“You’re making new friends? Wow. I’m so proud.” I hear the teasing in her voice and can’t help but laugh.
“Want to say hi?” I ask Nico.
“Sure.”
He moves a little closer to me, and I move the phone away and to the side so we’re both in the view. He waves, and says, “Hi.”
“Ma, this is—”
“Nico Laurent!” she shrieks. “Honey, oh my goodness,honey! Your son is hanging out with Nico Laurent.”
Nico and I both laugh, and I shake my head. “Good to know you’re more famous than me.”
He just shrugs as my mother loses her mind. When she finally calms down, she comes back to the screen, her hand on her chest. “I’m sorry, I’ve just been watching all your performances. You’re so talented.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Callahan. I appreciate that.”
“Your parents must be so proud of you.”
“They are, thank you.”
“Oh, and you’re so polite.” She turns her head to shout at my father again. “And he’s polite!”
“Can I meet Taco?” Nico asks, glancing at me.
“Of course. Ma, put Taco back on.”
“All right, hold on.” She puts the phone down, the camera facing the ceiling as she moves around, calling Taco. “Come on, come see your father,” she says, picking up the phone with Taco on her lap.
“Oh, wow. She’s beautiful,” Nico says. “Hi, Taco. You’re so pretty.”
“She is beautiful,” I agree. “Miss you, girl.”
My mother kisses her on her head and then she jumps off and runs away. Probably back to my father. Those two are connected at the hip when they’re together, I swear.
“This dog doesn’t stay still for a minute.”
I laugh. “All right, we just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on another amazing game. We’re so proud of you, Roman.”
“Thanks, Ma. Love you guys.”
“We love you too. It was nice meeting you, Nico!”
“You too,” he says with a chuckle.
“Bye!” she says, blowing a kiss.
I end the call and put my phone back into my pocket.
“Your mother is sweet. I see where you get it from.”
“Yeah, she’s great.” I sigh. “Have you talked to your parents?”
“Yeah, I talk to them in the morning. It’s the easiest time for them.”
“Three-hour difference, right?”
“Yep. I—”
