The Kings Of Cool

28

Now Chon, consumed with self-loathing because he feels a little winded after trashing four guys, gets back in the Mustang and drives home.

Grabs the bat, gets out of his car, and runs smack into

His father.

It happens every once in a while. Laguna is a small town and you run into people.

People you want to.

People you don’t.

Chon’s dad falls into the latter category, and the feeling is mutual. There’s a seminal connection (see above), but that’s about it. Big John was 404 for a lot of Chon’s childhood, and when he wasn’t Chon wished he was.

Ben and O both know that Chon’s father is a subject Not To Be Discussed.

Ever.

They’re aware, of course, that “Big John” was once a big-time Laguna dope dealer, a member of the storied “Association,” that he went to prison and now is some kind of roofing contractor, but that’s about it.

Big John looks startled to see his son.

And not very happy.

It’s…

… awkward.

Big John, heavy shoulders, brown hair receding, a little jowly now, breaks the silence first.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“How’s it going?”

“Okay. You?”

“Okay.”

Big John looks at the bat, smirks, and asks, “You playing softball now or something?”

“Hardball.”

That’s it. They stand there looking at each other for a second, then Big John says, “Well, okay…”

And walks away.