Her eyes widened before falling back into her now familiar glare. “How very interesting,” she replied as though the words burned her tongue on the way out. “And how did you meet my son?” she asked coolly.
“Through my best friend, she’s engaged to Sal’s close friend,” I answered, meeting her gaze head on. This exchange was wearing me out, but I was determined not to back down from her. She was indeed cold and judgmental, but the way she kept referring to Sal as “her son” made me feel like she wanted to assert some sort of claim to him. And, if she didn’t give a shit, she wouldn’t be trying to claim him. She also wouldn’t be asking about him or about us if she didn’t care.
“Listen,” I started, “I know this isn’t my place, and you’ll probably hate me for saying this. But I’ll just give it a go,” I blurted before I could stop myself. “I’m sure there’s a lot about Sal you don’t understand or relate to. I’m sure the same is true for him with you. But, he’s an amazing man. I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s a genius security specialist. Businesses from all over Nevada try to recruit him.”
This was true, but he stayed with the Knights and wouldn’t ever leave as far as I could tell.
“He’s an amazing boyfriend, a loyal friend, and a man who demands respect wherever he goes. You should be proud rather than turning your back on him,” I said firmly. “He doesn’t need me standing up for him. Sal can stand on his own. All I’m saying is by turning your nose up at him you’re missing the chance to know an amazing man who also happens to be your son,” I told her, taking a large drink of my wine while watching her reaction.
She eyed me up and down one more time, turned on her heel, and walked out of the room.
Well, that went well.
I felt a warm presence at my back and turned to find Sal staring after his mother with a narrowed gaze. “What were you and my mother talking about?”
“How amazing you are,” I answered honestly, moving to put my arms around his neck.
“Was she a bitch to you?” he demanded.
I shrugged. “Not really, no. I think the cold demeanor just comes with the territory. I held my own,” I said as I grinned.
He still looked unsure but gave me a crooked smile in return. “I’m sure you did. You ready to get out of here? See a little of the city?”
“I’d love to,” I agreed.
He took my hand giving a chin lift to a few people as he led me out of the house and onto the street beyond.
“Did you work things out with Sophie?” I asked later that night as we were seated at the little Italian place that Sal swore had “the best fuckin’ pizza in the entire world.”
“I don’t know if I can ever work it out,” he grimaced. “I was a shit to bail on her. I put her in the same category as my mother, I guess. I mean, I took her calls at least, but I certainly didn’t reach out,” he admitted while taking a sip of his beer.
“It doesn’t seem like she’s holding a grudge,” I said quietly. “She was absolutely thrilled to see you.”
“Yeah,” he agreed.
Sensing a need for a subject change, I turned my attention to the pizza. “This is awesome,” I said and grinned, taking another big bite.
Despite the events that had brought us here, the quick trip still had fun moments and it had certainly been eye opening. I felt like I now understood Sal better after meeting some of his family and seeing where he came from. We’d also managed to see some of the sights in our short trip. He’d already taken me to Times Square and we’d walked all over the East Village. After dinner, he was taking me to one of his favorite bars.
As we taxied the runway the next morning, I looked out the window thoughtfully, glad to be headed home.
“Thanks for coming,” he said quietly, eyeing me intently. “You made it a hell of a lot better.”
I turned to him and squeezed his thigh briefly. “You’re welcome, Sal, anytime,” I told him sincerely.
He nodded and didn’t say more on the subject.
“Excited to go home?” I asked him as our plane took flight.
“Fuck, yes,” he replied emphatically.
I laughed at his enthusiasm. “Me, too,” I agreed, realizing how true those words were.
I’d carved a life for myself under the Nevada sun, and I felt a deep kinship with my home. I’d built it from nothing and now I felt like I had everything.
Chapter 15
The next few weeks were relatively calm. I was still staying at Sal’s place, and although I didn’t have any issue with it, I didn’t like that it was only because he wanted to protect me. I wanted it to be because we both wanted it, not because there was a threat. But for the time being, I was rolling with it.