May I Have a Photograph?
by Maes Hughes
"Maes!" Roy exclaimed, stopping in the middle of the hall when he saw me. He grabbed my arm for extra emphasis. "I heard you got new pictures of Elysia!"
I nodded, hand automatically going to my wallet. "Gracia too!"
"Oh, can I see them?" my best friend begged.
"Of course," I said, going through my latest pieces.
Roy watched intently, oohing and ahhing at my daughter and wife. "Doesn't she have the cutest little fingers?" I asked him.
"She does!" Roy agreed. "Do you have an extra copy of this one?"
"Just for you!" I said. "But don't tell anyone I gave you one! I know Armstrong's been wanting more pictures for a while and I just don't have enough to go around..."
"Well they can always come to you!" Roy told me.
"And they do!" I laughed. "You coming to dinner tonight?
Roy nodded. "Eight o'clock right?"
I nodded in return. "Gracia's making her soup."
"Then I won't be late!" Roy laughed. "You're such a good family man!"
I rolled my eyes, knowing I needed to end our conversation. "Roy... you need to..."
"Get a wife?" Roy asked, his eyes sparkling. "Guess who said yes?"
"You're getting married?" I asked, grabbing Roy's shoulder.
Roy nodded.
"Bring her to dinner," I demanded. "We'll be the best two families in Central."