Page 99 of Romeo

“This is the right move, Rome,” she said. “She’ll respect you for it.”

“Or she’ll tell me to stay the hell away from her granddaughter.”

“That’s also possible.”

“Helpful.”

“Good luck.”

The call ended, and I sat staring at the number written across my hand. I’d faced armed men without getting this nervous. I’d walked into places where there was a decent chance I wasn’t walking back out.

Calling Martha Steiner was somehow worse.

I dialed anyway.

She answered after two rings.

“Hello?”

“Mrs. Steiner?” I sat a little straighter without knowing why. “This is Jasper DuBois. Josie’s cousin.”

“I know who you are.” Her tone gave me absolutely nothing. “It’s late, Mr. DuBois. What can I do for you?”

Mr. DuBois.

Fantastic.

“I apologize for calling so late, ma’am. I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t important.”

“Go on.”

I took a breath. “I’m calling to ask your permission to take Fiona to her senior prom Saturday night.”

Silence.

Not confused silence.

This was the kind that made a man rethink every decision that had brought him to this moment. I could feel the sweat bead up on my back and roll down between my shoulder blades.

“My permission,” she finally said.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And why, exactly, do you think you need my permission? Fiona is eighteen. She’s an adult.”

“She is. But you’re her mother. That means something. Where I come from, a man doesn’t pursue a woman seriously without respecting her family.”

Another pause.

“Pursue?”

Well, shit.

“I mean...”

“No, I heard you.” Her voice sharpened. “Let me ask you something, Mr. DuBois. What exactly are your intentions toward my granddaughter?”

“My intentions?”