Promptings from Valhalla - 11. Davey Bishop

The famous actor, Davey Bishop, opened the front door and found nothing. Davey stared, shocked, but then remembered the flier he had received about a new coffee shop that had opened nearby, and thought it might be a good place to get some caffeine to wake himself up. Apparently he was hearing things. He could have sworn that someone had knocked on the door. He headed outside and made it halfway down his driveway before he realized he was still in his pajamas. He groaned, then ran back inside, showered and changed into presentable clothes. His stomach rumbled at the thought of a cuppa joe and breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese.

The Coffee Spot was only a couple of blocks away, and the weather was perfect for going for a walk. The brisk air was as effective at waking him up as a caffeine jolt. After he had travelled about half a block, it became clear that Davey wasn’t alone. Whoever was following him needed to work on their stealth skills. The rustling in the bushes and glimpses of red cotton hoodie weren’t exactly clandestine. Davey suppressed the urge to scowl. It was most likely a paparazzo, and the fact that they had found out his home address was disconcerting. Davey was a private person, despite his fame, and did not appreciate his home life being invaded.

He stopped abruptly and stood still. The rustling continued for a couple of seconds, then ceased. “You might as well come out. I know you’re there.”

A sharp intake of breath and low mutters emanated from the shrubbery beside him. Slowly his stalker emerged, head down and covered by a red hood. It was a young male, small in stature. Davey didn’t see a camera around his neck, which he found odd. “Why are you following me?”

The young man looked at him, hazel eyes that looked strikingly familiar gazed into his own. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to follow you, but I was scared you wouldn’t talk to me.”

“Well I don’t appreciate being stalked like cat hunts a bird. What? You want an autograph or something? A selfie with me? There’s more important things in life, boy,” Davey stated.

“Yes, sir. Um, no sir. I mean, you’re right, sir,” the boy floundered.

Davey sighed. “I’ll give you an autograph, but no pictures.”

“I don’t want your autograph, just a minute of your time. Then I’ll leave you alone.”

“Oh?”

“You see, sir. I think you’re my father.” The boy’s eyes were full of a mixture of fear, hope, and caused his stomach to clench as he realized who they reminded him of.

“C’mon, kid. I’m on my way to the Coffee Spot. Let’s get some breakfast, and we can talk. I think I can provide some of those answers you’re looking for.”

The look of relief on the kid’s face made Davey smile as they headed down the block in silence. He knew exactly who the boy’s father was.

Thanks for reading!  I'd love to hear any comments about this little snippet.  Thanks to aditus and Cole Matthews for beta reading.  I don't know what I'd do without you guys.  Details of the prompt challenge can be found here: