Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter eleven of "Turnaround." It has some Podcast/Phoebe. I am ready to do Trevor and Phoebe's reunion with their birth father. It will likely happen in the next chapter or the one after that. Stay tuned for chapter twelve.
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Chapter 11: Into the Restaurant
The late afternoon sun shined down on Hobbie's Place. Three young men exited and headed for the sidewalk. The building happened to be large. It contained tables scattered through out it with two to six chairs at each of them. The same went for outside. Booths were further toward the back. The front contained a bar with ten stools.
Gary, Callie, Trevor, Phoebe, Podcast, and Ray stood next to a blue van. It was parked near the entrance. It happened to be Ford. It was a bit faded in many spots. A crack could be seen in the upper right hand corner of the windshield. Dirt could be seen along the bottom on both sides. The door behind the passenger's had a dent below the hand.
The parents scanned their surroundings while clicking their tongues. They focused their attention on the entrance. They observed two elderly women coming out and passing them. They listened to their lively chatter. Trevor sighed impatiently, causing everyone to look at him. He grabbed his hair with both hands before clenching his teeth.
"Can't Lucky get here already? I am getting rather hungry," Trevor griped with a roll of his eyes.
"Be patient, Trevor. She will be here. You should remember she is living with Winston. He lives a couple miles outside of downtown," Ray assured.
"It's rush hour traffic," Callie added. "She is probably caught in a traffic jam somewhere."
"But it's Sunday afternoon. Everyone left church by noon," Trevor pointed out truthfully.
"The weekend has never stopped traffic jams from occurring, Trev, but they have reduced their sizes and wait times," Phoebe whispered, adjusting her glasses.
"Pheebs is right, buddy," Podcast agreed. "Besides, it was reported traffic was heavy but moving well in most areas of the city on the news just before we left."
"If she is in a traffic jam, it is likely due to an accident," Phoebe said, putting her hands on her stomach.
"Sometimes, traffic jams occur for no reason at all," Gary whispered.
Phoebe emitted a painful groan and rubbed her back. She went over to a bench near the entrance and sat down. She shook her head in disbelief as Gary approached her and seated himself beside her.
"My back just had to start acting up just before we eat dinner," Phoebe grumbled annoyingly.
"Let me get rid of that pesky pain for you," Gary said while opening and closing his hands to flex his fingers.
She smiled. "Be my guest, Dad."
Gary started massaging his daughter's middle back. He was gentle at first, but he upped the pressure. She sighed in relief as the pain vanished. She touched her cheek as she peered at him over her shoulder.
"You are really good at this," Phoebe complimented.
"Thank you. I got it from my mom. She massaged people's sore muscles for a living. I was raised by her and my stepdad. My real dad actually walked out on her while she was pregnant. She was forced to move in with her parents after the divorce. Then she met her second husband. He saw me as his own kid. They died when my childhood home burned to the ground," Gary explained sadly.
"I am sorry, Dad," Phoebe murmured sympathetically.
"Thanks, Pheebs," Gary responded gratefully and patted her back. He moved down to the lower area and proceeded to massage it. "It's hard to believe you are four weeks away from giving birth to Gabrielle. It feels like only yesterday when you and Podcast revealed your pregnancy to us."
"I can never forget how angry you were with us, especially me. I mean, I was busting ghosts at the time," Phoebe said with a nervous chuckle.
"You were a valuable member of the team. You still are. We will be ready for your return," Gary replied.
Phoebe smiled happily. "I am so glad to have you as my father."
Gary finished massaging her back. "I am so glad to have you as my daughter."
Gary wrapped his arms around Phoebe and gave her a big hug. She brought her hands up to his arm. She squeezed it so lightly that it seemed she had not even done that. Trevor went over to Gary's side. Gary looked up at him, smiling warmly.
"I am so glad to have you as my father," Trevor commented in much warmth.
"I am so glad to have you as my son," Gary replied and took hold of his son's hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze. "Nothing will ever break my bond with you and your sister."
"Hey, don't forget us," Callie said, going over to the bench along with Podcast and Ray.
"We are not chopped liver," Podcast added.
"Never," Gary said with a laugh.
"I may not live with you, guys, but you are definitely my family since I see Podcast as my son," Ray said, smiling.
"The other Ghostbusters can be considered family as well," Callie admitted.
Trevor pulled his hand out of his father's. A boy ran past him in which he bumped into him. His parents followed him close behind. They went inside while snapping their fingers. Trevor scoffed in anger.
"That boy didn't even say 'Excuse me' for bumping into me!" Trevor complained.
"His parents didn't even care he did that!" Phoebe blurted out and emitted a loud hiss. "Our parents would never have tolerated such bad manners."
"You're damn right we wouldn't," Gary agreed. "We would've made you apologize to the people you bumped into without excusing yourselves."
"If you ask me, some kids need a really good whipping because of how out of control they are," Callie commented seriously.
