“From each other.”
I laugh. “Come on, Ricci. Put your big girl panties on. Stop being a wimp.”
“He’s going to grill you, exactly like Tony said. He won’t be happy with anything except you saying I’m the great love of your life.”
“Great. Then, we’ve got nothing to worry about.”
Georgina makes that face I love. The one where she opens her mouth all the way, like she can’t believe what she’s heard.
“Is that a yes?” I say.
She flashes me a million-dollar smile. “Okay, let’s do it. But don’t you dare tell him I’ve moved in with you. He still thinks I’m living at the hotel. Let’s not give the poor man a stroke.”
Tony’s eyes crinkle in the rearview mirror at that.
“Don’t worry.” I touch Georgina’s thigh. “I thought today would be a disaster, and it was the best day of my life.”
Georgina bites her lip. “It was?”
“Yup. Thank you for pushing me to do it. You were right. It was beautiful.Freeing.”
She takes my hand. “What’d I tell you?The truth shall set you free.”
We rhapsodize about today’s visit for a bit. But after a while, Georgina says she’s tired, and I open my arm to her and let her crumple against me for a nap. After a few minutes, when I’m sure she’s out like a light, I pull out my phone and tap out a text to Josh and Henn.
Me: Georgie and I just finished visiting my mother. It went fantastically well. Tomorrow, we’re visiting her stepsister in Boston. Saturday, I’m going to dinner at her father’s condo in LA.
Henn: HOLY SHIT!
Josh: Whoa. Mutual meeting of the parents? This is a first for you, right?
Me: Yep.
Josh: Damn, dude. This is as serious as you’ve ever been with someone, isn’t it?
Me: I just told her she’s the great love of my life. And saying it felt good, not scary.
Henn: I have no words.
Me: Josh, send me your brother’s phone number, por favor. I want to ask him a question.
Josh: You can’t ask me?
Henn: Or me? I’m the smart one, remember?
Me: You’re not the right guys to answer this particular question.
Josh: Well, now I’m intrigued.
Henn: Ditto.
Me: Don’t read too much into this, but I want to ask Jonas what made him decide to propose to Sarah, as opposed to continuing to shack up with her.
Henn: HOLY FUCK! You’re thinking of proposing to Georgina?
Josh: Henn, no. Don’t be stupid. He’s obviously thinking of proposing to Sarah.
Henn: I knew it! When we talked and you said she’s breakfast-worthy, I said you sounded like I did after meeting Hannah. I’m a genius.
