Farlo sat at the clean kitchen table. Not exactly a kitchen table, it was a card table Joey picked out of a dumpster. Joey sat across from him. Tina lied on the floor next to Farlo’s feet.
“What’d you think? My house looks awesome,” said Joey beaming with pride.
“If I told you what I think, I’d hurt your feelings. So, I’ll sugar coat it because you are a baby in the world of grownups,” said Farlo.
“You’re negative. Can’t you say anything nice?” asked Joey.
“You want positive, I’ll give you positive. You took the trash off the floor. The carried the trash out to the trash can. You washed the dishes, dried them and put them away. Now, reality. The floor has more stains than a Chinese restaurant with a D rating from the board of health. You have three weeks of unwashed clothes in your closet. Don’t think I didn’t find them hiding behind four crates filled with empty beer cans. When was the last time you bought a toothbrush? Need I go on?”
“So? It’s my house and I’m happy with it. You know where the door is,” said Joey.
“Gig, poor attitude. You’re up to four gigs. One more and you’re grounded. Right now, you’re on level four correction,” said Farlo.
“What’s level four?” said Joey.
“I’m holding your cell phone for two weeks,” said Farlo matter-of-factly.
“I am not a child. You don’t give it to me, I’ll call the police,” said Joey.
“With what? I have your cell phone,” said Farlo.
“Who are you? Why are you here? Who sent you? What can I do to make you leave me alone?” said Joey.
Farlo looked down at Tina, patted her on the head, then he looked back up at Joey, “You look disgusting. You smell disgusting. You’re fifteen pounds overweight. You’re soft. I’m giving you a pass on your appearance today. Tomorrow morning you’ll stand inspection. Who am I? I’m your best friend, only you don’t know it. Why am I here? The boss said you’d be a tough case, but he thinks you’re worth it. He’s got a job for you to do. Me? I’m your mentor, best friend, life line, or drill instructor, I’m getting you ready. Who sent me? Filo. And, there’s nothing you can do to make me leave.”
“Who’s Filo?”
“I’ll tell you if you agree to a lobotomy. No answer? Get cleaned up. That’s means shave, shower, and put on clean clothes. We’re going out to dinner.
“I want delivery pizza,” said Joey.
“Pizza’s off the menu until further notice,” said Farlo.
“Does that include elephant ears, fried dough, and hotdogs?”
Farlo gave Joey a what do you think look.
Noooooooooo,” screamed Joey.
Tina growled.
Will Farlo straighten out Joey? Who is Filo? Come back tomorrow and see where this is going.
