by Toni DeMaio
He excused himself, and after a quick conversation he came back to his seat. “Well, it looks like Uncle Mario isn’t the only one getting a break from routine tonight. I’ve just been asked to escort Isabella to the E.S.U campus later to hear a recital of Pucini arias,” he said, then sighed as if the prospect didn’t exactly thrill him. “Since she’s older than most of the other students, she hasn’t made many friends, and she’s shy about going alone. And she says Pucini is her all time favorite. So I can’t refuse and if I tried to, my mama would have my head.”
“I don’t know, Gino,” Brian Jr. said, grinning at him and shaking his head, “most guys would look happier about a date with a girl like Isabella. What is it? Aren’t you an opera fan?”
“Not so much. I like R. & B. a lot more.”
“That’s my favorite too,” Kat said softly.
“Well, I like country,” Brian Jr. said, “But when you’re with a date that looks like Isabella, it hardly matters what kind of music is playing. I’m sure you’ll both have a great time. You know, Gino, she kind of reminds me of your sister Lisa back in the day. Your sister was the best looking girl in our class and I think she’s still stunning…”
I felt bad for Kat because now she looked worse than she had before the fainting spell. And I knew it wasn’t because Brian Jr. was so obviously still enamored with Lisa.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
KAT
I couldn’t wait to get out of there. As soon as the Brian’s dropped us off at Mom’s, I jumped in my car and raced toward home to grab Charlie, some art supplies for the girls and me for later, and a few things for overnight. But I was barely out of the driveway and on my way up the hill before I’d called Lilly.
“Oh, My God!” she said after I told her everything that had happened.
“I know; it’s miraculous.”
“It really is…so now I guess we know why Angel comes to see Tori in her dreams. She’s her aunt.”
“I know. And we know why Tori and I both love to draw and why she’s my mini-me. This is all beyond incredible! I couldn’t have planned it any better. I wish you’d been there, Lilly, when Isabella asked Tori for her birth date. Then when she confirmed it was August 10th everything went black for a second and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor. Lilly! I never thought I’d get the chance to be a part of my daughter’s life!”
“It’s amazing; so what are you going to do now, Kat?”
“I don’t know…I haven’t had time to think. But because I fainted in the restaurant, Tori suggested she spend the night with me, and then mom jumped in and asked me and all the kids, including Lisa’s, to sleep over at the bed and breakfast, since they were all supposed to be sleeping over at Lisa’s tonight. Mom has plenty of room so it does make sense to have our pajama party over there, and then I called you the minute I could get away from Mom and the Brians. So at this point I don’t know what I can and should do.”
She giggled. “The Brians…sounds like a bad sit-com.”
“Actually they’re both great guys. And if I’d met Brian Jr. last year, I’d be encouraging him. But even if Gino weren’t in the picture, Brian Jr. is clearly still hung up on Lisa Rossi; even after all these years. And to complicate matters further, I have a feeling he’s going to be my step-brother before long so it would be weird to get involved with him, but I can’t risk offending him by pushing him too far away. It’s a delicate balance.”
“I hear you. It’s a shame he’s still stuck on Lisa, though. I remember they used to be inseparable in high school, and I never knew why they broke up.”
“Well, just ask me because I’ve heard all about it. It was when he went off to Montclair State in New Jersey to become a gym teacher, and she went to the community college up here for a business management degree. He said he lived for the weekends when he was able to come home to see her, but then he got deep into sports and in time they grew apart. A few months later she got involved with Leo, Gia and Sal’s dad; and the rest is history. I think she was pregnant with Gia before the wedding and that’s why they married so young, at least that’s what Brian Jr. thinks.”
“Poor guy: it looks like a lost cause now, though. She seems happy with her new husband, Mario.”
