She knows me well enough to see my jaw twitch so she quickly reaches across the table and covers my hand. “Don’t be mad. We need to be able to talk openly about stuff, say cooking, for example.”
I remember the day I came home and found a hardboiled egg burning in an empty pan while she stared at her computer screen. “Well, sure as hell, you’re not in charge of the kitchen or we’ll starve.”
She blushes a pretty shade of pink. “Okay, maybe food is not my strong suit but I can learn. We can’t eat out all the time.”
“How about we share that chore for now… and groceries, too. We good?” I figure I passed the test because she beams at me.
Before I can heave a sigh of relief, she continues with the unannounced quiz. “Who wants to pay bills?”
“You do.” I’m not surprised she bobs her head in agreement because she’s a genius with figures.
“What about cleaning?” She glares and immediately, I understand.
She’s mad because I left dirty dishes in the sink and probably some other stuff, as well.
“I’m sorry, sugar.” I grab her hands across the table and gaze into the flecks of gold that have mesmerized me since the first day we met.
Her eyes soften. “I’ll do laundry as long as you throw stuff in the hamper.”
“What’s a hamper?” I rack my brain. I figured the corner of the loft was as good a place as any.Clean clothes go in a dresser, dirty do not. What’s wrong with that?
“I’ll mansplain it later.” One half of her lip turns up as she takes another bite of pizza.
After wiping her mouth, she opens her purse and unfolds a piece of paper. “The kitty litter and feeding? I will do in the morning, you do at night. Deal?”
“Absolutely but sweetheart, I may need some reminders, especially if I’m putting the bathroom back together.” My brows raise and she gets what I’m saying. If I’m doing chores, I can’t play plumber.
“Oh, never mind. I’ll tell you what. I got everything but only for now.”
Damn, that was close.Thank God my married buddies warned me about shit like this. I’m pretty sure I aced the first of my many exams to come.
We talk business for a while and when I stand, she stays seated. “Maybe I’ll work here for a while.”
Taking a step, I kiss her tasty lips, and put on my coat. “I’d stay with you but I have a floor to replace.”
“Okay. See you later. I’m going to do a little research on Mrs. Rossini.”
“Bye.” I wave to Big Pete behind the counter and almost run into Vincent Vitale standing in the door.
He eyes me up and down, then glances over at Sam, sitting alone with her eyes on her laptop. “She smarten up and leave you yet?”
“Nope. She’s already talkin’ how many kids we gonna have. I’m thinkin’ four but she wants five. We’re going to need a godfather. You in?”
At first, Samantha’s uncle pissed me off but I’ve decided to treat his comments as terms of endearment. It’s the only way we’re ever going to get along.
He eyes me, not sure if I’m being serious which is a real hoot.
Then, his eyes narrow and a slow, sly smile spreads across his face. “Tell me, how’s your new living accommodations?”
“The monthly nut is a hell of a lot easier to swallow.” I wasn’t too keen on him increasing Sam’s rent every time she refused to go out on one of his pre-arranged dates.
He chuckles. “I don’t see a ring on her finger, yet, son. Best marry her before someone who can treat her right snatches her up.”
The jab hits home but I don’t let him see it. Instead I give him my good ol’ southern charm. “Y’all have a nice day, Uncle Vinny.”
I wait in the doorway as he wanders across the black and white parquet and sits down next to Sam. She kisses both his cheeks, and gives him a half-hearted smile.
Sure, he’s family, but he’s also a venomous snake.
