Member-only story
After the fiasco that was our double date with Mark and Stephanie to see the play, In the Next Room, remarkably, we got an invitation to join them for dinner to celebrate Mark’s birthday. He was turning thirty-five and Stephanie had invited over three couples, including us. That made for eight people, including the man of honor and his lovely wife.
I saw Lola dolling herself up for the party and I said to her, “Look, I don’t want any shenanigans out of you tonight.”
“Can I have some shenanigans in me?”
“No!”
“Daddy,” she said in a sweet voice, putting her hand on my chest and rubbing it, “what are shenanigans?”
“Lo, don’t play dumb with me. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Last time they were here, you broadcast your masturbatory movies over the speaker system and I had to make apologies to our guests. This time we are going to be their guests, so please just let it be an uneventful evening.”
“But that’s so boring, Daddy,” she pouted.
“Boring or not, I’m keeping you on a short leash.” I immediately regretted my choice of words.
Her ears picked up and her eyes opened wide, “A leash?! Yes,” she said, putting up her hands like a dog begging for scraps.