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He laughed. “I gather you come here often.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty much the only take-out I get. I feel like I’m cheating on Lenny if I go anywhere else. Plus, he always slips me a free garlic bread.” I grinned.
Grayson chuckled as he sat down.
Lenny came waltzing out of the kitchen dressed in his apron and high chef hat, reminding me of the chef from the muppets.
He pulled me into a hug. “I haven’t seen you in two weeks. I’ve been worried.”
Grayson watched our interaction curiously.
“Sorry, I had a crazy week at work and last Friday I was filling my belly with whisky and wine instead of pizza.”
“You work too hard. I wish you’d take a holiday.”
I scoffed. “Careful what you wish for, I might be on a permanent holiday soon.”
“Don’t say these things. You’ll be just fine. Plus, there’s always a job here if you need.”
I smiled warmly. He always had my back. “I know. Thanks, Len.”
Lenny looked across at Grayson. “And who is this young gentleman?”
“Lenny, this is Grayson. Grayson, Lenny.”
Grayson stood up and reached out to shake his hand, but Lenny pulled him in for a hug. Grayson’s eyes bulged as Lenny whispered something into his ear. His alarmed gaze met mine over Lenny’s shoulder.
“Len…” I warned, shaking my head.
Lenny pulled away and turned back to me with a shrug and mischievous smile. “What will you kids have?”
Grayson let me order, and watched Lenny make his way back to the kitchen. “Does he really have Mafia connections?” he whispered, once Lenny was out of earshot.
“I dunno.” I shrugged nonchalantly, holding back my laughter. “Probably.”
He paled a little and nodded slowly. “You guys seem close.”
“Um, yeah. He’s been like a substitute father since I arrived here.” I smiled affectionately towards the kitchen, listening to the clatter of pot and pans. “He lived in the same street in New Jersey where my dad grew up. They were like brothers.”
“So, your mom was Australian?”
“Yeah, Dad left everything to be with her.”
Grayson offered me a warm smile. “Where in Australia did you live?”
The bittersweet memories of my childhood home flashed through my mind. “Melbourne.”
Grayson nodded. “I can see why you like New York then. It’s like Melbourne on steroids.”
I burst out laughing. “You’re so right. That’s probably why it feels like home. Have you been to Australia?”
“Yeah, when I was little, but I don’t remember too much, except for being petrified of your wildlife.”
I chortled. “You’ve gotta watch out for those drop bears.”
Grayson’s eyes grew large. “Don’t even start. I had nightmares for months.”
We both cackled with laughter.
