Page 36 of Merciless Monster

“I wish I knew.”

“I’m going to put off our trip to Aunt Maddy. You need me.”

“No, Mom. Don’t you dare. You and Dad deserve this break. You’ve been planning it for months. I’ll be just fine. I promise.”

“Will you bring him around so I can lay eyes on him?”

“And say what? Hey, do you want to meet your child’s grandparents?”

“Okay, smartypants. You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Sorry. I’m a little antsy. Okay. Let me see what I can do.”

“Is he here to stay?”

“Well, he’s buying a house, so I guess he’s planning on sticking around for a while at least.”

“In that case, you’ll have to tell him sooner rather than later.”

“I know.”

“How are things between the two of you?”

“Wonderful. I’m crazy about him, Mom. I know it’s insane, but I’ve never felt this way about a man before. And, he’s equally smitten. He’s asked me to move in with him.”

“Goodness. That’s heavy.”

I chuckle at my mother’s choice of words. She sounds like a hippy.

“What can I do, my darling? How can I help you?”

“That’s sweet, Mom. But, I made this bed and now I have to lie in it. If you pardon the pun.”

“Bring him around for lunch on Sunday. We’ll figure something out.”

“Okay. Thanks, Mom.”

“I love you, Mia. I’ll do whatever I can to make this as painless as possible for you.”

“Don’t tell Dad yet, please. I don't want to have to explain myself to him.”

“I won’t. You can tell him when you’re ready.”

“Thanks, Mom. I think I need another slice of pie.”

“Coming right up. Extra whipped cream?”

“You read my mind.”

9

DANTE

“Iwas wondering when you’d get around to seeing me,” Gina smiles and kisses me on the cheek.

She and I are at a coffee shop near the new house I just bought. I was hoping that Mia and Angelo would be living there with me by now, but I don’t want to push. I’ll give Mia as much time as she needs. I don’t want to scare her off by being overbearing.

“Hi, Gina. I’m sorry. How are you? Married life seems to agree with you. You look happy.”

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