“Hello, stranger.”
“Hey, Auntie.”
“What are you doing?”
Do I even dare tell this tough-as-nails woman that I am in the middle of the farmer’s market trying to select the freshest looking bouquet of peonies for Gigi?
“Running errands.”
“Not literally, boy. I’m asking what you’re doing about your life? When are you coming back down to Miami to get back to work?”
I hesitate to answer Aunt Kat’s question for a lot of reasons, but mainly because I haven’t told Gigi anything about going back to Florida. In fact, I’ve been purposely vague about my years down in Miami because I’ve been doing exactly the same shit that our fathers are doing up here and I know she won’t like it.
“I’m going to be here for a few more weeks.”
“Are you okay?”
I know what she means. She's inquiring about my mental health which hasn't been an issue since I've been around Gigi all the time.
“I've had no altercations since I've been home.”
Which isn't the total truth but close enough.
“Good, well are you vacationing or something?”
“Grandpa Joe wants me to stay for a while to help with some family stuff.”
“Oh hell, you should have led the conversation with that. If Joseph is making demands like that, then you have to do what you have to do.”
“Right.”
“Well, keep me abreast of the situation in case anything changes.”
“I will.”
“Remember your breath control.”
“I will.”
After we hang up, I continue with my shopping and purchase the flowers and a loaf of Gigi’s favorite multigrain bread from the farmer’s market, as well as dinner for two from one of her favorite restaurants. Tonight, we’re celebrating because Jensen already gave me a heads up that Gigi got the part she wanted in the upcoming Alice In Wonderland production.
I drive another fifteen minutes and arrive at the theatre to pick her up with flowers in hand. Her face is beaming with joy when she walks up to the truck.
“I got it!” she exclaims.
“Congrats, Queenie.”
She climbs up into the passenger seat, leans over and gives me a kiss.
“Here.” I hand her the flowers.
“Flowers for me? Aww, they’re beautiful, Knox. Thank you. What smells so good?”
She turns her neck to look in the back seat.
“I bought dinner.”
“You are the best boyfriend ever.”
