Page 92 of DeLucas After Dark

“So, when is my date?” My mother turned and put her hand on her waist, reminding me a lot of myself. I see why he wants to meet her. It’d give him an idea of what I’ll be like in twenty-five years.

“With Beni? When are you free?” I asked, hoping that I had time to prep him on etiquette with my mother. She was friendly enough, but she wouldn’t beat around the bush about anything she wanted to know.

“Now. Call him over for dinner. I’m making spaghetti and meatballs. He can bring the wine.” She turned toward the pot, dismissing anything that I could say.

“Mother.” I sighed.

“You only call me that when you’re not happy with something that I’ve said. Call the man over Simone.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I huffed out of the room and pulled my cell from my purse. I dialed Beni’s phone number, but didn’t expect him to answer.

“Hey, Firefly.”

“Hello … I’m at my mother’s house and she wants you to come over now for dinner.”

“I was on my way to Martina’s…” He mumbled something away from the phone and then came back. “What’s the address?”

“Beni, you don’t have to.”

“Address, Firefly?”

I rattled it off quickly, and he repeated it, probably to Denny.

“I’m on my way. He says we’re only ten minutes away.”

“She said to bring wine.” I paced in front of the TV, wondering why I’d even brought it up today. Why couldn’t she have said next week?

“White or red?”

“She’s making spaghetti.” I mumbled.

“Risky. She’s making spaghetti for an Italian. Is it from scratch?”

“Doubt it. This wasn’t planned. You’ll be nice to her and eat whatever she’s serving.” I threatened playfully.

“The woman could be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I’d eat it. She’s gotta have a special touch. She made you, and you’re the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

“Beni! Denny’s right there.”

“He’s heard me say worse things.” He chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, grateful he couldn’t see it.

“I’ll see you soon. Make sure that you look nice.”

“Don’t I always?” His voice dropped an octave, and I melted right here in my mother’s living room.

“Always isn’t usually meeting my mother.” I retorted.

“I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

All of my fears and concerns evaporated with just those three words. I knew he did, and that’s why all this was going to be okay. He loved me and, therefore, would love my mother. Same for her.

“I love you, too.” I exhaled and firmed my shoulders. All was well.

“Be good.”

“Always.” I disconnected the call and turned to see my mother standing in the doorway watching me. “Mommy!”

“If he’s anything like that smile you are sporting, he’ll be alright in my book. Now, get in here and help me get dinner finished so I can spend time getting to know the Italian man that has my daughter’s heart.”

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