Page 91 of Red Hot Roaster

I was the one sobbing now.Why was I spilling even some of this private stuff, worse yet, all these…feelings to relative strangers?

“Rose. Rose, mia cara.” Tony had the kindest look on his face. “We’re going to make this right—we’re all in this together.”

That right there was the reason why. Because there were actually good people all around (as I knew living in Dogwood) and because I needed their help. I nodded, scrubbing my face with my palms. Pirate whimpered and stuck his head in my lap.

“Now tell me about your friend—Lauren?—who tracked me down through Angelina’s Instagram postings. She lives here in San Francisco?”

“North of you in Sonoma County, actually, but she’s moving here. In fact, next week she’s picking up my son from college in the Bay area, and they’re driving up to Portland together.”

“Do you think she’d be willing to come into the city to our place before they leave?” I was nodding again—and grinning again—before Tony could finish talking. “There are some family things I’d like to send with her so you could give them to Raphael. To smooth the way for an introduction.”

“Yes, I know Lauren would be delighted to come see you. I’ll put you two in touch by email after this call.” I laughed, remembering. “She’s one of Rafe’s biggest fans. Get her to tell you how she helped my son wrangle Rafe into living in my garage apartment.”

Nico chimed in, “You’ve mentioned your son a couple of times now. Is there a Mr. Connolly?”

“Nico, stop it!” his sister demanded. “You’re being too personal.”

I grinned bigger. “That’s okay, Angelina.Mr. Connollywas my dear dad. Finn’s father is not in the picture. He wasneverin the picture.”

Tony had the last word. “Rose, bring our Rafe home.”

Chapter 45

Rafe

Monday * 6:58 a.m.

Me

Good morning, Rose. Thinking about my mamma lately. Don’t know why. Been meaning to ask. How are you doing this first Christmas without your mom?

Monday * 7:11 a.m.

Rose

Good morning, Rafe. Thanks for asking. Have my moments—get all weepy, and I go sit on the couch with one of our old photo albums. Missing the Finn boy too—first holiday season when he’s not here all the time. Can hardly wait until he arrives this Friday. Saving the tree to decorate with him. He’s driving up with Lauren—did I tell you that already?

Rose

What do you remember about Christmas when you were a kid? I mean with your mom—or were you too young to have any memories?

Rose

Sorry, sorry. Don’t answer if this is too hard.

I stood in the middle of the roastery, rubbing my chest. Like I could erase the ache that’d taken up permanent residence there.This woman.

Monday * 7:22 a.m.

Me

Yeah, some memories. I was probably 4 when they started. Mamma made me believe there was a Santa Claus. Told me he delivered all the gifts—probably because she only had money for a couple things. He parked on the roof & climbed in our window. Had to leave it unlocked that one night only.

Rose

Did you have a tree?

Me

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