"My parents spanked me, but it was only when all attempts to get me to behave failed," Gary said.
"Mom did the same to me," Callie added while crossing her arms. "Excessive spanking is bad for kids. It makes them afraid to make mistakes."
"They try so hard to avoid them, but they end up making more. Then they break down from all the stress," Phoebe commented with a heavy sigh. "It sucks."
Just then, Lucky drove her black car into view. It happened to be a Mercedes. It looked rather new with the exception of fading in two spots on the hood. The bumper had a tiny dent in it. She pulled into a spot close to the van. She turned off the engine. She undid her seatbelt while singing nonsense. She got out and waved to the others.
"Hey there, guys!" Lucky called gleefully.
"Finally! I was beginning to grow roots from all the waiting," Trevor joked.
Lucky went over to the group. "There was a traffic jam, so I had to take another route. That is why it took me a little longer to get here."
"Those backroads can be a bitch sometimes, but they are very valuable," Ray added as he slipped his hands inside his pockets. "Trevor was impatient as I was coming to pick him and his family up. He was the same way while we were waiting for you."
"It does not matter now," Gary said, getting up along with Phoebe. "Lucky is here. Now, let's go eat."
Trevor clapped twice. "Yes! Let's."
Ray, Lucky, Gary, Callie, Trevor, Podcast, and Phoebe headed toward the entrance. They snapped their fingers.
00000
The hostess stood at her podium. She was scrolling through her timeline Twitter for posts about Johnny Depp on her smartphone. She stopped at one stating he was to star with Kristen Stewart in Flowers and Weeds. She focused on their pictures from July 2024. Footsteps caught her attention. She turned off her smartphone as Ray, Lucky, Gary, Callie, Trevor, Podcast, and Phoebe came into view. They stopped before her. She slipped her smartphone into her pocket.
"Welcome to Hobbie's Place. How many to a table?" the hostess asked.
"Seven," Gary announced.
The hostess grabbed seven menus, straws, and rolled-up silverware. "Come with me."
The hostess walked toward the back of the restaurant. Ray, Lucky, Gary, Callie, Trevor, Podcast, and Phoebe followed her close behind. They reached a circular booth big enough to hold seven people. She stopped next to it. Podcast and Phoebe sat down. They moved themselves all the way to the left end. Trevor, Lucky, and Ray went next. Gary and Callie came last. The hostess handed each person a menu, a straw, and silverware.
"Your waiter will be with you in a minute," the hostess said.
"Thank you," Gary replied with a smile.
The hostess walked away as everyone put his or her menus down and opened them. Ray rubbed his chin before putting the back of his hand underneath it. He chuckled to himself.
"I remember that food fight those bratty kids started the last time we were here. We were really messy by the time it stopped," Ray commented honestly.
"That reminds me of when Junior and Trixie threw meatballs at Peabody in Problem Child 2. Before then, she was annoyed at him and Little Ben joining her and Annie for dinner at Pizzerific. However, she changed her tune when he mentioned Peabody was there with his girlfriend. She admitted she hated him due to his grating voice. They threw their meatballs at him to shut him up. After Peabody called the kids rotten and wanted them locked up cages, Big Ben defended them. That started the giant food fight. It got the parents and their kids kicked out," Lucky added, a giggle leaving her mouth.
"Junior and Trixie should not have done what they did, but I can't blame them. Peabody was quite mean to them," Trevor said.
"Always remember. Two wrongs don't make a right," Callie warned sternly.
"Three wrongs make a left," Trevor joked while leaning close to Lucky and snickering softly.
"Shut up," Lucky responded, hitting him on the head with her menu.
"Okay," Trevor said, pulling away from her.
Just then, fifty-year-old Hobbie Jefferson walked up to the table. He was Caucasian and happened to be quite tall. His skin was a bit pale. He had a muscular frame. He had no hair on his head whatsoever. His light brown eyes contained bags underneath them. The backs of his hands had scars going across them. He stopped before the table.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite people," Hobbie greeted warmly.
"Hey, Hobbie. How's it going?" Gary asked as he held up his hand.
Hobbie gripped it tightly. "Never better, Gary. I will be your waiter tonight."
"That's great," Lucky said, happiness radiating from her voice.
"Let's hope another food fight doesn't happen," Phoebe said, chuckling nervously.
"Me too, Phoebe," Hobbie said, letting go of Gary and turning to her. "By the way, you are really glowing."
Phoebe blushed as she smiled. "Thank you."
"So, what can I get you all to drink?" Hobbie asked and pulled out his notepad and pen.
"I will take iced tea," Gary announced, his hand going up.
"Me too," Callie agreed.
"Put me down for a coffee," Ray commented and crossed his arms.
Lucky pressed her lips together. "Diet coke."
"I will have what she is having," Trevor said, eyeing his girlfriend.
"Iced tea," Podcast said and snorted softly.
