Dad, I have friends coming over...you're not wearing that, are you?

It's a beaurtiful night and I'd love to go sit outside with a drink but I'm sitting inside because I've been banished there. I've been expressly told by my boys that I am to remain indoors while they entertain outside with their friends...boys and girls. I oblige. I don't want to invade their space. I don't want to embarrass them. These days my very presence embarrasses them.

"Dad, I have friends coming over...you're not wearing that, are you?"

So I go inside and pretend to be busy. Read the paper, watch some brainless TV, pick up a book and read the same page for a half hour. All the while I'm really spying. Trying to get a good view of what they're up to out there. It's tough to see though. It's getting dark and my eyes aren't so good anyway.  I feel as though I have an obligation to keep an eye on things. To make sure nothing gets out of
hand. To be especially diligent over the girls....I owe it to their parents I suppose. But I don't want to get caught. I don't want to embarrass them.  I pop my head out and yell "is everything alright?"

"Yes, Dad, everything's fine..."

I can't see them rolling their eyes but I can feel it.