1005 11/29/2019

Brock was sitting around a cramped wooden table with several of his teammates playing cards when he received a phone call. He was goofing off and enjoying the free time before the game started in the clubhouse with his fellow teammates and friends. He put down a draw two card with a giant grin as Benny groaned that Brock once again played a draw two against him. Uno was the group's go to, as it was everyone's favorite although it was always highly competitive. As Benny drew his cards, Brock's phone when off and he reached over to look at the screen. His mother's smiling face appeared on his screen. She had called him earlier, so he was a little concerned, and the good Southern boy in him refused to ignore his mother's call. He apologized to his card mates and walked to a more secluded corner of the clubhouse to take his phone call.

"Hey mama, what's up? I talked to you not that long, so I was wondering why you were calling. Is evrything okay?"

"Hey, sweetie. Yes, everything is alright. I was actually calling to ask about Easter. I forgot to mention it earlier when we talked, but I wanted to know if you were coming back to Texas to celebrate with us this year."

"Of course, I am. I couldn't imagine an Easter Sunday without sitting beside you at church or watching the kiddos hunting for Easter eggs."

"That's great dear. Are you bringing anyone back this year? I know you hate my prying, but I need to know how many plates. And it's been a while since you brought home a nice girl."

"You know I'm not seeing anyone right now, ma. So, you don't have to expect any guests on my end. And you don't have to remind me about that."

"I just think you should start looking again. It's been a while since your last relationship, and you aren't getting any younger. You know me and your father are always wanting grandkids."

"Ma! You have two other kids for that, and I have plenty of time for kids later. I want to focus on me and my career right now."

"It's a shame. You're such a handsome guy, Brock. Oh! I know a nice girl from church I could set you up with! Her name's Mary Anne and she's Mrs. Litton's granddaughter. She's a real pretty girl."

"You know what, I didn't want to have this conversation yet, but I lied. I actually am seeing someone but it's not that serious and I definitely am not taking them home."

"Why didn't you tell me? Of course, you should bring them home. Why wouldn't you?"

"Mom, I didn't tell you because I knew you'd be like this. Besides, I don't think it would be a good idea."

"Well why not? Are you embarrassed of us?"
"No! It's because it's a guy! I'm seeing a guy. Have you forgotten I'm bisexual or are you just going to ignore that fact?"

"Oh! Well, you know that your father and I don't care and neither do your siblings. And who cares about the righteous extended family members anyway. Most of them could be knocked down a peg or two. I'd love to see their faces. You should still bring him sweetheart."

"I don't think I should. It's still pretty new and everything but I guess I can ask him. No promises though, okay?"

"Oh, how wonderful! I can't wait to meet your special guy! I love you sweetheart. Bye!"

"Wait—" She ended the call before he got the chance to say that an appearance wasn't likely. He pocketed his phone and shock his head in exasperation. He returned to the table and pushed his deck to the center. He dramatically put his head in his arms and lamented his fate. He heard someone asking him a question and so he rose his head to notice all eyes on him.

"What?" he asked rather harshly.

"We were just wondering if you were okay," Jackie looked at him with concern in his dark brown eyes. Mookie put a hand on his back and squeezed in comfort. "Yeah that seemed like a pretty heated discussion," Jair weighed in. Brock looked at them all and loudly proclaimed that he was fucked. He noticed the looks of puzzlement and concern, so he elaborated. My mom was really pushing on the match making and being with a nice girl that I snapped and told her I'm seeing someone so she would get off my back. But then she insisted I bring her home, so I said it wasn't a good idea. And she asked why, so I said I was seeing a guy since my family isn't the most accepting. She seemed so excited and doesn't take no for an answer, so now I have to show up alone for Easter and say we broke up. "Or you could find some random guy to be your boyfriend," piqued up Mitch.

"Yeah right, that type of thing only works in movies. And what type of guy would that attract. I don't want to bring home a total stranger."

"What about an actor? I'm sure a struggling actor would be willing to do so for the extra cash."

"Well do you know any actors that are trustworthy enough to bring into your family's home?"

"Well, no." Mitch frowned. At the same time, Jair beamed, "I do! My brother is an actor! And he would totally do it since he owes me. Plus, he's plenty trustworthy and he's not a total stranger."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but that actually might work."
"What might actually work?" Cora entered the room with a curious look on his face. "Oh, Brock's looking for an escort."

"What?!" Cora exclaimed shocked. As Brock yelled angrily, "Benny!"

"Someone to escort him home for Easter. And Jair knows the perfect guy for the job." Benny proudly smirked at Brock's red face. Alex looked at his team incredulously shaking his head and walked out of the room and loudly exclaimed, "I don't get paid enough for this.