Page 117 of Let the Light Shine Through

After my parents turn for the counter, I release my laugh, saying, “Moist, huh?”

“Shut. Up. I can’t be held responsible for what comes out of my mouth around parental figures.”

We drag over a couple chairs, adding them to our table.

“That’s not true. Most of Al’s customers are probably parents.”

“They’re not the parents of the—”

“Man you’ve fallen in love with?” I wink at her. “I get it. It’s tough. But last week I ate you out with your dad on the other side of your bedroom door.”

“He didn’t even know.”

“Yeah, because you kept up a conversation with him the entire time.”

“He wanted to know what kind of toothbrush I prefer.”

“But did you have to go into detail about what you like about it? Right then?”

“Mouthcare’s important.” She pops a shoulder like that explains it.

“Anyway, the point is, that’s not really my specialty either, but I did it for you.”

“Uh-huh. And you didn’t get anything out of it?”

I drop my eyes to her lips, smirking. “I didn’t say that.”

“Exactly. This is totally different, Roz.”

“If you want, we can go into the bathroom real quick so you can return the favor.” My eyebrows bounce as hers sink.

“Nice try. I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Fancy would love that.”

“Just be yourself and they’ll love you. If that fails, just say moist again.”

Her ring-covered fist connects with my bicep a second before my parents appear on the other side of the table, and I cover the grunt with a laugh while sitting down. I tuck Gia into my side, placing my hand on the knee closest to me. Gia sits with her legs spread so damn wide the other knee’s in the next town over. Hamlet. Next hamlet over.

There’s some small talk at first, letting everybody get settled, then the personal questions start up.

“So, Gia, is that short for something?”

“Gianna, but I don’t go by that.”

“That’s a beautiful name.”

“Thanks. It was my grandmother’s.”

“Was?”

“She passed away.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. On your mother’s side? Or your father’s?”

“Uh, my mom’s. It happened when she was only nine years old.”

I knew Vita was younger when her own mom died, but I didn’t know she was that young.

“Your mother must still miss her immensely if she named you after her.”