Page 137 of Merciless Monster

“What did Mia say? Will she take your raggedy ass for a husband?”

“Yeah, she will. Crazy, isn’t it?”

“Insane.”

“Come on, Arnold. You’re killing me here.”

He laughs out loud, then slaps me on the shoulder.

“Yes, Dante. You have my blessing.”

“Thank you, Arnold.”

“I think you’d better start calling me Dad. Don’t you?”

“It would be my honor, Dad.”

* * *

“Angelo. Angelo! Where is that boy?”

“He’s getting dressed, Mamma.”

“Are you sure? I saw him bolt past the window a few minutes ago.”

“Don’t worry, Mia’s mom said she’d deal with it. How are you feeling?”

“I’m happy.”

“You look beautiful, Mamma.”

“Oh, you old charmer. Just like your father,” Mamma smiles. “He would be so proud of his boys.”

“I wish he were here too, Mamma. But I have you and that’s all that matters.”

“You’re such a good boy,” she says and cups my face in her hands.

“Thank you, Mamma.”

“I like your choice of women, Dante. Mia’s got spunk.”

“I was wondering what you were talking about at Elio’s wedding reception. Testing her, were you?” I grin.

“Of course.”

“I’m glad she passed the Mamma De Luca test.”

“What is this nonsense about you living here in America?”

“It’s best for now that I stay out of Italy. It won;t be forever, I promise.”

“I;m not getting any younger, Dante.”

“Oh, yes you are,” I laugh. “You have more gusto now than ever before.”

“That’s because both my boys are happy. I’m happy. But I’m an old woman now, my boy. I want to spend time with my grandbabies. How can I do that if I live in Italy and they live in America? Hey?”

“You’re welcome to spend as much time with us as you like. We have plenty of room for you.”

---