We get back in the car and I’m feeling stuffed. I’ve eaten three small meals in the space of two hours, including a hamburger at that first place. At this rate, I’m going to get fat overnight. It’s a wonder Uncle Gio isn’t wearing a few extra pounds, especially when he spends his days munching on carbs.
“Where to now?” I joke.
He gives me a warm smile. “We don’t have anywhere to be for another hour. Do you want to grab a bite?”
“Of food?” I croak. “No, thanks.”
He shrugs. “Alright.” He rolls down the car window and slides his seat back, apparently deciding to wait it out in the car.
I feel kind of like a police officer on a stakeout. We’re not doing anything for the time being, so we might as well talk. “Do you like this job?” I ask.
Uncle Gio bursts out laughing. I’m not sure what I said to make him double over like that, but I’m guessing that liking the job isn’t a prerequisite. “Ah, kid, you’re something else. How is your life going? We don’t get a chance to talk much, just the two of us.”
“You’re busy; I’m busy,” I make the excuses. “But since you asked, I actually met someone.”
“A girl?” he asks.
“Yes, a girl,” I confirm. “She wants to become a writer. She’s really sweet and very pretty. She’s also got a lot of common sense.”
“And?” Gio wonders.
“And what?” I reply.
“How is she in the sack?” he teases.
“I don’t know,” I admit. “We haven’t gotten that far yet.”
“So, it’s serious?” he assumes.
“We’re not officially going out, but I guess you could say it’s serious,” I elaborate. “I like her as more than just a sex object.”
“Hmm,” Gio muses, turning his attention to the parking lot outside our window.
“I’m guessing you’re not one for romance,” I conclude.
“That’s your father’s deal,” Gio agrees. “I’m just trying to get through each day.”
“That sounds lonely,” I reply.
Gio shakes his head. “I don’t get lonely.”
“Why not?” I ask.
“Too much going on,” he responds. “Not everyone’s cut out for love.”
I feel sorry for him. I never thought I would be in a position where I had something that Uncle Gio didn’t have. But here I am. My relationship with Sofia isn’t set in stone, but it’s something. There’s the promise of something just over the horizon, and I feel lucky to have that. Without love, I think I would be much worse off than I am right now. Even shadowing Gio on his rounds is made more palatable because I know I can go home and text Sofia. Not that I’m going to tell her what I did all day, but just to let her know I’m thinking about her.
“What do you think about the new baby?” I ask, since we’re being honest.
“I hope it’s a boy,” he responds.
“Why?” I ask, wondering if this is some kind of old-world nonsense.
“’Cause if it’s a girl, eventually I’m gonna be arrested for killing someone who looks at her the wrong way,” Gio teases, giving me a toothy smile. I think he’s kind of attractive when he smiles like that, but he doesn’t show his true colors often, so it would be difficult for other people to see.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get you off on a technicality,” I joke, referring to my future as a mob lawyer.
Gio laughs uproariously, slapping me on the back.
