Page 90 of Cooper

“Yeah. Probably to do with my grandmother.” I get out of the SUV, and Cooper follows me.

We walk up the steps and I knock on the door. “Mama! Mama, it’s me.” I turn the knob, and it opens.

Something that smells delicious immediately hits my nostrils and a wave of nostalgia washes over me.

Cabbage soup.

I know the smell anywhere.

It’s cabbage and mushrooms and onions in a creamy broth. My mother usually makes her special bread with it too.

My mouth waters in anticipation.

“Natalia?” My mother comes around the corner wiping her hands on a dish towel and not appearing even remotely surprised to see me.

“Hi, Mama.” I smile and reach for her.

She hugs me tightly, not saying a word until I feel a tug on my jeans.

I look down at my niece, Greta, and smile at her.

“Greta. Do you remember me? I’m your Aunt Natalia.”

“Titi!” She throws her arms around my legs and I’m grateful my sister has told her about me.

“You’re such a big girl.” I lift her into my arms and hug her tightly.

“Natalia, who is your friend?”

“I’m sorry.” I turn to Cooper and smile. “This is Ryan Cooper. My boyfriend. Ryan, this is my mother, Eleneora Farkas.”

“Xerouman Poly.” It’s a pleasure to meet you.

God, I love this man.

I have no doubt he learned that specifically to meet my parents.

And I can tell by the look on my mother’s face she’s impressed.

She politely shakes his hand, and they eye each other.

“This is my niece, Greta,” I say, turning to him. “Say hello to my boyfriend, Greta.”

Greta giggles shyly and buries her head in my chest. “I like his yellow hair,” she whispers.

I laugh. “She likes that you’re blond,” I tell him.

He nods. “Grazina.” Thank you.

“I saw Lucianna,” I tell my mother once Greta wiggles away. “She’s resting.”

“Good, good. Maybe later you can take me to the hospital? Your father won’t be home until late.”

“Sure.” I pause. “Is there soup?”

She smiles. “Yes. The bread won’t be ready for another half-hour.”

“We can wait.”

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