Friday night

Andrea and Flynn met his daughter's boyfriend. He actually was presentable. He wore clean-cut clothes, shaved at some point this month, and was polite. Flynn was a little skeptical at first, but the guy turned out to be pretty decent. He works as a consultant for Google and has been working there for three years. He has his own apartment and his own dog. Flynn had no idea where his daughter found this guy. The boyfriend excused himself and headed for the bathroom.

"What do you think Dad?"

"I think you should hold on to him as long as you can." Flynn meant that. He was probably the best guy she would ever bring home.

"I think he's nice," Andrea added.

"I like that he has a job."

"Glad to see you have such high hopes for me."

"I have the highest hopes for you. The only problem is the riff raff you usually bring home."

"Dad!"

The boyfriend returned.

"Would you like any dessert?" Andrea offered.

Brenda went out to grab a quick drink with her team. Tommy, Jackie and Rachel were there. Rachel was very pretty, green eyes, light brown hair, and curvaceous. She spoke in German on the phone. She didn't realize Brenda was fluent. She said something crass, and Brenda giggled. She turned Brenda's way. "Gotta go."

"Hi, I'm Rachel."

"I'm, Brenda."

"Brenda, nice to meet you."

"How come we don't get to call you Brenda?" Tommy was drunk.

"How drunk are you?"

"Don't ask," said Jackie. "He started early."

Brenda shook her head.

"Jackie didn't tell me you spoke German," Rachel looked at Brenda.

"I didn't know," Jackie admitted.

"I knew," said Tommy, giggling.

Brenda got a Manhattan. She and Rachel spoke in German. Jackie watched over Tommy. He was causing a bit of a ruckus.

Saturday

Bobby was boiling bourbon. He was making a sauce for the ribs. He added some organic ketchup and let it simmer. He chopped onions, crushed garlic, and added them to the bourbon. He mixed in some mustard, honey, chipotle, salt and pepper. He let it cook on low heat. These ribs were going to taste great. Rusty was making dough for the rolls. Bobby showed him his recipe. They infused olive oil with rosemary and garlic the night before. It was going to be brushed onto the rolls about 5 minutes before they were done. This was going to be quite the barbeque.

Sharon was making potato salad, grilled corn, and cucumber salad for the event. They also had portabello mushrooms for the vegetarians. "Do we have enough vegetarian options?" She asked Bobby.

"I boiled about two dozen eggs last night," he answered. "We can devil them."

"That sounds good."

"Brenda also said she'd bring dessert."

"You trust Brenda to cook?"

"I taught her myself."

She kissed him and went back to chopping potatoes.

The Gallery

Eliza and David were looking at the final arrangement. The exhibit went live next week in 7 countries. They would move each month on predetermined routes. Eliza was looking at the other arrangements through video feeds.

"They're finally coming together," she said.

"This is amazing," he kissed her. "Is there a party or anything to open the show?"

"Did I not tell you? There's a huge party on Friday. We're showing the exhibit Friday night to my benefactors, and there's a big party at Mr. Swanson's house afterwards. Did you want to bring anyone?"

"I have some work friends who want to check it out."

"Of course. Give me their names, and I'll put them on the list." She kissed him. "There will be free drinks, food, live music. It will be a blast." She kissed him again. Then, they got back to work. Her agent was freaking out. David was her buffer.

The Football Field

Fritz and Brenda were in the stands, waiting for a chance to see Marcus play. It was the first quarter and they were down 14-0. Rusty and Kyle were next to them. Sharon and Bobby were getting the BBQ ready.

They had another 3-0, time for the defense to come on. 1st and 10 at the 30 yard line. The defense blew coverage again. The other team got a 20 yard gain. Brenda grimaced. This was going to be an ugly game.

Coach blew his whistle. "Come on! You guys need to play harder." The defense was tired. They didn't start off so hot, but the offense wasn't doing well either, so they were always on the field. The other team did a running play. They ran up the middle, another 15 yard score. Coach called a timeout.

"We need to make some changes, now." The coach told them. He made some substitutions.

"What number is Marcus?"

"35."

"There he is."

Marcus took the field. He needed to stay with number 45. He was their best player. The whistle blew. The quarterback did a play action. He faked a handoff and then threw it down field. Number 45 ran hard. Marcus was right on his tail. The ball reached them. Number 45 extended his hands, sure to catch it, but then a hand blocked him. Marcus slapped the ball to the ground. Incomplete.

"Yay!" Brenda was rather loud. Rusty laughed at her.

"She's a natural soccer mom," Kyle joked.

"When are you getting a minivan?" asked Rusty.

"Keep it up and I'll show up at your wrestling matches."

"You wouldn't."

"With signs."

"She'll do it," added Fritz.