“I’m not convinced. There’s something about that guy I don’t like. I can’t put it into words, but even the few times I’ve seen him at the restaurant he just doesn’t seem to fit into that family. Lisa’s polite to him, but they don’t seem that deeply connected and she definitely doesn’t look like a woman in love. That Mario’s a girl watcher, too, and I don’t mean in a harmless way. I think the guy’s a snake. I hope I’m wrong. But for sure he’s not anything like Leo.”
“Remember how great Leo was?” Lilly asked, “He was a special guy; so warm and friendly and he’d do anything for anybody. He was a volunteer fireman right out of college and he always played Santa Claus at the Christmas tree lighting every year, and even though he was all over that restaurant nearly every time we went in there, he still found the time to coach Gia’s soccer team. His passing was a great loss. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up at his funeral.”
“He was special. Maybe that’s why I don’t care for Mario,” I said, “But right now I have a lot of important things to figure out.”
“You certainly do,” Lilly sympathized, “I can’t imagine how you’re going to tell Gino you think Tori is the baby you gave up for adoption ten years ago, or how he’s going to take it when you do.”
“I don’t either…but I think the first step is to find out if Tori even knows she’s adopted. I need to proceed with caution. Then I’ll worry about proving it. The news she’s my daughter is going to be mind-blowing enough for her as it is without also having to absorb the shock of finding out she was actually adopted by the only parents she’s known, providing Gino hasn’t told her yet.”
“Well, you’ll have all night with her so maybe you can find out how much she already knows by mentioning some other adopted kids, like Jenny Peterson’s kids, who feel lucky to be adopted, or something along those lines. Maybe she’ll just volunteer the information if you start talking about it.”
“That sounds like a plan since I don’t have another option yet.”
“Well, good luck! And if you need me, call me no matter how late it is!”
“Always…but I forgot to tell you one thing, I’m a little bummed about something else. I told you about Isabella, well she was a very busy girl today. Not only did she help me find the answer as to when Tori was born, which I’m grateful for, but since she was lurking near enough to our table to hear that mom and I were taking Gino’s kids tonight, she wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to rope Gino into escorting her to a Puccini concert tonight at the college.”
“Sounds boring to me.”
“I think Gino thought so too. He said he’d rather listen to R & B.”
“Just like somebody else I know.”
“I know! It looks like we have tons in common. At least Gino didn’t seem eager to take her. That makes me feel a little better. It’s just that she’s not only gorgeous, but
she’s actually really nice, and I found out some things about her that make me feel sorry for her: turns out she’s here because of a tragic break-up.”
“Well, I guess somebody didn’t think she’s the perfect package. I wouldn’t worry about her if I were you, Kat. I know you and Gino would be fabulous together and if it’s meant to be between the two of you, and I think it is; it will happen. Have faith, Sister!” “I will,” I said, “Talk to you later.” Then I pulled into my driveway and before I’d made it up the front steps of my cottage, Charlie jumped off his favorite porch rocker and ran forward, scolding me at the top of his lungs.
I picked him up and he began to purr, forgiving me immediately for being away so long on a Saturday. I was glad I was taking him along tonight because I wanted him to meet my daughter. Just thinking that Tori is my daughter, makes me happier than I ever imagined I co
uld be.
“You get to hang out with Crow tonight, Mr. Charlie, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my little girl, Tori,” I whispered against his soft gray fur. “I know you’re going to love each other. But we have to keep my secret for just a little bit longer.”
***
The kids and I played ping-pong in the game room while Mom plopped down in front of the big screen T.V. to catch up on her recorded shows for the week. Both Crow and Charlie were vying for top spot on her lap as she fast forwarded through the commercials and attempted to zip through a week’s worth of Dr. Phil’s.
The older couple she was hosting at the bed and breakfast for the weekend had already gone out for the evening. They were at Mama Maria’s for dinner and then were staying for the live band afterward so we had the house to ourselves.
The girls were playing with their little brothers, and I, being the designated coach and referee, moved around the table, deferring fights over the parameters of ‘in bounds’, and giving quick lessons on technique when needed.
