Page 186 of Luca & Luna

That war was present on Mama Marino’s face again, but eventually she settled on something that looked like determination. “If you’re Luca’s, you’re mine too. I don’t care if you have no ring on your finger or no bite on your skin, everyone deserves to have parents who love them and take care of them. Could we be that for you?”

My chest and stomach tightened up at the question. I was definitely being chosen and I had no idea what to do with that. I swallowed hard, trying to take a breath that didn’t shake, and I failed. I looked to Luca, and he nodded, his eyes misty.

It should have all caused a bigger panic, crushing me under the weight of expectation, the fear that losing Luca meant losing even more if he decided I wasn’t worth the effort anymore. But…maybe I was starting to believe him. Maybe he really would always be there like he’d claimed. I had no way of knowing for sure unless I took that monumental risk. I owed Luca that much.

I couldn’t give him everything he deserved if I couldn’t be brave. So I would be. For him.

“I would like that very much.”

Nicky didn’t call the next day, or the next, but Mama Marino did. When she invited me for a shopping trip, I didn’t feel like I could say no. I was nervous about spending time with her, but I didn’t want to be at odds with Luca’s family. I had no idea what to do with her. I had sort of expected that we wouldn’t see each other or talk much outside of events, but she was immediately proving me wrong.

Luna:

Any advice for a girls’ day with Mama Marino?

Allie:

Usually we get lunch and window-shop, then we get some tea, and she forces me to get some sort of treat

It’s honestly very chill so I wouldn’t worry too much

Luna:

Because we both know not worrying is my specialty

Allie:

LOL

Work on getting over it

It won’t be scary

Luna:

How often should I expect to do this?

Should I bring anything for her?

Allie:

We usually go every 2 to 3 months

You don’t have to bring anything but she does love Gerbera daisies and African violets

Luna:

You’re a lifesaver

I swung by the florist on my way, getting a pot of bright pink Gerbera daisies. I clutched them to my chest as I approached the door to the Marino home. Mama Marino saw me in the window and waved on her way to answer the door before I could even knock.

She beamed at me from the foyer, her dark brown, gray-streaked hair pulled back in a twist, her brown eyes bright. “Luna, thank you so much for coming.”

I pushed the daisies into her hands. “Thanks for inviting me.”

For some reason my brain had decided I had to make an extra-good impression today. It was still hot as hell outside, so I’d opted for a light blue linen dress and braided my hair back to keep it off my skin.

“Ready to go?” Mama Marino asked.

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