*Rotorhedz/Megan (c)2006 -2010 Ducktunes 

It had been rainy all week in the area of Southern California, and it looked like the rain
was going to continue over the weekend.  Torrents of rain was washing through Cass Street, the business area of pacific beach.  Cars were traveling extra slow through the intersections and side streets, their headlights aglow.  Most of the people were indoors getting warm in one of many resteraunts, bars, or coffee shops.  It would be insane to be walking out in this downpour.

The man walking towards Doc’s Coffee and Couch, was an exception to the insanity of being in this foul weather.  His umbrella barely kept his head and face dry.  His heavy black navy issue raincoat protected him down to the lower legs, but beyond that was soggy and soaked.  The man did not seem to mind, he was blasting John Coltrain’s “A Love Supreme” on his Ipod.  The saxophone solos were swirling and speaking in tongues through the headphones.  The man stopped in front of Doc’s and looked around; he seemed to have a worried expression on his face.  It was as if he was expecting to meet someone at this location.  He turned the Ipod off and entered the establishment.

The inside was nice, warm and welcoming to the man.  He folded his umbrella, and started removing his raincoat.  The tables had various people ranging from young to old engaged in reading, socializing, or gaming on their laptops.  They all had one thing in common - a nice cup of a hot beverage was at their side.  The man looked over at the two large comfortable old couches.  Both were empty.
“Hey Duckman,” said a voice.  The man turned around to see an older gentleman behind the counter by the register.  A smile spread across his face, “what brings you down here?”
“I just wanted to get away from the house for an hour or so,” The man called Duckman answered.
"You picked a rotten day to do it, don't ya think," Doc said.  He pointed over to one of the two couches, "I reserved that just for you."  He grabbed a large cup and headed toward one of the coffee pots,"I got this vanilla nut; you take it black right?"
"Yeah," Duckman answered. "Is Flavor coming in tonight? I am expecting her."
"I dunno," Doc answered and handed the full cup to Duckman, "there ya go."
"Where is Penny?" Duckman said as he took a sip of the coffee.
"She is at home sick," Doc answered.
"Sorry to hear that," Duckman said, and he made his way over to the couch. "I will take a break in a few minutes," Doc said, "and I will be able to talk a little bit."

Duckman sat down on the huge couch and put his coffee on the table in front of him.  He looked around the establishment once more observing all the people getting warm from the storm.  What Duckman liked about Doc's establishment was the peace and quiet.  Most of the clients he got, usually read newspapers, magazines, or books.  The only real noise were the ones who were socializing and the computer gamers - and they still did it in low key.  Duckman always tried to visit with Doc as much as possible, although it was getting harder now.  It wasn't like in the old days when he had more time to hang out here.  This was one of those rare times where Duckman wanted to be somewhere other than his house, and this was the place to be
right now.

He put the Ipod earpieces back in, and turned on his music.  He found a current newspaper on the side table and proceded to glance over it.  Duckman was about to flip the page, when he felt a presence standing over him.
"Were you lookin' for me?"  Duckman looked up at a woman with short red hair, green eyes, and she was wearing a very short skirt.  Her hair was a little wet. "Ah Flavor, go ahead and sit down and get warm, I needed to talk to you about something."  He took another sip from his coffee, "did you order already?"
"I will in a few minutes.  Where are the wee ones?"
"They are at their 'Aunt' Heather's house" Duckman answered.
"How are they getting along since...you know..."
"It will be something that Emily will never get over, she was old enough to know what happened.  Vincent on the other hand," Duckman paused, "will have to be told."  He removed his glasses and wiped his moistening eyes.
"It happened over a year ago, right?" Flavor asked.
"It was," Duckman replied as he grabbed another sip from his cup, "and not a day goes by that I still think about her.  I really loved her."
"I apologize for bringing the subject up," Flavor said.  Duckman dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Flavor asked.  Duckman grabbed another sip of his coffee and faced Flavor, "what are you doing this Saturday?"
"I do not have any plans," Flavor replied, "why?"
"I am in a bind," Duckman started to explain, "I have to go back to Arizona to do some old business, and Heather will not be available for the kids.  She and Lana are going on a cruise to Hawaii.  Could you watch them until I get back on the following Monday.  You can stay at my condo, and help yourself to anything there."
"I wouldn't mind watching those darlings for you," Flavor said with a smile.
"Emily really thinks you're cool, and you are so good with Vincent," Duckman said running his hand through his hair, "name your price."
"I will discuss a price at a later time," Flavor returned with a wink, "but I will be glad to stay with your kids."
"You are a life saver," Duckman said taking another gulp from his coffee.

Doc managed wander over to the couch and join Duckman and Flavor in the conversation.  “Are you going to order something or what?” Doc asked Flavor.
“In a minute ya grouchy ol’ fart!” Flavor said with a laugh. 
“Where is my hug by the way,” Doc opened his arms.  Flavor sat on his lap and hugged him back.  “There,” she said, happy?”  Doc nodded.  He kept his eyes on the entrance in the event a customer might walk in.  His help was taking an exam in school, and his wife was home with the flu.  It had been a long day.
“So how is the comic strip business goin’?”
“Nothing but deadlines to meet,” Duckman replied, “you know how that is.”
“I would not complain so much,” Flavor pointed out, “your stuff is only on more than half the papers in this country.  I like your strip.”
“Thanks for the wonderful compliment Flavor,” Duckman acknowledged, “it is about the only thing that keeps me sane these days.”
“Don’t forget your music,” Doc said, “you got that going as well.”
“Whenever I have the time Doc,” Duckman replied, “That is just a hobby when I do have some free time.”  The three of them kept the conversation going for another few minutes, when another customer entered. “Hey guys,” Doc said getting up, “gotta get back to work.  Duckman, give my love to Emily and Vincent.”  He proceeded to behind the counter and the register.  A customer was ordering, and an additional customer walked in.  This was going to be the last rush before Doc could relax again.