Page 51 of Play of Love
“I can’t believe you got Primrose to part with this bag,” Clarissa said, holding up a bag with the Gucci logo printed all over it. They both laughed.
“I have my ways.”
I rushed up to them, hoping this was real and it wasn’t just something created by my mind.
“Mom.” I pulled her in for a hug.
“Josh, what are you doing here? You have a big game tomorrow.”
“Yes, we wouldn’t want to suffer the wrath of a tired Mancini Machine,” Clarissa teased, poking me in the stomach. “Hey, do I feel fat?” She continued to poke my stomach.
“Come here, you.” I hugged her too. “You’re both alive. You’re okay.”
“Yes, are you okay? I, unhand me, I need air, man.” She pretended to suffocate. I released her and looked at them both.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I’m just happy to see you.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet. My big brother’s the best,” she said in her usual way and slipped her arm around me.
“Let’s go to Italy. Nonnina will be thrilled to see us.” My grandmother spoiled us rotten and they hadn’t been since last summer.
“Josh, how are we supposed to make time for Italy with your busy schedule? You have a game tomorrow and the season just started.” My mother gazed at me through her hazel eyes.
“Forget the game. Forget the season. I just want to spend time with you.” I reached out and took her hand.
“Who are you and where’s my boy?” Mom laughed.
“I’m being serious. We don’t spend enough time together. I can’t lose you again.”
She reached up and cupped my face. “You never lost me. Sweetheart, I’m so proud of you. How about you allow your mother the privilege of watching you play so I can cheer for you.”
“Me too,” Clarissa joined in. “It’s the only chance I get to give you a standing ovation.”
Tears streaming down my cheeks. “I miss you.”
“We’re always with you, Josh.” My mother nodded.
That was something she’d told me countless times. So often I could anticipate when she’d say it. This time, however, held more significance. A warm feeling of hope filled me and I felt the strength I needed come to my aid.
“Now go home.”
“Go home, Josh,” Clarissa said, too, but her voice sounded faint as if someone had turned down the volume.
She said it again but I didn’t hear her. I watched her lips move. I blinked and when I opened my eyes I was back in the real world, staring ahead at the expanse of the gorge. Evening was approaching and a light rain had started to fall.
I straightened up and pulled in a breath as I focused my gaze ahead. While I knew I’d fallen asleep and all that I saw of my mother and sister was a dream, something felt different. It was the reminder that they were always with me, even now.
And… I shouldn’t be here.
No… no, not at this place. A place where so many had taken their last breath.
I shook my head at myself and tried to feel that strength again. It was there still, it hadn’t left me. I had to get my act together and sort myself out. I owed it to my family to try. And to the friends who supported me. I supposed I also owed it to Amy, who had taken it upon herself to try to help me. The last two days weren’t part of her job. I knew when people were doing things for money and I could tell the difference with her.
When she kissed me that was real. It was probably the most real kiss I’d ever had, because I’d never been with a woman like that. I guessed the term wasdecent.
I needed to leave this place and go home. I needed to take hold of my life and do better to get it back on track. To do that I needed Amy, so I hoped like hell she came back tomorrow. If she didn’t I’d find out where she lived and apologize.
I started the car up, but then turned it off again when I remembered all that I’d drank. I wasn’t drunk, but I’d definitely get arrested if the cops pulled me over.
