Page 72
“No, I leave Tuesday morning for another series of away games. You could wait until I get back,” he suggests.
“Nonsense. Only a ninny would make an old lady wait on you.” Nonna takes a bite of her food and Mav mouths, “Ninny?” with confusion. After a few bites, she turns to me. “You’re set to take me to my doctor’s appointment tomorrow?”
“Ready and waiting.”
Mav and I share a glance that says we’ll be talking about this later.
“Fuck me sideways,” Mav swears, tossing clothes out of his new antique dresser. We hit antique thrift stores for him to find furniture for the house. Once he let himself enjoy the experience, he picked out some cool pieces.
“Sure, Mav, but I don’t want to make you late.” I’m holding the clothes he needs, but he doesn’t glance up. Organization isn’t his thing no matter how hard he tries.
“I forgot to wash my base layer so I need my backup stuff.” He’s flustered in a way I’ve never seen.
“Mav, I’ve got it washed and dried and ready to be packed.” I hold it out, and he sinks into the club chair.
“You’re legitimately my total dream man. You spoil me.” His earnest hazel eyes peer up at me.
“I love being able to help you. You’ve got a stressful career. I’ll be happy to charge you for my services in back rubs and foot massages.” Spreading his thighs, I sit on his lap and rest my head on his shoulder.
“I’m abandoning you, and you’re taking care of me,” he laments.
“You’re going to work. There is zero abandonment here. I mean, if you ditch me, I’ll burn your stuff on the front lawn.” I nudge him with my elbow.
“I’d take that threat seriously, but you’d be too afraid of scaring Nonna, or the fire spreading.” He presses his lips to the top of my head.
“What’s got you worried?” I toss a few of his shirts into the drawer. “Score,” I say, holding my arms up in triumph.
“I really wish I could be there to meet her nephew. I would hate for him to be a scammer,” he admits.
“We’re taking lots of precautions. Meeting in a public place, not going home afterward, and I’ll try to pump him for more info that Lo’s guy can use to verify his identity. But you’re free to miss me like hell.” I stand and pull him up.
“Will miss you an obscene amount.” His fingers feather over my cheek.
“We’ll spicy video chat and then poof, you’ll be here in a flash. But if you keep touching me, you’ll be late. It’s a short trip, and you’ll be back tomorrow night.” I stand on my toes and kiss him. “What else do you need?”
“My suit. I’ve got to change.” He glances frantically around the room.
I don’t say a word. I simply close the bedroom door to reveal his hanging suit. We spent a bunch of time working out systems so he can find everything he needs. “I’ll call you as soon as you land. We should be finishing up meeting with Maria’s nephew, Paul. Hopefully he’s as boring as his name.”
Mav changes into his dress clothes and closes his bag. “Don’t forget to call me. I love you.”
“Love you more,” I say, and walk him downstairs. “Good luck,” I yell, as he gets into the rideshare.
Mav blows me a kiss, and I stand in the cold watching his car disappear. I shiver with the sensation that someone is walking over my grave, not from the temperature. No bad thoughts, I scold myself.
On my way to Maria’s, I grab my coat and wallet so we can leave when she’s ready. She wants me to drive her car, and although parking will be a bitch, it’ll give her a sense of control, not being at the mercy of public transportation.
We arrive a few minutes early since traffic is light. “Will you be okay if I drop you at the door and find a place to park?”
“I’m not an invalid who needs special treatment. I’ve spent most of my life in this city without your help,” she snaps.
I double-park at the entrance to the restaurant and help her over the snow to the sidewalk. “I’ll only be a minute,” I say and she gives me a grateful smile.
She’s been nervous about meeting Paul and snapping with unusual bite. It takes fifteen minutes to find parking, and I send Mav a quick text.
Me: Walking to restaurant now
When I enter the restaurant, Nonna stands up and waves her arms, acting as if seeing me is unexpected.
