The Power Dynamic

The Call Dynamic

Danny

My cell phone buzzed on the dining table after dinner. Cyrus and I spent most of the day walking along the beach, picking up seashells and talking about other places to travel. We enjoyed breakfast after helping cook the egg scramble together. We flirted while talking about our exes. I considered the whole day with Cyrus to be surreal. We had so little in common, such an age gap and our history against us. Yet the conversation just flowed. We just expressed our wants and needs without conflict. Everything was so right and good. We didn't even have sex or go into scene. The whole day just didn't feel real. Nothing in my life ever felt so easy as spending time with Cyrus.

I stuck my tongue out at my partner who was still elbow deep in dishes after a comment about licking the plate clean before plucking up my phone. I expected to see Jyan's name. Saturday nights were teen nights at the Q and usually had some drama. My face fell as soon as I saw my screen flash my father's name instead. I put the phone back down. My father would ruin my whole mood and the rest of the night. He also hated being ignored. Anxiety crept in my mind as the phone stopped vibrating as a conditioned response to his calls. I breathed through my nose to settle my brain.

Only for him to call again.

Fuck.

He only called twice if the conversation was serious. Especially on a Saturday night when I would be statistically drunk. I pulled the phone up and paused, trying to compartmentalize the incoming conversation.

I slid open the patio door to the evening sun and waves over the ocean as my finger pressed the green talk button.

My voice gained the tightness of every conversation I had with my father since I was 15. "Father."

His smooth voice held disappointment just in saying my name, "Danny. I do hope I'm not interrupting anything."

You are. "No."

"You sound sober. Color me impressed."

"It's only 7."

"Hmph. As I recall, that never stopped you before."

I tried to keep the irritation from my voice. "Is there a reason you're calling?"

My father had a way of speaking that was like a rotten apple, the tone pretty over poisoned words, "Do I need a reason to call my son?"

I worked to unclench my jaw. "No, but you usually do."

"Have you touched base with Cyrus this week?"

My gut clenched as my eyes found Cyrus in the kitchen, diligently cleaning because the space was rented. Calm down. This is about your trust fund.

"Yeah."

"Hmm. I tried to call him and couldn't reach him."

Panic shot down to my stomach, twisting it violently in knots. "Is something wrong?"

"Business matters, Danny." He said my name like speaking to a small child.

My panic turned to anger, burning away at my insides. "He's probably actually taking the weekend off."

My father tutted through the phone, signaling his displeasure. "I have heard the man partakes in some rather colorful hobbies."

Like tying up and spanking your son? My father would have a coronary. Not that I cared. I did care about Cyrus' reputation and professional rapport so I shut my mouth. I clamped down on my teeth, trying to contain my growing temper. "Is that why you called?"

"No. I just thought I would ask since you are required to check in with him." He paused and shuffled through the phone. "My business in France has ended sooner than I anticipated. I want to spend some more time in Paris in leisure but otherwise intend to return home."