Dr. Rosen looks up from the phone with an embarrassed smile, then raises his hand to let us know he won’t be on the phone very much longer.
“Well, that’s terrific, Michael. It’ll be great to see you again.”
“We wrapped our final episode last night. Thought it might be fun to spend some time with you. Whip those gals of yours into shape.”
“Hiya, Michael!” This from Monae, who has come back into the dining room with a raisin bagel slathered with peanut butter.
“Hiya, sweetheart. You taking good care of my pops?”
“Your pops? Sorry, Michael. Christine and me? We’re adopting him.”
Michael laughs. Dr. Rosen laughs. Ceepak and I smile. It’s a regular Hallmark moment.
“And Dad?” says Michael. “Andrew and I have some exciting news to share with you.”
“Oh, really? What is it?”
“Uh, uh, uh. No cheating. I need to tell you this news in person.”
“Very well. Will Andrew be coming with you?”
There is a long pause.
“No, Dad. Andrew is busy.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Well, give him my best. I’m sorry we won’t get the chance to see him this trip, but I understand-professional commitments come first.”
“Yes, Dad.”
Okay, I’m not a voice analysis expert, but Michael Rosen doesn’t sound as happy as he did two minutes ago.
“Love you, son,” says Dr. Rosen.
“See you next Friday,” says Michael. And then he must jab a button on his phone because we’re hearing nothing but dial tone.
Dr. Rosen holds out the telephone. Monae takes it.
“It’s this button here, sir. The red one with the little phone picture on it. That turns it off.”
“Thank you, Monae.” Dr. Rosen wheels a couple inches closer to Ceepak and me. “So sorry to keep you fellows waiting. That was my youngest son, Michael. A very important television producer out in Hollywood. Very successful. Six Emmy Awards. Several other professional citations. You’re Adele Ceepak’s son John, right?”
“Yes, sir.”