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“Cheese popcorn,” he replies with a smile.
“Got it.” I bend over him once more to kiss his head. “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
♦
We’re fortunate thatwe only live about twenty minutes from the hospital. My commute from home to work is even quicker since our apartment sits above the deli. It’s a family business started by my parents and named Moni’s after my mother Monica. I was raised not only above the restaurant in our apartment but much of my life was spent downstairs hanging out at the lunch counter while my parents created thick sandwiches and laughed with their longtime customers. By the time I was ten, I was able to build the perfect Italian sub and could check out customers all by myself.
This was a good thing because when my mom passed away just two years later from an unknown heart defect, I was able to step in and help my dad keep the business running as well as look after Aiden, who was only two. It was just the three of us, reeling from loss, but we banded together and made it work.
Behind the deli is a back alley with three private parking spots. I pull into the one next to Boone’s Porsche, the relief sweeping through me to see my dad’s car there as well which means he didn’t drive to the hospital. I’m still not sure how I feel about letting a perfect stranger step into this mess to help us, but that ship has sailed.
I climb the steep flight of stairs to the landing outside the apartment door and step inside, setting my purse on the low half wall that blocks off the small dining area to the right. A long hall houses the three bedrooms straight ahead with the living room to the left and a kitchen just beyond the dining area.
I barely get a step forward before Boone exits my dad’s room, pulling the door shut behind him. He jolts slightly as he turns and sees me standing there.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“He’s sleeping and I expect he’ll be out awhile.”
I’m at a bit of a loss about what to say, but an apology seems in order. “I am so sorry you got sucked into this. I’m mortified—”
Boone holds up his hand as he walks my way. “Stop. You have nothing to apologize for. I truly didn’t mind helping.”
He halts a few feet from me, tucking his hands into his pockets.
“You said you’ve had experience with this before,” I prod.
A smile plays across his face—slightly bitter, a little sweet. “My dad’s an alcoholic. He’s been sober for fifteen years now but I was a little younger than Aiden when it was going on, so I kind of know what he’s feeling. I’ve also watched my mom and older siblings have to handle my dad when he was drunk, so I know how to deal.”
I nod in understanding. “I’m sorry you had to go through that but it was fortuitous for us today.”
Boone chuckles. “I’m just glad I was there.”
“Me too. Um… can I offer you something to drink or anything?”
“I’m good, but thank you. I need to get going.”
“Of course.” I grab the doorknob and open the door, moving to the side. “Again, thank you so much.”
As Boone moves onto the landing, he asks, “What’s the deal with the deli downstairs? Do you work there?”
“Our family owns it. It’s named after my mom. She passed away almost ten years ago.”
Sympathy pools in Boone’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. And I know I’m repeating myself but thank you again for your help with my dad. It was unbelievably kind.”
“It was nothing.” Boone waves and makes it halfway down the staircase before he turns to look back. “If you need anything, I hope you’ll call.”
My mouth drops open slightly. I don’t even know what that means. He’s a perfect stranger and I would never think to call on him for assistance. “That’s really nice, but—”
“You have my number,” Boone says, cutting in over me. “Use it. And maybe I’ll see you at the hospital sometime, okay?”
I wring my hands, thinking this might be one of the strangest days I’ve ever had. “Um… okay.”
“Okay,” he affirms with a smile, and for the first time, I let myself acknowledge how handsome he is. I take in his longish dark blond hair, his blue eyes that are about ten shades darker than mine but so expressive. His trim beard doesn’t hide his full lips or the bright smile he’s bestowed on me on more than one occasion. How had I not noticed that before? “It was nice meeting you, Lilly.”
