Angelo nods, knowing what I’m saying is partially right.But then, he’s right too.Family is family.There’re only so many ways you can deal with a problem caused by someone you love.
“Well, I hope it works,” he says.
“What’s wrong?”Ma says, finally showing her face after she’s been hiding on the stairwell, eavesdropping.
“We know you’ve been listening.What’s your advice?”
She sits down on the stool next to me and grabs my face.“Want me to talk to Mr.Turner?”
Angelo nearly doubles over in laughter.
“What?No, Ma,” I say quickly.
Betty Gallo has no boundaries.She’d do anything for the people she loves, even if it means embarrassing the hell out of them.
“You’ll always be my baby.I can be very convincing.”She smiles, running her thumb down the side of my cheek.
“That’ll go over big in the locker room.”Angelo tries to catch his breath, but he only laughs harder.
I pull her hands away from my face and place them in her lap.“Ma, I got this covered.Really, I do.Let me handle this.”
“I should’ve taken care of that girl after Vegas.Disgraceful,” Ma mutters, shaking her head.“You said you had it handled then, but it seems you didn’t.”
The entire family got their first full taste of Tracie when she showed up at the palatial suite I rented for the draft.Not only did she drop by without being asked, but when my ma answered the door, Tracie had on a trench coat, which was open, and nothing else underneath.
Pop was amused, but Ma had nothing but harsh words, waving her arms in the air as she chased the trust-fund baby down the hallway all the way to the elevator.
“I did, Ma.I’m handling it, but I had to prove myself first.Please, for the love of God, do not do anything.”
“Baby, I’m always going to do right by you.”Ma gives me a sweet, innocent smile.
Doing right and minding her own business are two entirely different things.My mother tends to be cagey with her answers when she’s already cooking up a plan in her mind.
I stare at my mother, totally not amused.“That’s not a no, Ma.Promise me you won’t do anything.”
“Fine.”She sighs.“How do you plan on getting rid of her?”
“Coach’s got it covered,” I tell her.She raises an eyebrow, and I know she wants more.“There’s a team party Friday night.I have to bring a date with me to show that Tracie and I are not an item.Then, he’ll talk to Mr.Turner about Tracie and figure out a solution to make everyone happy.”
Ma doesn’t speak as she moves her head from side to side like she’s having an internal debate.“I don’t know,” she mumbles under her breath.“It could work, but doubtful.Who’s your date?”
“It’s…”
She places her hand over my mouth, stopping me from saying Bianca’s name.“I have the perfect date for you.Emma Claire.”
I gag behind her palm as soon as I hear the name.Emma Claire is a nice girl, but nothing about her is attractive to me.“There’s no way I’m taking Emma Claire.”
My mother smacks my cheek playfully.“She’s a nice girl.Hush your mouth.”
“Isn’t she studying to be a nun?”Angelo asks, knowing our ma is being ridiculous for even bringing up her name.
Ma glares at Angelo.“What’s wrong with that?She’s a good girl.”
Angelo holds up his hands.“Ma, I don’t think professional football players are a good fit for Emma Claire and her prayers.That’s all.She’s too good of a girl for one of those parties.”
“Scrap Emma Claire.It’s not happening, Ma.No one who knows me will believe I’m dating Emma Claire.”
“Fine.Who’s the girl you’re taking, then?Which bimbo is it this time?”
