Chapter 288: A Pritchett Family Gathering
Meanwhile, in sunny Los Angeles, California, Ron and the Pritchett family were sitting on the bleachers of the high school football field, watching a game.
Today was Manny's high school football game, with Luke doing play-by-play commentary. Mitchell's husband, Cameron, was coaching Manny's team, so the original dinner plans had been changed to watching the game first, then eating afterward.
However, the game wasn't going well—the score was still 6-0, with Manny's team trailing.
"I really wish my family had at least one kid like you, someone who could truly be called a man. I don't understand what's wrong with kids these days? They're just..." Jay glanced around nervously, making sure Gloria wasn't within earshot before whispering his final word: "Soft!"
"Honestly, I don't think you're ready for a kid like me. You know what that would mean? It means you'd have at least one more eccentric in your family like my brother, Sheldon," Ron said, patting Jay's back consolingly.
"Don't you think we have enough characters already?" Jay shook his head helplessly. "Which one doesn't qualify? A daughter who acts like a drill sergeant? Or a son who's more sensitive than most daughters?"
Jay Pritchett, a man who had—in every traditional sense—both a son and daughter, felt frustrated but had no one to vent to. At most, he could only complain to Ron.
Although he'd come to accept it over the years, he still harbored some old-fashioned expectations.
"Well..." Ron was momentarily speechless. "But at least you still have Joe, right? I heard you've started handing over company matters to Claire. I think you'll have more time to help raise Joe. Maybe he'll give you some pleasant surprises. At least he won't be like my brother Sheldon, who's currently running a cat adoption service."
"I didn't know he was a physicist. Why is he suddenly in the pet business? How much does he charge for cats?"
"No, you misunderstood. Sheldon isn't making money. I think it's more like paying people to take cats. His cats cost $20 each, but he's paying that as a rehoming fee. That means for every cat he places, he pays $20."
Two days ago, Sheldon had broken up with his new girlfriend, Amy, for unknown reasons. Although he acted like everything was normal, he inexplicably adopted over twenty cats and brought them home. The entire apartment reeked of litter boxes, and Ron hadn't gone home in two days.
Finally, in desperation, he'd called Mary and asked her to intervene with Sheldon's latest obsession.
Now that they'd reconciled, Sheldon no longer needed those poor cats to fill his emotional void. He was offering $20 per cat, hoping their new owners would provide proper care.
"I guess every family has its problems, right?" Ron turned his attention back to the field. Just as they'd been chatting, Manny had successfully caught a pass, but perhaps because he was distracted or for some other reason, he ran less than ten yards before stepping out of bounds.
"What the hell was that?" Jay frowned. "If that kid had run another thirty yards, they would've scored! Even if he'd been tackled, he could've gained at least another ten yards or so."
"I think it might be because the opposing team's tragic backstory aroused Manny's excessive empathy? I remember when I played football at Harvard, there was a similar situation where the opposing coach couldn't attend due to illness. It was their homecoming game, and the atmosphere was really somber."
"So what did you do?"
"We beat them 42-0." Ron shrugged. "Sports are sports, and personal feelings are personal feelings. I always keep them separate."
"Hey, honey, hi Ron," Claire's husband Phil arrived late to greet them. "How's the game going?"
"Not great, there are only three minutes left, and they're still down by six."
"They still have a chance to turn it around. The game's not over yet. As long as they score a touchdown and make the extra point... Ow!"
Phil was mid-sentence when Manny's team, having restarted play, kicked the ball into the nearby stands, hitting Phil squarely in the head.
"Manny's spectacular punt. Not since he broke gender barriers and joined the modern dance team has he gotten this much height," commentator Luke added, while Claire frantically checked on Phil.
"It's fine, it's fine. It's all about maintaining a positive attitude, staying positive."
Phil put his hands on his hips, wearing a smile that looked more painful than tears. Jay, however, covered his face and turned to Ron, his expression saying, "See, I also have a ridiculous son-in-law."
"Seriously, are you okay? What's going on with you, Phil?" Ron noticed Phil's mood seemed off and couldn't help asking.
"Well, life just dealt me a crushing blow. I lost this big deal today. If I don't sell a house tomorrow, it'll be the first 'zero sales month' in my career."
Phil was a professional realtor with many years of experience. Although he always seemed like a pushover, he was actually a top performer in the industry.
"Honey, there's no 31st this month," Claire said with concern, pressing Phil's arm.
"What do you mean?"
"Phil, it's April now, and there's no 31st. Today is the 30th, and tomorrow is May 1st."
Ron revealed the harsh truth, and Phil couldn't process it immediately. Claire asked worriedly, "Honey, are you alright?"
"No, not at all! I just realized there is no tomorrow! I always tell myself if I just hang in there, my luck will eventually turn around, but all I get is..."
"Actually, your luck already has turned," Ron interrupted Phil's spiral. "Phil, my friend Fiona wants to buy a house in Pasadena, something big enough for six people. Can I refer her to you? If you're interested, we can..."
"Yes! Absolutely!" Phil suddenly sprang back to life.
Meanwhile, the timeout ended, and the football players, returning to the field, scored a touchdown with a perfect shotgun formation play!
The score was tied 6-6, and Manny was sent out for the game-winning extra point. If he could kick the ball through the uprights, they'd win. Everyone held their breath nervously.
Tweet! The referee's whistle blew, and Manny ran up and kicked the ball cleanly through the goal posts.
Jay excitedly pulled Ron to his feet: "Ron, you're like a good luck charm today! Manny actually made the kick!"
"That's great! But can you let me go, Jay? I have a phone call." Ron broke free from Jay's embrace, answered his phone, and Letty's voice came through.
"Ron, can you come over? Dom's in serious trouble."
(End of chapter)
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