by Chelle Bliss
Resting his hand on my hip, he stroked my cheek, staying silent. I snuggled against him and listened to his breathing.
“Feeling any better?” he asked, brushing his lips against my forehead.
“Yeah,” I lied.
“I brought you some aspirin and water.”
My body moved with his as he reached for the glass and pills he had set on the edge.
“Thanks,” I whispered before placing the two capsules on my tongue and taking tiny sips of water. I didn’t dare toss my head back to help them slide down. Movement, especially quick ones, made the entire situation worse.
After handing the glass back, I melted into him. I didn’t know how long we lay there in that position before he started to wash my skin. Without the energy to try myself, I let him and soaked in the pampering. I couldn’t even remember a time when my mother had done the simple task. I didn’t have one fond memory of her taking care of me or treating me like a child. I had been a nuisance—or, at least, she treated me like one.
“Why are you so good to me?” I asked in jest. I’d do the same for him. That was what you did for someone you loved.
“I don’t like when you don’t feel well. I should’ve told you to slow down last night, but I figured you needed to blow off some steam.”
“It felt good, but I regret it today.” I smashed my cheek against his pec. The water descending over my skin in tiny rivulets felt like dozens of fingertips grazing my flesh.
“I’m sure Izzy feels the same today. She won’t be her normal annoying self at my parents.”
“I’m sorry for last night.” Even though it was fun, I was sure we had to have embarrassed him and James in the restaurant.
“Nah, don’t be. You two were funny. It was nice to see you let your hair down and be yourself. I like the silly side of you. Don’t ever apologize for having fun.”
I smiled against his skin, letting the peacefulness of the moment sink in. Slowly, my stomach started to calm and the animal that had been trying to burrow through my brain stopped. I lost track of how long I’d been sitting in the tub. The water turned cold as I was cradled in his lap.
“Let’s go back to bed for a while. We can be a little late to my parents’.” He swept the tiny hairs off my shoulder, caressing my shoulder with the tips of his roughened fingers.
“I don’t want your mom to get mad,” I replied, even though I needed a few hours of restful sleep.
“She won’t. They don’t eat until later. They’ll be happy we’re coming even if it’s a couple of hours after everyone else.”
“Okay,” I said, pulling myself up and finding my balance before attempting to step out of the tub. While waiting for Thomas, I swayed back and forth for a moment. Then he stood and helped me out. “Thanks.”
After retrieving a towel and quickly drying us off, he scooped me into his arms and carried me back into the bedroom. Once he’d set me down, he tucked me in and said, “I’m going to go do a few things and make some calls. I’ll wake you up in a bit.”
“Don’t let me sleep too long. I don’t want to disappoint your mom,” I said through a yawn, already comfortable and ready to fall asleep.
Through half-closed eyes, I saw his beautiful smile as he nodded and kissed me on the lips. Then he grabbed a pair of workout pants and headed out the door. I didn’t even stay awake long enough to hear his feet hit the first step.
After sleeping for a couple of hours, I felt like a member of the human race again. I no longer wished to be put out of my misery. I didn’t move as quickly as I normally did, but I was able to get ready in under a half-hour, and in my state, that was a goddamn miracle.
As we pulled into his parents’ driveway, I fidgeted with the bangle bracelet I was wearing. My stomach grumbled—partially from hunger, but mostly from fear. Thomas was confident that they’d love me, but I wasn’t so sure. My own mother didn’t love me. Why would his?
“We’re here,” he said with a smile on his face as he turned off the engine.
“Yeah,” I replied, blowing out a quick puff of air. There was no turning back now.
“Look at me, Angel.”
I dragged my gaze away from the silver bracelet and stared into his eyes.
“They’re harmless. Sometimes they act like teenagers, but everyone inside will love you because I love you. Just be yourself and remember to smile. If you get overwhelmed, let me know and we can leave.”
“Okay,” I whispered, forcing a smile.
We climbed out of the car, and I walked next to him, my hand in his, until we stopped in front of the door. Pulling my body against him, he gave me a mind-numbing kiss. My toes curled from the passion, my mind swam with things to come, and my body instantly responded. When his lips left mine, I was left breathless and wanting more, but it would have to wait.
“I’m ready,” I said, lingering on his lips.
He smiled, opened the door, and yelled, “We’re here!”
People began to squeal as they gathered in the foyer. “Overwhelmed” didn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I could feel their eyes on me as they hugged Thomas. Before I could say anything, his mother pulled me into a giant hug.
“I’m so happy to meet you, Angel,” she whispered in my ear as she squeezed me tighter, making it hard to breathe.
“Ma, don’t kill her,” Thomas said, pulling her off me.