The coach sighed in relief. Finally, a break. The offense reset. This time, a rush up the middle. He got past the primary defenders, but then Marcus drilled him. He only gained 5 yards this time.

Third and 5. The offense spread out wide. The ball was snapped. Everyone ran. The wide receiver passed his guy. Marcus dropped back to help. Number 45 was left wide open.

The coach freaked out. "Marcus! What the hell are you doing? Find your man."

The ball headed straight for 45. He had a touchdown in his grasp, but then, poof! The ball was gone. Marcus took it at the last minute and started sprinting the other way. He never lost sight of the ball. He gave himself just enough time to chase it down and jump in front. No. 45 gave chase, but Marcus had a head start. The running back came for him, but Marcus juked him. The quarterback was the only one in his way. He tried to tackle Marcus but Marcus shoved him away with a stiff arm. He found the end zone. Now, the game was 14-7.

The crowd erupted. Brenda was shouting but you couldn't even hear her because everyone was shouting. They had never seen this kid before, but he was awesome. Brian was pissed. He told Travis,

"Who does this guy think he is?"

"Don't be a hater." Travis was relieved. He was glad there would be no shut out today.

Marcus gave the ball to the ref and walked down to his bench. He was careful not to celebrate. Some leagues kicked you out the game for stuff like that. He looked so cool, walking down the field like a smooth criminal.

"You almost gave me a heart attack," the coach told him. "Now get some water. You're going back in."

They kicked the ball to the other team. Earlier, they had a great kickoff return. Not this time. The Lions were revitalized. They took down the returner at the 18 yard line. First and 10. The defense took the field. All eyes were on Marcus. Number 45 stared him down. He was ready. They snapped the ball. Number 45 shoved Marcus to the ground and took off running. Marcus hopped up and chased him. The ball was thrown to the wide receiver. He caught it and was forced out of bounds at the 27 yard line, but the ref blew a whistle. "Holding, on the offense, number 45, half the distance to the goal. Repeat first down."

The other team was pissed, but it was a good call. Now it was first and 19 at the 9 yard line. They went for another passing play. This one was incomplete. Now that 45 was virtually shut down, the rest of the team could focus on the other receivers. They rushed up the middle a couple of times, but couldn't get to the 28 yard line. They had to punt.

The offense took the field, with excellent field position. Before Travis took the field, Marcus stopped him.

"Their lineman on you're right, number 53, has a bad knee."

"What?"

"I saw him walking on it gingerly. You should send the running plays that way."

Travis walked on to the field. The football was snapped. It was a passing play, but no one was open. Travis had to throw it away. Second down, a running play up the middle. They only got two yards. Third and eight. Everyone knew it would be a passing play. Again, no one was open. Travis decided to just run for it. What difference did it make at this point. He ran to the right, remembering Marcus's advice. The lineman couldn't catch him. He kept running. Eventually, he slid at 20. First down.

The crowd was ecstatic. This was the first sign of life for the offense all day. The offense went down field. Travis called for a pitch right. They gashed the defense and the running back got a touchdown on the right corner of the end zone.

14-all.

The second half was a triumph. The offense didn't score another touchdown. They had to settle for two field goals. The offense finally got its passing game and scored a touchdown. The defense got a safety and the Lions took it 23-20. This was their first victory in three weeks. The team was ecstatic.

The coach sighed in relief. He had a lot of work to do with this team, but they had some emerging talent. Travis was making smarter decisions. Marcus was a standout, and their punter had quite a foot.

Will came to pick up his son. He was surprised to see Brenda and Fritz there. He looked at Fritz and then looked at Marcus, who could have been his clone. "Since when did Fritz have a son?" Will thought to himself as he got Travis.

The kids were going out for pizza. "You coming Marcus."

"Not this time. My uncle's having a barbeque."

"This time of year."

"I think he's up for barbeque any time of year. Maybe next time."

Brian was not happy. He didn't go back in after the first quarter. After Marcus came out, Drew got to finish the game.

"You have quite a son," the coach told Fritz.

"I know. He had a great game."

"With hands like his, he could be a tight end."

Fritz and the coach made small talk. The moms came up to Brenda. They chatted about the game.

"Where did he learn to play?"

"He grew up in Chicago."

"He's really fast."

"You should see him on his bike." The kid went blazing up and down hills after he and his father got home from the bike shop.

"Does he play any other sports?"

"He plays baseball."

Brian's mother was rather curt. "'I see that Brian has new competition." She stared down Brenda.

"It's sixth grade. Everyone gets to play." Brenda didn't really know how to answer this woman.

"These days won't last forever." She was gone.

"Oh ignore her. She's just butt-hurt."

Brenda laughed at that.

Marcus took a shower and changed into street clothes. He passed the opposing coach on his way out.

"You have a lot of talent."

"Thank you sir."

"I'll have to watch out next year."