"Water," Phoebe said.
"Okay," Hobbie said while writing down everything. "I will be right back."
Gary blinked. "Thank you."
Hobbie snapped his fingers as he turned around. He headed over to another circular booth, where Dino and Mina sat. It happened to be across from his friends. He cleared his throat, causing the couple to look up.
"Hello. My name is Hobbie. I will be your waiter tonight," Hobbie announced gleefully.
"You're the man who owns this restaurant?" Dino asked curiously.
"Yes, I am. I guess you didn't expect me to be so tall," Hobbie said with a soft chuckle.
"No. Not really," Mina admitted.
"Anyway, what do you two want to drink?" Hobbie asked, flipping to the next page.
"Diet sprite," Dino said with a nod.
"Me too," Mina agreed, giggling.
"Okay," Hobbie said, writing everything down. "I will be back in a few minutes."
Dino and Mina observed Hobbie walking away. They heard him snapping his fingers. They turned to each other, their eyebrows raising.
"He's a pretty nice guy," Mina whispered and smacked her lips.
"He sure is," Dino agreed. He looked up at the ceiling and around the room. "This is a very nice restaurant."
"It sure is," Mina said, nodding slowly. "Your ex-wife would be so jealous of you visiting such a place in New York City."
"Oh, yes," Dino commented and rubbed his nose. "She can only dream of living my life."
"Many people have similar feelings," Mina pointed out and wiggled her eyebrows.
"There is no way she is ever getting out of Chicago. She won't ever make enough money for it," Dino answered with a soft chuckle.
"If anything—" Mina started.
Laughter caught the couple's attention. They looked toward Hobbie, who was bringing drinks to the booth across from them. He placed Gary's drink in front of him, followed by that of Callie, Ray, Lucky, Trevor, Podcast, and Phoebe. Dino gasped shockingly when he spotted his ex-wife. He shook his head rapidly.
"That's Callie," Dino said, his brow furrowing.
"What in the hell is she doing here?" Mina asked confusingly.
"I don't know, but she shouldn't be here. She should be in Chicago," Dino insisted as he narrowed his eyes at Callie. "She can't afford to live here."
Dino turned toward Trevor, who opened his straw to where the paper was halfway out. Trevor placed it in his mouth. He did a hard blow. The paper flew at Gary, hitting him in the forehead.
"You are going to pay for that, Trevor!" Gary threatened playfully.
"Do it, Dad," Trevor taunted. "I dare you."
Dino felt his jaw drop to the floor and his eyes widen to size of saucers. Mina peered at him in the corner of her eye. She placed her arm on the table before smacking her lips. Hobbie walked away in which he passed the couple.
"I can't believe Trevor called that wimpy-looking guy Dad. I am his father," Dino growled angrily.
"He has gotten taller since you last saw him," Mina pointed out honestly. "He's a handsome boy."
"Yes, he is," Dino agreed. He noticed Callie's golden wedding band. He scoffed in a quiet manner. "That means Callie remarried. How is that possible? Men hate dating single and divorced mothers."
"It seems her husband didn't mind dating and marrying her," Mina commented, gesturing toward Gary's golden wedding band.
Dino looked toward Phoebe. "That is Phoebe there. She had just gotten her first pair of glasses when I left. Her hair was brown and curly as well. She hasn't changed, except she has gotten taller."
"She is pregnant too," Mina added, noticing the baby bump.
"Callie let her become a slut. I am not surprised. Phoebe probably doesn't know who the father of her baby is," Dino whispered, turning his nose upward.
"I think that boy is the father," Mina suggested as she pointed her finger at Podcast. She cringed when he kissed Phoebe's cheek. "Teens showing affection in public. How gross."
"She is just pinning it on him," Dino responded maliciously.
Mina rubbed her chin. "Most likely."
Dino shifted his attention toward Lucky and Ray. He narrowed his eyes at them while cupping his chin in his hand.
"Those two people must be friends of Callie," Dino suggested.
"Why would an old guy hang out with younger people?" Mina asked uncertainly.
"He must be lonely," Dino commented.
Phoebe opened her straw, stopping when the paper was halfway off. She placed it in her mouth and blew hard. The paper flew at Callie. It hit her in the forehead.
"Pheebs, if you do that again, you are getting a knuckle sandwich," Callie threatened with much playfulness.
"Do it, Mom," Phoebe taunted with a growl. "I dare you. After Dad gets Trev, that is."
The entire group erupted in a fit of laughter. Dino shook his head in disbelief, his hand curling into a fist.
"Since when did Phoebe goof off and play around? She was always quiet and serious," Dino mumbled.
"Maybe moving here changed her. I wonder if Callie won a huge lottery and used it to move out here," Mina replied and cleared her throat.
"I don't know," Dino said, looking at her. "Let's just focus on dinner right now."
"Okay," Mina agreed while turning to him. She looked up as Hobbie brought them their drinks.