Excerpt: 'Yes, But--' and 'Alien Flag of Surrender'

"Yes, But--"

Determined not to over pack this year, Andy Hudson counted out seven pairs of brand-new socks. Should he pack an extra pair, just in case? He didn't want to have to do laundry more than once while in Scotland. Since they were going for two weeks, seven pairs should be--

“Andy, are you listening?” Steve folded his arms over his chest, and raised his voice. “I found renters for the last extra bedroom. Andy, did you hear me?”

“Of course I heard you,” Andy said. “Just like I heard you the last two times. Are the renters over twenty-one this time? Heck, are they over twelve?”

Steve's light complexion flushed. “How was I supposed to know the last group wasn't real?”

“By their email handles? Would you trust a handle like totally-awe-inspiring?”

“Some people are creative when it comes to their online personalities.”

“Especially when they're twelve.”

“I told you I'd find real renters for the spare rooms in my apartment before we left.” Steve glanced at his small netbook computer, evidently checking his information. “This couple is from Australia and they'll take the spare room with the double bed. See, problem solved in plenty of time.”

“Our flight is tomorrow.”

“So I met my goal.”

There was probably no point in complaining about the lateness. More than any other improvisational actor that Andy had ever worked with, Steve truly lived the 'yes, and' philosophy of improv. Why worry about something before you absolutely had to? It made him a good partner on stage, but not so great as a business partner. Still, since they'd started working corporate functions, they were finally making regular money.
Last year he'd had to scrounge to find clothing that didn't have stains, and rips. This year, he'd been able to purchase a ten-pack of socks. It was progress, even if he didn't need more than seven pairs since he did laundry every week.