A snort-chuckle comes from the speaker. “Yeah, sounds about right.”
“Jack says I fucked up when I introduced Sienna as my client. But hell, I didn’t want the whole are-you-fornicating speech from Mom. Me and you are used to it but it’s embarrassing as hell.”
“I get that, I really do. Just apologize.”
“I tried to but there’s more. The DA insisted I start paperwork for witness protection. He’s got delusions of grandeur. I swear he’s picturing himself on the front page of The Times, bringing down the whole Buonanno crime family.”
“Ouch.”
“I feel like I lost the best thing to ever come into my life.”
“Remember the night when you sent Mel a video of my drunken ass whining at your kitchen table? Maybe I should return the favor.”
“Fuck no. Don’t.”
“Later, bro.”
I hang up, mortified. That time was different. He and Mel were in love and just needed a gentle push. Sienna hates my guts. I text him but he just sends me kissy emojis.
Fuck you too, CJ.
I exit the car because my Mom has dinner ready. I’m not hungry but that’s no excuse to be rude.
“Hey Mom.” I sit down in her kitchen, feeling even more like a dumb-ass teenager when she looks at me cross-eyed because I haven’t washed my hands.
“Rather than argue how I wasn’t mucking shit or anything, I excuse myself, sit back down, and wait for her to finish saying grace.
“So, Andrew. Tell me, did you have sex with yourclient?”
“This is not a conversation I’m going to have with you, Mom. I’m a grown-ass man.”
“Language.” She scowls.
“Apologies.”
“That’s better. I just wanted to know whether to make up one bed or two.”
She already showed us two rooms so I know this is pure bullshit but if I want any peace in my life, it will be easier to answer her interrogation.
“It’s complicated.” The spare ribs, which I generally love, stick in my throat, tasteless.
“Love’s not complicated, son. Just tell her how you feel.”
My eyes roll like they did when I was a kid. “Mom, we just met.”
“Time has nothing to do with true love. Why, the minute I met your dad I knew he was the one.” She must see me flinch at the mention of him. “He was a good, good man. It was the Alzheimers that made him violent.”
“I know.”
“Relationships work, son, but it is hard work.”
Relationships suck.“Can we not talk about this?”
“Of course, dear. Just trying to help.”
