Page 30 of Just for Her
“Why?”
She offered a small, sad smile. “It’s time.”
“You’re leaving tonight?”
She nodded. “Probably around dinnertime. I prefer to drive at night when there’s less traffic.”
I did a quick calculation. “That’s what, about a five-hour drive from here to Boston?”
“Four hours and fifty-four minutes, barring any delays.”
“That’s not too bad.”
“No,” she agreed, “not bad at all.”
We didn’t talk any more about her leaving, but it remained on my mind. As each hour passed—far too quickly for my liking—my admiration for her grew.
We were down to the last case file, and I knew I was running out of time. “Would you mind getting started on this? I have something I have to do.”
She didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
“I won’t be gone more than an hour. Don’t leave before I get back, okay?”
“Okay.”
I excused myself and had my phone to my ear as I left the building. “Ma, I need a favor ...”
* * *
IRETURNED TO THE OFFICEwith several bags in hand, ready to put my plan into motion.
“Perfect timing. I just finished.” Allison looked at the bags. “What do you have there?”
“A surprise. Give me a hand, will you?”
I extracted a linen tablecloth from one of the bags, and Allison, though bemused, helped me spread it over the now-clear conference table. I added a candle and two complete place settings. Then, I started pulling out the takeout containers and lining them up. Allison’s eyes got bigger with each one.
“What is this?”
“If you can’t go to Mama C’s, then Mama C’s will come to you.”
“Wow. Paul, I don’t even know what to say.”
“A simplegraziewill suffice.” I pulled out one of the chairs in my best gentlemanly waiter impression. “Your seat, Ms. Kearney.”
She grinned widely and sat down. I took a seat on the other side of the table, brought up a playlist of famous Italian crooners, and put my phone on speaker.
“Everything smells so good.”
“Itisall good,” I assured her as I poured us each a small glass of wine. I held mine up and said in toast, “Thank you, Allison, for all of your help.Salud!”
“Salud!” She lightly clinked her glass against mine and took a sip. “And you are very welcome. I’m glad I could be useful. You really shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble though.”
“I couldn’t let you leave town without trying Mama C’s.”
“Are you a spokesperson for the restaurant or something?”
“No, but I am biased. Full disclosure: my family owns it.”
