Just Following Orders

5 - Playful

Mr. Reyes doesn't really seem to know how to hold him. "Why does he just go limp?" He mumbles, trying to get Jerry to not let his head dangle.

I sigh and shake my head. "I don't know, honestly." Maybe I should take him to the vet for that..

Mr. Reyes shakes his head, setting Jerry down as carefully as possible. I laugh a little at this, tossing my purse over my shoulder. "Come on," He heads towards the front door.

I pet Jerry's head before quickly following Mr. Reyes out the door. His car is parked on the curb, he unlocks it using a button on his keys and opens the passenger door for me. "Oh, thanks." I smile at him and climb into probably the nicest car I've ever been in, he closes the door once I'm in.

I watch him walk around the front of the car and to the drivers side. "It's Alex for tonight." He glances at me as he starts the car. I nod, looking down at my lap.

I feel like I'll have to remind myself on that one.

"Is there something I should know before we get there?"

I pause as I think about it. "Um...well, my aunt can be a little nosey so she'll ask you about a million questions." I begin. "My dad will pretend to be cold and dismissive, but he's just sizing you up. So..just try to be nice to me and he'll like you." I lightly laugh. "My mom has a very bubbly personality. She's probably going to want to be your best friend." I cringe a little, realizing Mr. Reyes probably won't like that.

When I look over at him, he just looks at the road. He looks calm, like the warnings have no affect on him. "Okay," He accepts it.

"But if you want, you don't have to say much. I can do all the talking." I offer. Mr. Reyes just shakes his head in response. "What do cows most like to read?"

...

"Cattle-logs!"

"That one is dumb."

I scoff. "What? No it's not! That one was funny." I grumble. "Why did the photo go to jail?"

"I don't want to know."

"Because it was framed."

"What?" He glances at me then looks back at the road.

"Framed. You know, like a picture frame." I laugh. Alex doesn't respond. "Anyway," I move on. "Can you possibly give more details about that wedding?"

Mr. Reyes sighs, like the topic annoys him. "We'll be down there for a few days. Probably three." He informs.

"Okay..what else?"

He scrunches his nose up. "What do you mean what else? What else is there?"

I laugh. "Well, who's going to be there? Where are we staying? Is your brother older or younger than you? That kind of stuff."

"Oh," Mr. Reyes mumbles. He takes one hand off the steering wheel, resting it on the middle console so he's just steering with one hand. "Uh...well, pretty much my entire family will be there, I guess. The bride's family too." He begins. "He's my older brother. He's the eldest, actually."

"How many siblings do you have?"

"Just my brother and my sister."