Marcus smiled and walked back to his family.

"Are you ready to go Marcus?"

"Yes."

"Have a nice day." Brenda and Fritz got in the car. Rusty, Kyle and and Marcus all climbed in the back.

The pies were in the trunk. Brenda had quite a bonanza making them all. Hopefully, they would be good.

Sharon's House.

Bobby took off the meat to rest it. He brushed the ribs with one more coat of sauce. He made a second sauce for the pulled pork, red chili flakes, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar and a little honey. He whisked it all together and put it in a big bowl.

Sharon set up a table outside and started putting out plates and silverware. She made a big batch of lemonade and put it in a pitcher. She also put out bottled water. She left the beer to Bobby.

Guests started to arrive. Lieutenant Tao and his family were first. They came baring a bottle of wine for Sharon. "Oh you shouldn't have."

"Dad says only leeches show up empty handed."

"Kevin!"

Bobby heard the guests. "Hey, you all want some beer."

Kevin opened his mouth to speak.

"None for you," his father told him. "I'll have one."

Bobby came out with a case of Blue Moon. He was fine with Bud, but Sharon wanted something a little classier. He made a brian solution to put the beer in. He opened one and handed it to Mike. "Nice and cold."

"Thanks. I'm Mike Tao. This is my wife Cathy and my son Kevin."

"A pleasure," Bobby said as he shook hands. "we have water, lemonade, and snacks will be out shortly. The meat is almost done."

Sharon came out with potato salad and the cucumber salad.

"Is Rusty here?" Kevin asked.

"He'll be here soon," Sharon told him. "He went to Marcus's football game."

"Who's Marcus?" asked Mike. Sharon realized not everyone knew yet.

"He's Fritz's son," Sharon said, not saying anything more.

Mike and Cathy looked at each other. "What son?"

Flynn and Andrea showed up next. They brought avocado, tomatoes, onions and cilantro to make fresh guacamole and a bunch of blue corn chips. Flynn carried the bags towards the kitchen. Andrea went up to the Taos. "Hi Mike, Cathy, Kevin. How are you all?"

"I'm ready to eat," announced Kevin.

"Patience, Kevin," his mother told him.

"The food smells delicious," Mike added.

Sharon came out and started to grill the corn. "You need any help, Sharon?" Andrea offered.

"I think I'm good. Bobby might need some help though. He's made a lot of things." Andrea went inside to check. Flynn was scooping out the avocados and adding them to the wooden bowl. Bobby was shredding the pork with two large forks. "Do you need any help?"

"If you could brush the rolls with the olive oil, when the timer goes off, that would be great. The oil's by the stove and the brush is there too."

"No problem." She washed her hands and started cutting the tomatoes. She just finished when the timer went off. She took out the rolls. They smelled good, brushed them with the olive oil and put them back in the oven. Bobby set the timer for 2 minutes. He started mixing the pork with the sauce. He left some of the pork with no sauce. He wasn't going to serve it all at once. He took out the rolls and left them to rest on the cooling rack. Flynn had finished the guacamole and brought it outside along with the chips.

Andrea took a look at the kitchen. "This is an amazing spread." The smell of meat was overwhelming. All of her senses were tingling.

"The way BBQ should be." He took the brisket and started to slice it up. He brought out a platter of it. He came back and brought out some ribs. He had the rest of the ribs staying warm in the oven.

Provenza showed up and so did Sanchez. Buzz came along with his date, she was tall and very pretty.

Kevin was eating chips. The guacamole was good. Sharon finished the corn. She put some on the table to serve and decided to make a salsa with the rest of it. She mixed the corn with tomato, onion, cilantro and a little chipotle powder. She chilled it and made some deviled eggs.

"This brisket is delicious." Sanchez was a happy camper. Tao and Cathy tried some next. "It's so juicy," she said as she took another bite.

Mikki and Katie arrived next. They brought beer, lots of it. "Need a hand, Mikki," Sanchez called out to her.

"I got it." She needed no man. She carried the beer to sit under the other beer and added some to the vat of ice water. Sharon brought the salsa out and started to mingle. "Hi Mikki. Hi Katie," she greeted as she came outside.

Katie grabbed a beer. Time to drink.

"This food smells amazing," Mikki said. "Guacamole." She was gone.

Brenda and Fritz arrived with the boys. The older boys came running. "Meat!" Rusty yelled as he ran inside. Bobby was just done slicing the rolls. "Can you carry these outside?"

"Got it!" Rusty brought the rolls outside. Kyle carried out the pork. Bobby sighed. "Time for a beer." He grabbed one. His sister was finally here. "Hey Brenda! How was the game."

"It was fabulous. Marcus killed them."

"Did he now? He's a safety, right."

"Yes. He got an interception and ran it back for a touchdown."

"Nice."

