[author's note: Well, here it is– the long awaited update to a fanfic that's gotten overwhelmingly positive feedback]
After a hot shower and finishing two cups of coffee, Lee began to unpack the items surrounding his desk area. On the opposite side of the kitchen was his study, or the 'man-cave' as Carley called it. As Lee prepared the material he'd need for an upcoming tutor session scheduled in a week , he felt a lacking presence– his beta fish, Dred Scott.
"Damn." Lee muttered to himself, letting out a sigh.
Pet Palace was conveniently nearby and from the reviews he'd read on the internet, customers were satisfied with the service and sales. After scouring the area of assorted fish tanks, Lee reluctantly sought out assistance.
"Excuse me, sir, what aisle would the beta fish be in?"
"Sorry, buddy. Sold out just the other day." his eyes suddenly beamed. "Can I interest you in a kitten? I believe a new litter arrived last week!"
"No, really I–"
"What about this assortment of chew toys for one low price, guaranteed to amuse your cat for hours."
"That's not what I–"
"Litter box problems? Then you should purchase the Kitty Klean Litter Cube–"
Lee's eyes darted to the man's name tag, patched into his employee attire. "Look, Omid…"
"Whoa, how do you know my name?" Omid asked with awe, eyes widening.
"Your name tag…" Lee raised a brow at the eccentric behavior.
"Oh, right!" Omid laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, man…I'm just really on edge right now…"
"Hey, it's all good. No harm done."
"…I bought her an engagement ring, okay!" Omid exclaimed. "–and I'm seriously freaking out about how to ask her…or if she'll even say yes."
Lee held back laughter, knowing all too well about the anticipation of asking a woman's hand in marriage. "Alright, take a breath." he instructed, watching Omid inhale and exhale a full breath. "Have you spoken to her about a future?"
"Yes…" Omid fidgeted with his uniform.
"How long ago was that?"
"Like…8 years ago."
"How long have you been together?"
"Uh…10."
"Have you spoken to her about a future more than once?"
"Plenty of times."
Lee chuckled, shaking his head. "Look, man. Don't stress. Unless a woman's shown telltale signs of disloyalty, the chances of wanting you and only you are almost definite."
"Hey, yeah…that's a good point!" Omid grinned, appreciatively patting Lee on the back. "Didn't think a customer would be so helpful. I owe you–" he waited for a name to be presented.
"Lee." he extended a friendly handshake.
"Well, Lee. I might just have to invite you to the wedding. If she says yes, that is."
"Which she will." Lee added optimistically.
Omid finished stocking the shelf and looked triumphantly at his work before turning back to Lee. "So…I haven't seen you in here before. You new, or just passing through?"
"Just moved in to a cul de sac neighborhood."
"Ohhh, that place on Kirkman Avenue?"
"That's the one."
"Dude!" Omid exclaimed, "I live right down the street from you. Well, not really…it's a different street, but like…within walking distance. Tell you what– since you helped with my mid-life crisis, I'm going to help you with getting that beta fish."
"I thought you said–"
"Shhh! I know what I said. Lucky for you, I've worked my shift, which means it's time I show you the right place to purchase a fish."
"A beta fish?"
"A beta fish." Omid grinned.
"Not wise to be seen with this troublemaker, Lee." Molly informed, strolling over to the two men who had just exited Pet Palace. At her side was a large German Shepard with a very slender build, but exceedingly dirty coat.
Omid groaned. "What are you doing here?"
"Hilda needs grooming." Molly gestured to the canine, who was now gleefully accepting a belly rub from Lee.
"What do you mean by troublemaker, officer?" Lee asked cautiously.
"I'm off-duty, so just call me Molly." she pointed to Omid. "This is the man who's responsible for racking up 100 parking tickets. In a week."
Lee rolled his eyes, not surprised after spending only a few minutes with the energetic young man.
"Speaking of which. Your vehicle is liable to be towed within the next hour."
"What happened to being off–duty!?"
Molly shrugged casually. "I enjoy making your life hell."
"How about just a warning?"
"You were given a warning. 343 times, to be exact." Molly handed him a small slip of paper.
"$250?! Since when did the price go up by fifty?"
Hilda let out an argumentative bark. "What she said." Molly agreed, petting the dog's head.
"–It's my fault," Lee interrupted. Both Molly and Omid stared at him, waiting for an exclamation. "I took his usual parking space–and…"
Molly abruptly held up her hand, indicating that Lee didn't have to bother with prolonging the exaggerated lie. Shaking her head, she snatched the slip back from Omid and tossed it in the nearby trash can. "Well, thanks to you two clowns, Hilda's late for her appointment." Molly made a clicking sound with her tongue, snapping the dog into a dutiful posture. "Keep him out of trouble, Lee."
"You bought another beta fish?" Carley groaned, grabbing a cup of tea before retreating to the living room, where she had laid out an assortment of paperwork.
"I'm telling you, Carley– having Lincoln around maintains my level of focus."
"Whatever you say, Lee…wait, you named a fish Lincoln?"
Lee grinned, knowing his wife's annoyance was feigned. Carley just shook her head, a smile hidden at the corner of her lips.
A loud crash broke that quiet evening and by now, Lee realized these inevitable occurrences would happen at least twice a day. Stepping out onto the front porch, Lee's eyes shifted to where he heard the incessant shouting.
"What the fuck, man?!"
"–Dad, calm down…"
Two distinct voices. Kenny and Lilly were at it again, but there was another booming voice that Lee didn't recognize.
"I'll go check it out."
"Are you sure–" Carley looked worried.
Lee put a hand on her forearm, nudging her back into the house. "Trust me. Go print that interview of yours."
"If you say so…"
[ I know, I know, another semi-cliffhanger. …Guess who's back from the hospital!? ]