Page 28 of Without You, Scotch and Sammy 2

Angelo’s hands run through his hair in frustration. “I’m sorry, Sammy.”

“It’s okay. You just scared her, but she’s okay.”

He grits his teeth remorsefully. “What’s her name?”

I smile as she quiets and snuggles against my chest. “Lily.”

“She’s really small.”

“She was born really early. So she’s still catching up.”

“How early?”

“Three months. We’ve only just come out of hospital recently.”

“You guys are okay?” He looks around the street. “Where’s her daddy?”

“Her folks aren’t around. They died about three months ago.”

I watch as his eyes narrow. He’s lost, and he’s trying to figure it out. “I don’t get it.”

“She’s not mine… biologically.”

A kind of relief washes over his face, but he’s still curious. “What’s that noise?”

I smile again. “The squeaking? That’s her laryngomalacia.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Floppy airway, basically.”

“She’s alright? Healthy?”

I nod softly and continue to pat her bottom. “Yeah, she’s perfect. There’s so much for you to know about her, Angelo. She’s special.”

Finally, his lips turn up in a small smile. “You sticking around?”

“I’m not sure what I’m doing yet, but I need to talk to Sam.”

“Let me know before you go over. Maybe I can smooth the way.”

I laugh loud enough to startle Lily again. That ship already sailed. “I already went and saw him. It didn’t go so well.”

“You already saw him?” Ang’s eyes flare wide with surprise. “Jesus. When? What happened?” He pauses for a long beat. “Is he okay?”

I nod softly. “Last night. He kicked me out, and he had female company over, so I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Oh shit,” he murmurs. “You met Nancy?”

“That’s her name? Blonde hair, fake tits, ugly scowl?” When he nods, I continue, “Yup, met her.”

“Oh my god,” he grumbles. “Of all the nights in thirteen years, you decide last night was a good time to drop in.”

I don’t know if he’s talking to me, or just letting off steam, but I shrug in answer anyway. “Shitty timing, I guess. Story of my life.”

Angelo’s head is bowed low, but his eyes come up to look at me through his long lashes. “I have to go, okay?” He picks up his coffee and chugs the last mouthful, then stands and pats his pockets. “Don’t disappear again, yeah? I won’t keep you here, but give a guy warning before you go. I just want an hour to say goodbye.”

Emotion catches in my throat at his plea. One single hour. I nod and stand with Lily’s small body tucked up against my chest. Angelo steps forward the same way he would when we were young, and leaning down, he hugs me from the side and he peeks at Lily’s smooshed up face. “You’re a pretty baby. Nice to meetcha, Lily. I’m really sorry I scared you.” He leans in intimately close to us and drops a kiss on the side of her cheek. “Don’t let your mama disappear into the night.”

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