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“You tell him to take it easy on the booze,” O’Leary says. “And, like my old man used to say about the girls, nothing below the waist.”
“Stop it,” Gina says, playfully. “He’s not that kind of boy.”
“I know he’s not. I’m just playin’.”
“And I don’t recall you following those rules when we were kids,” Gina says.
O’Leary smiles. “I blame those tight jeans you used to wear.”
Gina giggles. “You really think he’s gonna be okay? I’m the one who wanted him to go to that school and—”
“Don’t start up with that again. The school was the right choice. You’re an amazing mom. He’s gonna be fine. You’ll see.”
“What time will you be home? I miss you.”
“You shouldn’t wait up. But how about we go out tomorrow night? A date.”
“I’d love that.”
“Maybe get out those old jeans of yours…”
Gina giggles again. God, he loves that laugh.
“Babe, the line’s breaking up, so I’d better go. Tell Anthony to have a great time.”
“I love you,” Gina says.
“Right back at you, sweetness.”
O’Leary tucks the phone in his pocket.
Chaz is steering the boat, pretending not to be listening. His gray hair blows in the gusts. He’s looking his age, even in the merciful half-light.
“Kids,” O’Leary says to him.
Chaz makes a curious expression. “Something up with Anthony?”
“You know we moved him to the Academy. Fucking rich kids. He’s been having a rough go of it.”
“That’s a damn good school.”
“Yeah, so good they won’t name the school after anyone. At the orientation they said no one person would suffice, if you can believe that tripe. Cost me a new gymnasium and they also made it clear my name wouldn’t go on it.”
Chaz gives a knowing nod.
“Still, can you imagine, my kid, me, the guy who was kicked out of school in tenth grade…”
Chaz chuckles. “I remember that. Your father was pissed. Remind me, why’d you break that gym teacher’s nose?”
“He was always harassing the girls—they didn’t do shit back then for that kind of stuff. Then, he tried to touch the wrong girl.”
Chaz smiles. “I’m surprised Gina didn’t break his nose first.”
“You and me both. But my old man didn’t care about chivalry.” O’Leary reflects briefly on the beating he took for that. “Anyway, some of Anthony’s new classmates invited him to a party. So maybe…”
“That’s great news. He’s a good kid.”
“Yeah, I just worry, you know? I’ve got the biggest estate in the neighborhood and none of these Ivy League fuckers ever invite us to anything. I just don’t want my kid to pay because of where I’m from, because…” He lets the sentence die.