“I did, but they got plans. They’re going ballroom dancing at Potenza Lodge.”
“That’s right. I think it’s so cute that they still go out on dates. Those two have such a good marriage.”
“You’ll have one too. You just got caught up with that fucking bastard. I never trusted him. He thought he was all that because he had a PhD in English literature.”
“Even though I agree with you about Devon being a bastard, he was a brilliant academic.”
“For fuck’s sake—he wasn’t even Italian.”
The memory of her date with Eddie ran through her mind, and she busted out laughing. “So all Italian-American men are great?”
“Pretty much.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I’m just saying that you were lucky you found out what an asshole he wasbeforeyou married him. Ma was with you that day.”
“It’s funny that you say that. I’ve always thought Mom was looking out for me that morning.”
“She’s with us all the time—don’t forget that.”
Angie nodded. “I don’t,” she whispered.
For a moment or two, silence fell between them.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that Dad’s coming down next week.”
A surge of happiness shot through her. “That’s awesome. He didn’t mention it when we talked the other day.”
“It sounded like he’d just made the decision this morning.”
“I’ll have to call him. I want him to stay with me. How long is he going to be here?”
“About a week.”
“I wish he’d stay longer. It’s not like he has to be at the shop. I mean, Sergio is there, and Al’s worked for Dad since forever.”
“You know how he is—he can’t stand not being in the thick of things with his business. He likes tinkering around on the old cars. I bet when he comes by my shop, he’ll insist on pumping gas or working under the hood. It’s in his blood.”
Angie laughed. “You’re right about that. I can’t wait to see him. Maybe I can take a couple of days off while he’s here. I’d love to show him Mesa Verde.”
“He’d like that.”
“You made my night. Well, I better get going. I have to be at work early. I have a new case I want to review.”
“I don’t like you being out there investigating shit when you aren’t a police officer.”
“I don’t arrest anyone. I investigate housing fraud, and I refer my findings to either the U.S. Attorney’s or the DA’s office.”
“Even so, it’s dangerous, and I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it. Dad, Sergio, Nick, Aunt Rosa, and—”
“Uncle Leo,” she said, finishing his sentence.
“That’s right—we can’t be all wrong.”
“Don’t worry about me—I’m fine. It’s not a big deal. I really do have to go. We can talk later.”
“Okay, but be careful.”
“I will. Bye.”
She was ready to disconnect the call when Dominic said, “Angie?”