Then I heard the bell on the front door tinkle, followed by Franny’s friendly greeting, as she was still out front entering business figures into the new computer. In another minute the Brians strolled into the room carrying huge bags of KFC.
“Yes!” Tori shouted, running around the table to hug Brian Jr., while Brian Sr. accepted a big hug from Mom. “Thanks, Mr. Potter,” Tori said, “You’re the best!”
“KFC’s my favorite, Mr. Potter!” Gia added, grinning at him.
“Is our make-up game with Stroudsburg still on for next Saturday?” Tori asked.
“Far as I know, Girls, and I’m counting on you two to be in top shape for that game. Stroudsburg has a tough team this year, but you can take ‘em.”
“You’re the best coach we’ve ever had, Mr. Potter. I’m really glad you came and took us over.” Gia added.
“It’s totally my pleasure!” Brian said.
Mom put Brian Sr.’s bag on the table and hugged him.
“Thank you, Brian!” Mom and I said, almost simultaneously.
“You saved us all from leftover tuna casserole,” I whispered gratefully to Brian Jr.
“It was the humane thing to do,” he assured me, “And I wanted a good excuse to drop in on you, Kat and see how you’re feeling now.”
“I’m fine now,” I assured him, “And it’s a good thing because these kids are giving me a run for my money.
He laughed, then reached out at the speed of light and caught Anthony’s wild serve before it could hit me in the back of the head.
“Wow!” I said, moving farther away from the table, “You are a man of many talents.”
“More than you know,” he flirted back.
Mom and Brian Sr. joined us at the ping pong table. “Time to work up an appetite,” she said, “Can we play, too?”
Soon they were all laughing with the kids and taking turns chasing Mom’s wayward shots, and having a great time. Brian Sr. fit in perfectly with this group, and together, he and Mom looked like eager grandparents.
“Well, I’ve got to get moving,” Brian Jr. said, touching my arm, “I promised my pal from school, Luke Edwards, he sings lead with The Magpies, I’d stop over at Mama Maria’s tonight to hear them play. I wish you could come along with me, Kat, but I see you’re tied up here. Why don’t you walk me out to the porch, though? I’ve got something to tell you.”
He looked mysterious with a sweet little smile in his eyes, and I hoped for some good news.
The night was cool and bright. The lights around the house and along the walk to the parking area beamed soft light on the gorgeous autumn leaves moving gently among the many tall trees Mom had growing on her rolling front lawn. It was getting nippy out and I was glad I’d grabbed a sweater. He helped me put it on.
“Thanks,” I said, “Now what did you want to tell me? I’m curious.”
He moved closer, Uh-oh! I thought. This isn’t what I’d expected.
His eyes were sky-blue and vulnerable under the porch light. “Kat,” he began, while I waited with growing apprehension, “my dad told me on the way over here that you asked your mom to tell him you think it’s time we stopped double dating with our parents and I want you to know I understand completely where you’re coming from and I totally agree.”
I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I tried to speak, “Thank God we’re on the same page, Brian!” I squeaked out, “I think you’re a great guy. Don’t get me wrong, but…”
He laughed, stopping me in mid-sentence. “No buts are necessary, Kat, I’ve got it right. Don’t you know how much I want to hang-out with you, too? I feel close to you, Kat, like I can open up and relax around you. Most of my friends from high school have either left the area or they’re busy with families of their own and it’s been lonely. I’m relieved you feel the same way I do!”
I was speechless and a little numb as Brian moved with his usual speed and precision and before I could protest he’d swept me into his arms for a big hug, nearly knocking the breath out of me!
I wondered how close he’d want to get…did he want my friendship, or something more? I didn’t want to hurt his feelings by over-reacting, and before I could try to gently pull away, terrified he’d kiss me; Gino bounded up the stairs carrying a huge take-out tray from Mama Maria’s and a bouquet of gorgeous sunflowers, startling us both in that awkward moment.
I spotted him around the side of Brian’s huge arm and pushed at his chest, spinning away from him, “Gino!” I practically shouted.
