"Look at the little guy," I say, running my fingers over his silky fur.
To my surprise, Rio watches with a flicker of tenderness. His charm is slipping through again.
"What made you decide to get a dog?"
I shrug, smiling at the memory. "It was a late-night commercial—shelter dogs facing the end if not adopted. 'First in, first out,' the commercial said.”
I pause.
“The lady held Snorty up in her palm. He was so tiny. I knew right then I had to save him."
The Maître D' comes by to present the main course for our inspection.
"While this is being grilled, may I ask if you would like wine with your dinner?"
"None for me," says Rio.
"Maddie, wine?"
I decline as well. When the Maître D' leaves, I look at Rio in astonishment.
"The rockstar quit drinking?"
"Yeah," Rio says, leaning back in his chair. "It was getting out of hand. The New Orleans gig proved it."
"Why did it start?" I ask, then put a hand to my lips. "Sorry. That was rude."
"No," he says quietly. "It is fair. Steve probably told you my mom died a few months back. She was everything to me."
He pauses, then looks up at me. "Bet you never expected a guy like me to admit he is a momma’s boy."
I laugh and put my hand on his. "A man who loves his mother is not a momma’s boy."
"Yeah, well, she was my biggest fan."
I smile. "My mom is my biggest fan, too. Adores Steve, of course."
"I met her once. Nice woman."
I nod. "Yep."
I feel a sudden sting in my eyes and brush it away quickly.
"You’re crying? What is wrong?"
"Nothing. Sorry. She has been complaining she feels dizzy the last few months. Steve and I encouraged her to take off work and see a doctor."
"Did she?"
"Yes. But the results from the test have not come back yet. Like most kids, I always thought my mom was immortal. Now, hearing your story about your own mother, I realize she is not."
"Losing my mother was the worst. It was completely unexpected." He runs a finger along the stem of his water glass.
"I am just glad I got to spend time with her in the last few years. I took her on some pretty fun vacations. We went to the Caribbean. I even took her on a cruise, just the two of us."
"I am sure she loved that."
"She did," he says.
