Page 69 of Merciless Monster

“Yeah. He’s around but he doesn’t say much. It’s not the same here without you.”

“How’s my boy?”

“Angelo is the same as always. Crazy busy. He and Splash have moved their chaos to the indoor pool. It’s a bit nippy out after dark.”

“I miss you two so much.”

“We miss you too, Dante.”

I don’t push. I’m not going to ask her to hurry up and make a decision. This relationship is important to me. I don’t want to fuck it up by being a pushy asshole. But I don’t know how long I can put off the inevitable question.

“How’s your mom?” she asks.

“She’s old. Chipper and full of sass, but old.”

“She must be looking forward to the wedding.”

“Very much. I wanted to talk to you about that. Will you and Angelo come? For the wedding.”

“When is it?”

“The end of next month.”

“That soon.”

“Elio and Lisa have been together forever. It’s about time they tied the knot.”

“Are they planning on having kids?”

“Good question. I guess so. If Mamma has her way they’ll have plenty.”

“Have you told her about Angelo?”

“I did. I swear the news added at least ten years to her lifespan. She can’t wait to meet her first grandson. It’s a big deal here.”

“That’s sweet.”

“Speaking of which. Have you told your parents about my…business?”

“No. Not yet. But, I will.”

“I like them very much, Mia. They’re good people. I hope they’ll accept me for who I am.”

“So do I. I’m sorry, babe, but I have to run. It’s time to fetch Angelo from school.”

“Okay. Call me tonight before he goes to sleep so I can say goodnight, will you?”

“Of course.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The call leaves me wanting. I hate this. All I want is to be able to touch the woman I’ve fallen in love with and hold her closely but she is out of my reach—in more ways than one it would seem. I don’t know why I don’t just fly over to LA and fetch her. Why is this so complicated? Surely, we can work it out.

“What’s with the long face, bro?”

“I miss Mia and my son.”

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