Page 54 of Painting Her Fate

I don’t have any weird feelings about our situation, but I do see where she’s getting at. It’s always come easy for me to befriend strangers. Buffalonians tend to make friends easily. It’s in our blood.

“You know, Buffalo earned the nickname ‘city of good neighbors’ for a reason. We lend hands to strangers and befriend them any chance we get,” my tone turning serious, “unless you’re a Patriots fan.” I turn to her, mock panic in my tone, “Awe man, don’t tell me you’re a Pats fan, people here will do their damnedest to convert you into the mafia.”

That isn’t necessarily true; game days would be rough, but we would manage. Well, most of us.

One thing I love most about the people of Buffalo is how we come together for our community, strive to lift one another, rebuild, recoup, and comfort in times of need. The football Mafia family often donate to charities of rival teams, are always there to help and support in any disaster-stricken areas, and we are big supporters of the children’s hospital here. Buffalo is one big happy family. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

She shakes her head in confusion, “can’t say I follow your American football all that well, but rest assured, my dad taught me to support our local red, white, and blue, through and through. I am a proud international transplant of the mafia.” She winks and we laugh.

I swipe a hand across my forehead, “phew, that was a close one.” I pretend then I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close and finding her lips with mine, only because her lips were begging to be kissed.

She kept biting that damn lip of hers, so I wanted a taste. The flavor of vanilla lip balm makes me hungry, but not for food.

Before we take things too far right here on my parent’s doorstep, I reluctantly pull away and peer into her dazed pools, “we should go in before they find us here like this.” I say a bit breathless.

She smiles, the hesitance she had is gone and in its place is a slight flush. I like that look on her. “After you.”

Hank takes that moment to let out another huff, his way of saying his patients have worn thin. I open the door and he plows through, and in no time, we’re hearing a happy chorus ofHankbeing called within. I squeeze her hand, “There is never judgement here.” She smiles as I close the door behind us.

“Unless you’re a Pats fan, that is.” She says mockingly.

“What’s this blabber about Pats fans?” We hear my mom gasp as she rounds the corner.

I give Lili that look of, ‘See what I’m talking about?’ which makes her grin grow wider.

Dressed in a long flowy pink skirt and a floral top, mom lights up when she sees I brought Lili, agirlwith me. In her late fifties and standing a mighty four-foot-nine, she can easily pass for someone ten years younger. The Polish genes are strong in my mom and it’s best not to get on her bad side.

This woman rallied the community together to welcome me back home, all pomp and circumstance, cheers, and a parade. She is the reason I am known as a‘superhero’of sorts in the area. I despise that notion and will never feel worthy to it, but I love my mom, so I keep my mouth shut. She wipes her hands on the dish towel she brought with her then flings it over one shoulder.

“Alexander, so glad you could make it.” She tugs me in for a hug and kiss on my cheek, then turns to Lili, “when you said a friend, I thought you meant Ford, but this is a lovely surprise! Hello, I’m Rena.” She invites Lili to come in for a hug of her own. Mom is a touchy-feely person; must be where I get it from. The two women embrace and there is an automatic sense of rightness in the atmosphere, welcoming Lili into the family.

“Mom, this is my friend, Lili.”

Lili backs away and takes my hand in hers, a touch of shyness glinting through, “it’s lovely to meet you.”

“So nice to meet you, Lili. Come in, come in. We were about to go to the patio and fire up the grill. I hope you two are hungry.” Mom ushers us through the remodeled kitchen and out to the patio and it shows how long it’s been since stopping over. I see they bought new furniture, as well as a decent size dining set to go with the brand-new outdoor kitchen. The space is inviting, and I can see the future plans taking shape.

Bright planter boxes and hanging baskets are everywhere, full of petunias and impatient, marigolds and zinnias. Yes, I know these flowers; I was stuck helping every spring for as long as I can remember. I thought it a chore at first, but it grew on me; just me and mom, and a truck load of dirt in our yard. She called it,therapy time,all summer long. It’s one of my fondest memories. She’s going to give me shit soon if I do not start on my own landscaping.

“Can I get you two something drink?”

We both ask for water then find a patio couch to sit.

My brothers Gavin and Blake, sister Emma, and her husband Wyatt are seated around a glass rectangular table making small talk and going on about the latest updates in their lives. Then my sister peers up from her phone, her eyes go wide with surprise.

“Oh my gosh!” My sister shouts from nowhere then plows her tiny frame into Lili. Lili wraps her arms around my sister and laughs.

Apparently, they do know each other.

Lili harrumphs from the blow, “Emma! So great to see you!”

“What are you doing here? Tamara didn’t tell me you were coming.” My sister pulls back, her blonde bob bouncing, adding to her excitement.

“Okay, let’s sit, you have GOT to fill me in!” Emma drags Lili to the other end of the couch, “we have so much to catch up on!” As if a switch was flicked on, realization kicks in as my sister’s eyes dart from Lili, to me, then back to Lili. Her brows raise then a smirk falls into place, “ooh, you two came heretogether?”

“Emma…” I chastise, her grin only widening as she ignores me.

“Clearly, I have been kept in the dark. How long have the two of you been a thing?” She isn’t going to let this go. The hand wave she gives me shows I’m not needed in this conversation, “go- have fun with the boys, it’s girl time now. Byeeee.” I didn’t want Lili feeling overwhelmed or in danger while she here. This could end very badly. I better put a stop to this and keep her close.

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