"One More Kiss Before I Go"

A few weeks ago, before a venture to Lake Arrowhead, my family and I had lunch at Spring House restaurant in Hesperia. Somehow the conversation made its way to music and concerts, and a man seated across from us (who felt compelled not only to break into our conversation, but also to inform us that he was in a band) told us about an open mic night that happens every Friday. Because it is Hesperia, the mic obviously was not open for poets or anything. Instead, according to the musically inclined interrupter, the open mic was for musicians from all different kinds of backgrounds.

Flash forward to 7:04pm tonight in the Super Target in Hesperia. I received a phone call from my dad.

“Hey.”

“Dad. Wow, it’s so weird that you called because I was just talking to mom about this record player they have here at Target that I think would be a great investment for you. It’s portable, closes like a suitcase, plays 33s 45s and 78s, has built in speakers, and should be mine.”

“How much is it?”

“$72. I asked mom about it but she told me to ask you, and I mean we don’t have to get it today but I mean, you know, just for future reference.”

“Well… Hey remember that guy in Spring House who was telling us about the Friday music thing in Hesperia.”

“Yes.”

“Where did he say that was?”

“I don’t know. Behind Auto Zone or Kragen or something. Why? Do you want to go?”

“Well, I was thinking about it.”

“Hmm, well mom won’t want to go, but I’ll go check it out with you.”

“Really? Because I just feel like I need to listen to some music.”

“Yeah, it sounds fun. We’ll go after dinner. Now about that record player.”

Click.

Not long after the conversation, my mom, dad, and myself were all sitting at Chili’s eating dinner. I ordered a Chicken Caesar Salad and a Blue Moon beer. Mom got these really good quesadilla things, and dad was enjoying chicken tacos with rice and black beans and a Coor's Light. At 8:30 my brother showed up and ate what my parents couldn’t finish.

We were then suckered into some molten lava desert concoction that my mom and brother devoured. I had been ready to leave for fifteen minutes. I was excited that my dad wanted to go out and do something considering a crazy night for him is making it slightly past Jeopardy! before falling asleep on the couch with only one shoe removed from his feet.

The bill came, it was paid, and we were preparing to leave.

“So, mom, you know you can still go with us if you want.”

“Matthew, I am not going. Are you kidding me? I didn’t even want to go here. I just started my period and all I want to do is go home, wash my face, and watch my old shows.”

“Alright. Point taken. Well dad, it looks like it’s just you and me. Me and the old man.”

“Ah, nevermind. I need to go home and shit.”