50:50 6/6

Epilogue:

"Would you like to see the dessert menu?"

Don and Alan both hesitated then shook their heads but Charlie piped up and said, "Yes, we would."

The waitress left to fetch the menus and Charlie looked at both of them. "What? We're supposed to be celebrating!"

"I didn't say anything!" Don put up his hands in mock surrender.

Alan let out a little sigh. "Well I suppose with how good we've been eating at home lately, one special dinner out won't hurt."

"Thanks, Pop. I knew I could get you to see things my way!" Charlie grinned. "Besides, I hate seeing you two skip out on dessert every time we eat out because you feel guilty that I'm not supposed to have any." Charlie turned and looked pointedly at Don. "No more feeling guilty."

Don smiled. "Fair enough. That means you guys are on your own, because I'm not sharing mine!"

The waitress returned and handed out menus to each of the men before departing. They all looked at their menus briefly, closed them up, and stacked them in the center of the table.

"Well, what can I get you gentlemen?" The waitress pulled out her pad and pencil and turned to Don first.

"I'll take the cheesecake."

"Cheesecake for me too," Alan said.

"And for you, sir?" The waitress turned to Charlie.

"I'll try the strawberry granita."

"Very good. Can I bring anyone coffee?"

"I'll take some," Don said.

"Decaf for me," Alan added.

"None for you, sir?" the waitress asked Charlie.

"I'm fine with water, thanks," he replied.

"I'll be right back with your order."

After the waitress left, Don raised an eyebrow at Charlie. "What, no cheesecake? You're the one who wanted dessert in the first place and I know you like El Portal's cheesecake."

Charlie shrugged. "I think I can live without cheesecake. In fact I'm pretty sure I've got a better shot at living longer without it," he chuckled. His expression then became more serious. "I guess I realize that it's worth giving up some things if it means I get to spend more time with you in the long run. I think I'd give up just about anything for that."

"What, even math? You'd give up math for us?" Don joked, pretending to be shocked.

"Don't push your luck!" Charlie joshed back, lightening up instantly.

"Charlie with no math..." Alan mused. "I just can't picture that. That'd be like... like... You know I can't think of anything."

Charlie laughed. "Doesn't matter. I have math, I have my health back, and I have my family."

"To family." Alan raised his glass and Don and Charlie lifted theirs up to clink them together.

"To family," they echoed and finished the toast with a drink.

"So you are going to let me have a bite of your cheesecake, aren't you Don?"

"Hey, talk to Dad! Like I said, I'm not sharing..."