Excerpt: Philip and Elliot

On the balcony of his father’s apartment, Murray’s 29 year old Phil Cotter was talking with his father’s friend Louie Brill. Phil was wearing blue slacks and a blue shirt. Louie was dressed in a blue polo and tan bands.

“Fuckin Jimmy Carter,” said Phil.

“I hear ya Philly, I mean these gas lines are murder. Even for Louie Brill. But your father seems to be making out well with the limos,” said Louie.

“Yes, he had the brains to grease some of the local gas stations in Coney Island to help him gas the fleet. Thank goodness he took care of me so I can get gas too,” replied Phil.

“How’s the Caddy?” asked Louie.

“It’s doing good. Do you know I bought Julie a 1973 Datsun 610?” asked Phil.

“Nice Jap car,” replied Louie.

“It runs great,” said Phil.

“Julie’s driving now,” asked Louie.

“Yes with Wesley now starting school and now with the baby….” said Phil.

“That baby Melissa is adorable. Reminds me of your mother,” said Louie.

“Oh Louie,” said Phil in an exasperated tone.

Louie realized he struck a nerve with Phil. Phil very much missed his mother and while things were good with his father lately, deep inside he had yet to accept his father’s second wife Jan.

“What? What did Louie Brill do?” asked Louie.

“Nothing. Fuckin nothing,” replied Phil as he was about to walk away from the balcony and go inside.

“Hey!” shouted Louie

Phil stood cold in his tracks. Louie was always a happy go lucky guy, but as he turned and looked at Louie he saw someone who was unhappy. He immediately knew he had to make nice with Louie.

“Louie, I’m sorry,” said Phil as he extended his hand.

Louie took Phil’s hand and the two embraced.

“It’s ok son, I know you miss your mother. Ethel was one of the finest women I ever met, “ said Phil as he lit up a cigarette.

“It’s not that,” said Phil as he looked inside the glass door of the balcony and saw everyone else at Elliot’s pre-wedding party. He saw Murray’s wife Jan inside and said, “her and her fuckin family”

“Jan?” asked Louie.

“Yup,” said Phil.

“Now Phil, you know your Dad is my best friend,” said Louie who knew exactly what Phil was thinking.

“I know,” said Phil.

“I love Murray like a brother,” said Louie.

“I know,” added Phil.

“Did she do something to you? Did her children?” said Louie.

“Nah, nothing specific. But I mean look at this, she fuckin catered this. When my mother was arrived, she would have worked up a storm in the kitchen. Julie’s the same way. You know one reason I married Julie is because she wasn’t like these other Brighton Beach/Crown Heights women who are spoiled. Mom and Julie are hard-working. They know a woman’s place. Call me old-fashioned Louie, but I’m sorry, “ said Phil.

“Old-fashioned is just fine with Louie Brill. And yes, Ethel was one of the finest cooks I ever knew.”