“It was my idea to get married in private, not your daughter’s.” I’m met with dead silence but in that she didn’t hang up on me, I ramble on as best I can. “I’m going to be real truthful and I don’t mean any offense by it. I was raised a little different from you. Where I come from, a marriage isn’t a huge affair. It’s done with a preacher and a few close friends. Then, they go home, people bring food, and they put it on a long, rented table. A band plays, they pass a hat, and everyone has a real good time. Now, I’m not saying it’s right or wrong because it ain’t but when I was overseas, I got hurt. During my recovery, I kept having this same dream. In it, this beautiful woman walks barefoot down the aisle, carrying a bouquet of posies I picked for her. She’s got eyes only for me and smiles like an angel. Her hair’s not all fancy but in a lazy braid with wild flowers laced into it.”
She still says nothing so I take my yarn up a notch. “I took all them classes so we could be married by Father O’Connell. I even agreed our kids will be brought up Catholic, most probably so. Now, I do apologize if this hurt you but it was something I needed to do. For me, a wedding ain’t about a big party and I couldn’t delay it for a whole year to do it up the way you folks wanted to. And if, God forbid, anything happened to her, I’d be the one to see to her recovery.”
My new mother-in-law sighs. “Thank you for explaining. I think I understand although I still wish you’d invited me.”
“I know, and for that, I’m really sorry. Me and my family aren’t close and sometimes I forget how y’all are very different.”
“Apology accepted. And, I will make it right with the rest. Wearestill having the big wedding, right?”
“Yes ma’am. Sam says she’s been looking forward to it since she was in grade school.”
When her voice softens. “True. Now, I want you to know. I love you. You’re my son, now. However, you do something like this again, you can expect a visit from Vinny, Luigi, and Vito. Capice?”
“Copy that, ma’am.” I do believe I have been forgiven and outside, the sun comes out from under a cloud.
“Mom. Call me mom.”
“Yes, ma’am, Mom.”
“Phew. Glad we got that settled.” She hangs up.
Holy shit, I sniff my pits and realize I need a shower.
Chapter Twenty-One
Sam
‘X’ marks the spot where I stand on the sidewalk, waiting outside the bodega. I worried the shelves would be empty but Rose assured me they’re better stocked than the nearby grocery store, nearby.
Manny, a guy I went to high school with, opens the door and waves me in. “Hello, Samantha. How’s Suds?”
“He ordered a gym and I can barely squeeze out the front door.” I roll my eyes when he pats his beer belly and winks.
“Maybe I’ll stop by and use it.”
“Call ahead. I think he’s taking reservations.” Not true, but I need to social distance.
As fast as possible, I snatch the things on my list, place them in my bag, and pay with a credit card. At home, I wheel my wire basket inside, bang it up the steps, and curse at the landing when I can’t get my groceries through the door.
“Suds! Help.”
Apparently, he can’t hear me so I feed the bags through the opening and put them on the treadmill’s runner. Then, I fold my cart, place it down at the foot of the stairs, and back at the top, squish inside. For leverage, I reach, grab a handle and the fucking machine starts up.
“No, no, no.” I swing through and start hitting buttons on the control panel but it goes faster as my bags fly off the back of the belt.
“Shit.” With my feet on the rails, I jump, twist my ankle, and land on my ass.
A wet Sebastian hears my pathetic scream, squeezes inside the foyer, and shuts off his damn health hazard.
“You okay?” Lips pursed, he takes in the mess as he squats next to me.
“No.” I point at his dread-mill. “It tried to kill me.”
“Did you try the off button?” He points to a big red circle in the center of the panel.
“Oh sure. Easy for you. You know where it’s hidden.” I rub my ankle. “Dammit. It hurts like a Futhermucker.”
“Motherfucker?” A corner of his mouth goes up.