"You hungry, Marcus. There's a lot of meat."

"Yes!" Marcus was off. He made two pulled pork sandwiches and grabbed a piece of corn.

Kyle and Rusty took their meat piles to the table. The four boys sat together, nomming away.

"Did you bring the pie?" Bobby asked his sister.

"Oh yes. It's in the trunk."

Fritz lugged them inside. "I should help him." Bobby was off. Brenda went to go eat. "I love his rolls," she said as she sat down.

"Who's boy is that?" Provenza asked pointing at Marcus.

"That's Marcus. He's Fritz's son."

"He has a son? Was he a secret?"

"He was a pleasant surprise," Brenda asked him.

"Uh oh." Provenza got scared.

"What's with you?" Flynn looked at him.

"What if I have a secret son?"

Everyone laughed at him.

Sharon sat down to join her team.

"Your house is lovely," Brenda told her.

"Thank you. How was the game?"

"Marcus was the star."

"Are you becoming a soccer mom?" asked Provenza.

"He was. He scored a touchdown."

"What position does he play?" Sanchez asked.

"He's a safety."

Flynn looked at her. "He scored a touchdown?" What is this woman talking about?

"He got an interception and ran it back." She grinned. He was going to be a star someday.

Bobby and Fritz came out of the kitchen. "I hear your boy is quite a football player."

"He did very well today. I didn't think Brenda would get so excited about it."

"She's probably getting to relive her cheerleading glory days."

Fritz laughed. "She was quite the cheerer today. I might have lost hearing."

Bobby laughed. "She would come to all of my games. This father got snappy after I dropped a pass. Brenda tore his head clean off."

Fritz grabbed a plate of food. "This pork is great. I like the sauce."

"It's really simple, just salt pepper, honey, apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes."

"It complements the meat very nicely."

Bobby bit into a piece of brisket. "Now that's BBQ."

The boys started throwing the football around. Rusty ran with it, but Marcus knocked the ball out of his hands. "Fumble!" They all jumped on each other.

"Be careful," Cathy called out.

Marcus was at the bottom of the pile, clutching the ball. They got up and started running again.

Brenda snuck inside and looked for a drink. She was not a beer person. She found the bourbon and poured some in her glass. She added the lemonade. "Ahh!" she said, sipping away at her drink.

She saw the salsa and grabbed some and some chips and guacamole.

Katie was getting more ribs. "Your brother made this?"

"He's quite a cook."

"You don't say. I wish I had him for a brother."

"Be careful what you wish for." They laughed.

Flynn noticed that Bobby and Brenda looked a bit alike. They had the same eyes and nose. He mentioned it to Provenza. "Doesn't Brenda have three brothers?"

"So what?"

"Was one of them a Bobby?"

"You think that he's …."

"Don't you see the resemblance?"

"Sharon's dating Brenda's …."

The neighbor came over. "Do you have to be so loud?" He was a curmudgeon.

"Do you want any food?" Bobby knew that everyone with sense liked BBQ.

"It does smell good. What's that?"

"Pulled Pork."

"I'll try some."

Bobby brought him a sandwich. The old man bit into it and smiled. "This is excellent."

Sharon was shocked. She had never seen him smile, for anything, except that one time when the family across the street moved away. He was grinning all day that time.

Katie and Mikki were chatting. Sanchez decided to tease Mikki. "So you better watch out. Mikki has quite a temper."

"Do NOT!"

"See, there is is."

She stepped on his toes. He giggled. "I'm just teasing. She's quite nice, but she'll never admit it."

"Am NOT!"

Katie laughed. They were like brother and sister.

Bobby went to heat up the pies. He made some whipped cream to match.

The boys were playing. Bobby caught an errant pass. "Go long," he yelled. They took off. Marcus caught the ball with a dive. He ended up eating dirt. "Blech!" The other boys laughed at him. "You look a mess," Rusty told him. Marcus was covered in dirt. Good thing he was only wearing a t-shirt and shorts.

The pies were ready. The boys dug into that next.

Other neighbors stopped by. There was plenty of food.

The day started to wind down. People started saying their goodbyes. "Thank you all for coming," Bobby said.

"Thank you for making this feast." Everyone was full of food, or food and beer, and in Brenda's case, food and bourbon. Bobby started packing leftovers for people He kept the pork to make tacos. He gave away the brisket and most of the ribs were gone. Sharon also sent people home with side dishes; she did not want to eat all this fattening food all week, although it was delicious.

Marcus hugged Sharon and Bobby on his way out. He was a sweetie. Brenda asked her brother about Thanksgiving. "Charlie is going to visit Dad in Florida. Don't tell Dad, but Sharon and I are going to surprise him, Jimmy and Frank too."

"He's going to be so happy. See you soon." Brenda kissed him on the forehead and left.