“I have to decide? I don’t even know what kinds of movies you guys like to watch.”
“Why does it matter what we like to watch when you’re the one who gets to pick, gorgeous?” Max asks from the front.
“Well, it should at least be something that we all have a chance at enjoying.”
“I’m just excited to hang out with you. I don’t give a shit what we watch,” Andy says matter-of-factly.
“Fine. Super sad romance movie it is.” I’m joking, but Andy and Max both say sure at the same time, and Ben just grunts.
When we get to Tony’s, Andy is just going to head inside to grab the pizza’s quick, but I decide to hop out with him to go say hi. For some reason, this prompts Max to get out of the truck too, leaving Ben by himself to keep the heat going.
I head in first, and Tony greets me with his usual, “Charlie girl! Good to see you.”
“Hi Tony! How are you?”
“I’m doing great, but I don’t think I have an order for you hon.”
“It’s under Max,” Max interrupts.
Tony’s eyes light up. “So, I see you met Max, Charlie!”
“Sure did! And got that job at the rink too. And this is Andy,” I add, pointing behind me.
“Glad you made some friends while you are up here. You boys gotta convince Charlie to stay up here with us!”
I look back at Andy, who is grinning mischievously. “Workingon it!”
Tony laughs. “Alright, gimme one second, I will be back with your order.”
“Didn’t realize you knew Tony, Charlie.” Max leans against the wall of the small pizza shop, facing me.
“Pfft, dude, everyone who grew up here knows Tony! He might as well be the mayor.” Andy wraps his arm around my shoulder as I look between them.
Andy isn’t wrong though. Everyone knows Tony. He’s been a prominent member of the community since my mom and dad were kids. But given his ‘free-time activities’ I doubt he could ever be the mayor. But we’re supposed to pretend we don’t know about those.
“Yeah, I know Tony,” I say, responding to Max. “Friday night pizza was a staple in my house until I left for college.”
“Yep. I remember little Charlie and her pigtails coming in with her parents every week. She’s like family to me,” Tony chimes in, returning with the order. “You boys better be treating her well.”
“Of course, sir.” Max steps towards the counter to pay.
“I mean it. Charlie is important to me, and if she comes over here crying over one of you punks there will be hell to pay.”
I laugh. “Tony, there’s no need for the threats! They are both perfect gentlemen, believe it or not.”
I hear Tony mumble something to Max about it being a promise not a threat as he hands Max the pizza. Max just nods and says, “I understand.”
“Bye Tony! Thanks for the pizza!” I shout as we’re out the door and back into the truck.
“Holy fuck, that dude isscary.” Andy murmurs once we’re driving again.
“Well, he is the closest thing this town has to a mobster.” Ben grumbles from the front seat.
“You’re really friends with him Charlie?” Max asks.
“Yeah! He’s been around for as long as I can remember. He’s a good friend of my family.”
“Damn. Remind me to never get on your bad side!” Andy teases.