“Hey, Buddy!” Brian said with his ready grin, “We think alike. Dad and I brought some KFC over so these two ladies wouldn’t have to cook for that gang tonight.”
Gino looked shaken, and my heart felt the blow as his eyes confirmed how disappointed he was in me. Then it dawned on me. Since Brian’s big strong back was turned toward him when he was bear-hugging me, Gino may well have thought he’d interrupted a kiss.
Eyes to the ground, he walked right past us, opened the screen door and said, “Well, I’ll just bring this into the kids. Then I have to race back to the restaurant. I don’t want to keep Isabella waiting.”
Brian chuckled. “I bet you don’t!”
Gino just glanced back at him and smiled sadly, then went inside.
I wanted to fall through the porch and I felt so close to tears, I wasn’t in any shape to talk to Brian about this any further tonight. “You’d better get going too,” Brian,” I said, “Your friend will be looking for you.”
“You’re right!” he said, bobbing forward and giving me one more huge hug before bounding down the stairs then waving back at me. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow, Kat. You get a good night’s sleep. Oh, and remind Gino we’re all still on for that tailgate party in a couple of days. It’s really good to be home.”
“I’ll remind him. Have fun tonight,” I called after him; then hurried back in the house, ready to face Gino.
He was circulating paper plates and helping the kids to fill them with the variety of goodies he’d brought mixed along with Brian’s chicken and sides. “Mama insisted on sending a cheesecake for you, too, Kat,” he said, “She heard about what happened to you today and she wants you to know she’s praying for you. She also said you need to follow up with your doctor and I agree.”
His voice was just the tiniest bit cool, and I knew by the way he barely glanced at me that my chance with him had passed. In that one fateful moment on the porch, the course of my life had drastically altered and I didn’t have a clue as to how to fix it without risking looking more foolish in his eyes than I already did.
“Please tell your mom thanks for me, she’s so sweet! Oh, and Brian wanted me to remind you we’re all still on for that tailgate party next week at the big Thanksgiving game. Just give me a call this week and let mom and I know what we can bring.”
He stared at me for a second; then shrugged again. “I don’t know. Mama is going to cater it for us. She insisted when the kids told h
er about it. I guess you two could bring the paper plates, cups, and stuff like that. And you can tell the Brians to bring plenty of beer.”
“I’ll tell my Brian when he comes back from the rest room,” Mom said, grinning at Gino.
I smiled at him, too. “You can tell Brian Jr. yourself when you get back to the restaurant. He’s there tonight listening to his friend’s band, I said.”
Gino raised his eyebrows at me. “Why didn’t you go with him?”
The question felt like a slap. “Because I’d rather be here with the kids and it’s not like that with us. We’re just friends.”
He didn’t look convinced. He just nodded shortly and avoided eye contact as the kids noisily swarmed over the table with their full, steaming plates, scrambling for seats. Almost immediately the boys started tussling over who should sit next to mom because Tori was already seated on one side of her and digging into a big piece of chicken.
“We almost never get to eat fried chicken, right Dad?” Tori asked between bites.
Gino nodded. “Not exactly one of the items on Mama’s menu, and I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook myself.”
“But Mommy could really cook!” Anthony added, looking to Tori for approval, as I suspected she was the one to keep their mom’s memory alive for him.
“That’s right, Little Buddy,” Gino said, ruffling his son’s dark curls, so like his own. Then he hugged Tori and my mom, and raised his hand toward me. “Bye, Kat,” he said shortly, I’ll be by around nine in the morning to pick the kids up for church. I’m sure you’ll all have a great time tonight.” And then he was gone, and I didn’t feel like eating a thing.
“Sit by me, Kat,” Tori said, patting the empty chair next to her.
I didn’t want to worry mom by not eating so I grabbed a plate, put a few things on it and then sat next to my gorgeous daughter. No matter what the future brought for all of us, I would have this one perfect night with my little girl and I was going to enjoy every second of it.