chris, I’ll let you get back to your pints. By the way will you need my car on Friday? It’s ok if you do just remember I close up at 2 am and I’ll need it then to get home.”
“Thanks anyway Mike but my uncles dropped delivered my car to me today. They did some work on it and now I have my own wheels.”
“That’s great. Congrats and enjoy.” Mike headed back to the bar reaching into his pocket and grabbing the phone as he passed the edge of the bar.
Duff returned a moment later and asked how the dad interview went.
“It was fine he is just worried about his daughter. I can respect that. He asked for references.”
“He what? I hope you told him off. The nerve of that guy I…”
“Actually I gave him a couple of numbers. I don’t mind besides I am still friends with all the girls I’ve dated. If it helps him to trust me with his daughter then it is worth it.”
Duff was in shock. “You’re still friends with your ex girlfriends?”
“Of course. They were all my friends before we dated and I didn’t want to lose them as friends just because we no longer wanted to date.”
“If my ex’s got together they would most likely take up a collection to hire a hit man. That would be one ugly scene.”
“That’s what happens when you are raised in a home full of brothers. Too much testosterone and competition for women.”
“Well maybe. But that is the way it was. What was your home like.”
“My dad died before I started dating and my mother is a LICSW Social Worker. Respect for women was engrained in me from day one. It’s that way when you live with a therapist.”
“You mean like a head shrinker?”
“Ya kinda.”
“Dude, that’s awful. I’ll have to help you get on the right path when it comes to women.”