“Sorry. I kind of get carried away sometimes,” she blurted as her cheeks turned pink. “My baby boy.” She held her arms out, pulling Thomas into her embrace.
I giggled, knowing exactly how he felt—unable to breathe.
“Ma,” he said, squeezing her back before releasing her. “This is Angel, and Angel, this is my pop.”
I held out my hand, smiling at him and comparing the two men. They had the same facial features: amazing blue eyes, strong jaws, and full lips. I could see Thomas as an older man when I stared at his dad.
Without speaking, he hugged me, crushing my ribs. “Nice to meet you, love,” he said, holding my shoulders and taking a good look at me. “You’re stunning.”
“Thank you,” I replied, trying not to smile, but it was useless. I could feel the love and excitement in this house. It was abundant and easy.
“Back away,” Izzy said, waving her hands and stepping in front of everyone. “She’s mine next.”
I laughed, reaching out and grabbing her. “How in the heck are you so damn chipper? I feel like a zombie today.”
“Practice, sweet Angel. We’ll get you there. Don’t worry. You’ll be a champ in no time.”
“Oh, no, no, no. Last night was it for me,” I told her as I watched everyone hugging Thomas.
“Fuck that. You’re getting drunk with me again. The girls and I were just talking about a girls’ night out. It’s been a long time and we all need to get away from our Neanderthal men.”
I chuckled, wondering how bad they could actually all be. “We’ll see.”
Izzy backed away, glancing over at a blonde and a brunette, and announced, “She’s in, ladies. Girls’ night it is!”
“Damn,” I mumbled to myself, as Thomas came to stand by my side. I shrugged, plastering a smile on my face. I hadn’t said yes, but Izzy, in her own special way, had sealed the deal.
“Yay!” the blonde screeched. Then the brunette echoed her.
One by one, they said hello as Thomas introduced them to me. Joey, Anthony, and Mike were his brothers, and Izzy was the sister. They were all gorgeous, but from the looks of their parents, it wasn’t surprising.
“Dinner’s in five minutes,” Mrs. Gallo said, clapping her hands, a giant smile on her face. “Go sit for a few minutes, but don’t get too comfortable.”
Everyone moved to the living room, spreading out amongst the furniture and floor. While I sat next to Tommy, he kept my hand in his, slowly stroking my palm with his thumb. It was calming in its rhythmic nature as I tried not to notice that all the eyes in the room were focused solely on me.
“How’re t
he Cubs doing today, Pop?” Thomas asked, breaking the silence.
“Shitty, but what else is new?” Mr. Gallo said, leaning back in his chair and placing his foot across his opposite knee.
“Hey, Angel,” Izzy interrupted. “Want to go help Ma with dinner? It would win you major brownie points.” She jumped up from the floor, kissing James on the lips before motioning for me to follow.
I liked that idea more than feeling like a caged animal. “Sure,” I replied, giving Thomas a quick peck and then joining Izzy in the kitchen.
“Ma, we’ve come to help you.” Izzy turned, winking at me, and I couldn’t help but smile. The girl was slick, and I liked her. If I could have a sister, I’d pick Izzy Gallo. “It was Angel’s idea.”
“Isn’t that lovely. Grab the salad from the fridge, and one of you take the meatballs out of the sauce and put them in a bowl.”
The smell in the kitchen was something that couldn’t be described. It was better than any restaurant I’d ever set foot inside. I could almost pick out the individual dishes with each inhale. My mouth watered as the dishes were placed on the counter, waiting to be brought out to the hungry crowd.
“I’ll do the meatballs,” I said, moving toward the stove. “In here?” I asked, grabbing a bowl.
“Yes, dear,” Mrs. Gallo answered, testing a noodle over the sink.
When I pulled the lid off the giant pot, I was hit by the smell of the most divine tomato sauce ever. It was a rich red color, with specks of spices and a hint of heat. Using a slotted spoon, I took a meatball out and placed it in the bowl. One by one, I removed meatball after meatball. I didn’t bother to count.
“Jesus,” I muttered, digging inside, thinking there couldn’t be another one, but I was wrong.
“She cooks for an army,” Izzy said. “But then again, there are five hungry men and a pregnant girl who puts them all to shame.”
“Oh, honey. I always make extras. Anthony usually brings some home, and lately, I’ve been giving some to Suzy to fill her late-night cravings,” Mrs. Gallo said as she dumped the pasta into the strainer, a plume of steam collecting above the sink.
“What’s left, Ma?” Izzy asked, putting the garlic bread she’d pulled out of the oven in a basket.
Mrs. Gallo started to go down the list. “Salad, pasta, bread, sauce, meatballs… Did you take out the eggplant?”
“Nope. Is it ready?” Izzy asked, placing the oven mitts on her hands.
“Yeah. It needs a moment to cool while I assemble the pasta.”
