Santino kissed him, then went back to eating his cake. “I think I’ve tracked down all the money Allison had hidden away.” Santino paused, then asked, “Are you ready?”
Orsen swallowed. “Is it a lot?”
“Almost three hundred thousand dollars. I found an account where she made regular deposits, then they suddenly stopped. Do you remember if Allison had a job?”
“You mean other than when Ambrose sold her?” Orsen put his plate on the floor and pulled the covers up, suddenly cold. He shivered and cuddled into Santino when he got into bed and pulled him closer. “I think she had one when I was really young, but I’m not sure.”
“I think she did. She made regular cash deposits, but no withdrawals.”
“Do you think she was saving up so we could leave?” Orsen wanted to believe she would have saved them. She was his mom, and he wanted to think she loved him.
“I wish I knew, but all I have are the numbers.” Kissing Orsen’s head, he murmured, “I’m sure she loved you. She didn’t leave you behind.”
Orsen sniffed, nodded. “I wish I could remember her more. It’s like I can almost see her, but then she’s gone again.”
“Like smoke.”
“Yeah. Just like that.” Orsen snuggled closer, sighed when Santino put his arm over his shoulder. “I want to remember her, but then I don’t. What if she isn’t who I thought she was? And I have to arrange the funeral. The authorities only released her body this week. I don’t know why they had it for so long, but TJsaid he would help me sort out a place to bury her.” Orsen looked sheepishly up at Santino, then bit his lip. “I’ve been avoiding it.”
“I can help. We can find a spot in the cemetery, then look for a nice casket for her. Something soft for her to rest in.”
Sniffing, Orsen kissed Santino’s shoulder, his throat tight. “I don’t want to cry anymore.”
“There’s nothing wrong with letting these emotions out. Cry, Orsen. You’ll feel better after. And you know what would be nice?” Orsen shook his head. “When she’s buried, you can have a few people over to celebrate her life. Make sure she isn’t forgotten.”
“Oh.” Santino blurred, and Orsen let Santino hold him as he cried. “I like that. I like that a lot. I don’t want to forget her.”
“Then we won’t.”
Chapter Sixteen
Whistling, Santino grabbed his briefcase and walked out of the courthouse, putting his sunglasses on as he merged with the crowd on the sidewalk. Life was good. He’d presented his evidence and now he would return home to Orsen. When had Orsen become home? Santino wasn’t sure, but he held that place now. His concerns about their relationship had disappeared. Almost. He still had a small nagging doubt that Orsen needed to go out and live life, but he knew that wasn’t what Orsen wanted.
His gorgeous man wanted a home. A place where he knew he was safe and loved, and Santino wanted to give him that. Watching him bloom and experience life made Santino smile. His responses were so innocent at times, his eyes wide with that beautiful smile on his face. Santino could sit and watch him and be happy, but he also knew Orsen wanted more from their relationship.
Something more physical.
Santino wanted that too, but he also wanted to wait, to go at a slower pace. He wanted Orsen to experience everything first, but Santino also knew Orsen was gaining more confidence. The more he experienced, the more he grew as a man.
Moving past a couple screaming at each other, Santino turned down a side street, walking toward the parking lot where he’d parked his car. As he approached it, his phone rang. Seeing Mamma on the screen, Santino prepared himself.
“Santino! When are you going to come and see me? Have you forgotten about me?” Luna demanded.
“Mamma. I’ve been busy. I’ve just left court now and am about to go home.”
“Hmm. Come by so I can feed you up. You’re getting skinny.”
Santino grinned as he glanced down at his body. “I’m the same as always. I eat and work out, Mamma, and I eat cake.”
“Not my cake. And who you eating cake with?”
“His name’s Orsen. I want you to meet him.”
He heard Luna gasp. He had only introduced her to one partner, and that had been years ago. “My boy is serious about his man.”
“He’s special and I like him.”
“Bring him over. I can feed him up.”
