Page 39 of A Perfect Pairing
“Wow. That’s a lot of people, but everyone loves Mama Nora, so I’m not surprised.”
Antonio was thankful he arrived early, because ten minutes into the party, there wasn’t a place to park within two blocks. The consummate hostess, his grandmother was in her element. “We should probably go say hello.”
Natasha looked up at him. “Before we do, I want to call my mother. If she hears about us before I call, she’ll be fussing from now until Christmas.”
He laughed softly. “We definitely don’t want that, so by all means go ahead. Maybe it’ll even score me a few points because she’ll know first.”
She dug her phone out of her purse and made the call. “I didn’t think about that, but you’re probably right.” A few seconds later, she said, “Hi, Mom. Yes, I’m at Mama Nora’s party. Mm-hmm, I just got here and I’ll tell her you said happy birthday. Mom… mom…”
Antonio stifled a laugh at Natasha’s exasperated expression. “May I?” He extended his hand for the phone. She slapped it in his palm. “Hi, Mrs. Baldwin. It’s Antonio.”
“Antonio? Hey, baby. How’re you doing? I’d heard you were back. Of course, not from my daughter.” She went on and on about being kept out of the loop.
Natasha mouthed,I told you, and rolled her eyes.
“Ah, Mrs. Baldwin?” he cut in.
“What is it, honey?”
“We wanted you to be the first to know that Natasha and I are back together.”
“Whaaat?” she screamed into the phone.
He jerked the phone away from his ear for a moment.
“I’m just so happy,” she cried. “Oh, this is so wonderful.”
Natasha took the phone back. “Mom, we have to go. I know… yes… yes, Mom. I’ll call you next week. Okay, love you. I’m hanging up now, Mom.” She disconnected. “She is so dramatic sometimes. Let’s go say hi to Mama Nora.” She walked off.
Antonio just shook his head and followed, knowing this was just the beginning. Mama Nora was talking to three women when he and Natasha approached, but she immediately excused herself and opened her arms.
“Oh, here they are,” his grandmother said, grabbing Natasha up in a crushing hug. She held her away from her. “You look absolutely stunning, my dear. Doesn’t she, Antonio?”
Her tone dared him to do anything other than agree. “Yes, she does. But you’re the prettiest girl here.”
Grandma Nora blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. “Go on with you, boy.” Gabriel, Serenity, and Ms. Della joined them a moment later. The group continued to chat and, eventually, the four of them stepped away to join Dana, Terri, and Jon when they arrived, leaving the two older women to continue their conversation.
“I just want you to know there are a group of women standing over there with daggers in their eyes,” Serenity said to Antonio. “I’m expecting you to protect my girl.”
Antonio didn’t bother to look. He’d seen them earlier trying to get his attention. “You know I’ve got her.”
His brother’s sharp whistle sounded across the yard. He waited a moment until it quieted.
“Do you know what’s going on?” Natasha whispered.
Antonio leaned down close to her ear. “We have a special surprise for Grandma. Be back in a minute.”
“We’re going to do things a little out of order today because we have a special guest,” Nate continued. “Grandma, if you would join me here, please.”
“What in the world is going on?” his grandmother said as she made her way across the yard. “What are you up to?”
Nate nodded and Etta James’s “At Last” came through the speakers. At the same time, Antonio escorted his grandfather out of the house.
Grandma Nora gasped and brought her hands to her chest. “Oh, my word. You’re here. My love, you’re here.” Tears ran freely down her cheeks. She rushed over before Antonio got three steps into the yard.
His grandfather wrapped his arms around her, and she rested her head against his chest. “I can’t miss your birthday. And this is our song.” They started a slow sway.
Antonio moved back to Natasha, who was crying, too. In fact, there wasn’t a dry eye among the hundred or so guests there. He wiped her tears.