This must be what it’s like to have a mother who actually cares about a family. I silently watched them as they interacted with each other, feeling a pang of jealousy for all I’d missed from being the unlucky SOB to have been born to my witch of a mom. Life would’ve been different if my father had lived, but it never would have been like having the Gallos.
“How are you and James?” Mrs. Gallo asked as she spooned the sauce over layers of pasta.
“We’re better than ever, Ma,” Izzy replied, setting the tray of eggplant on the trivet.
“He’s a good man, baby. I’m so happy for you.”
“Good isn’t a word I’d used to describe him.” Izzy laughed, tossing the mitts on the counter before snagging a serving platter from the cabinet.
“I have a feeling he’s a lot like your father—”
“Stop right there,” Izzy interrupted, turning to look at her ma. “There are things a child should never hear, and that’s one of them.”
Mrs. Gallo laughed a big, bellowing laugh, her body shaking as her cheeks turned pink. “Child, how do you think we got five kids?”
“You’re like the Virgin Mary, Ma.”
“Not after your father got his hands on me. I don’t think I left the confessional for a month. I had a lot of repenting to do.” Her laughter grew louder as Izzy winced.
“See the shit I have to put up with in this house?” Izzy asked, throwing her hands up.
“Izzy, I don’t feel sorry for you at all. Be thankful you have a mother to talk with like this.”
Both sets of eyes looked at me, sadness written all over their faces.
“What do you need me to do next?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“That’s it,” Mrs. Gallo said, walking up to me and once again giving me a hug. This time, it was gentle and brief. “Let’s get my future grandbaby nourished.” She placed her hand over my stomach and looked up at me with a cheerful expression. “Maybe someday I’ll be feeding one inside you.”
Oh shit. I couldn’t imagine having a baby now—or in five years. I didn’t even have my shit together. I didn’t have an education or a career, and the last thing I wanted to be was barefoot and pregnant.
“Don’t start that shit, Ma. You’re going to scare her away. One baby at a time.”
“You’re next, Izzy. I can feel it.”
“You better be feeling something else, because that is not happening anytime soon. I’m too young and having too much damn fun to have a baby ruin everything.”
“Izzy,” her mother scolded her. “Babies don’t ruin anything. They bring so much joy.”
“Yeah. They also bring a lot of shit and sleepless nights. I’ll skip that mess for now.”
“You’re ridiculous. I love all my kids.”
“Uh huh,” Izzy muttered, grabbing the meatballs and heading into the dining room.
I picked up salad and bread, following Izzy as we made a couple of trips back and forth. We filled the glasses with drinks and made sure everything was laid out to her mother’s liking before Izzy yelled, “Dinner!” from the middle of the room.
Seconds later, everyone was jockeying for a spot at the table. Thomas casually strolled in, pulling out a chair for me and waiting for me to sit before he did the same next to me.
The conversation flowed easily as the family mercilessly teased each other throughout dinner. Joe seemed like a cool dude with a hint of scary. I’d seen his type around the strip club, but he seemed utterly devoted to his wife and future child. He doted on her, refilling her plate and paying close attention to her every need. He wasn’t an asshole biker, but a loving husband with that I’ll-kick-your-ass-without-apologizing quality about him.
The brunette—Mia, I learned—was a doctor who ran a local health clinic for the needy population in the area. The smile on her face never left while she talked about work. I wanted that feeling. I wanted the sense of doing something good with my life.
Mike seemed like a brute. He was huge, the beefiest of all the Gallo men. He was a jokester, though, and I could tell he had a big heart. But I couldn’t figure out the Mia situation. I could tell he loved her, and everyone kept hinting about marriage, but he kept changing the subject. There was more to the story, and I hoped it would come out on girls’ night out.
Anthony was the oldest and the only unattached of all the siblings. He seemed pissed off about love, grumbling under his breath during dinner. Everyone gave him a lot of shit, telling him that, someday, a girl would have him by the balls. I swear I heard him say that they were already taken, but he’d spoken so low that I couldn’t be sure.
Through the entire dinner, I kept glancing down at Mr. and Mrs. Gallo. Even after all the years they’d been together, they were still madly in love. It was evident by their constant touching and sideways glances. I envied them for having such a strong relationship, and wondered if that would be Thomas and me in thirty years. Allowing myself to think that way might be dangerous, but I could have a dream.
The love and acceptance in this room hit me like a ton of bricks as I took stock of those around me. No matter what they said or how they joked, behind it all was love. They accepted and loved each other.
Not once in my entire life had I sat around a table like this. I had been to huge gatherings—mostly biker parties or celebrations where members wandered about, scarfing down plates of food and bullshitting—but nothing like this.
Wondering what Christmas would be like, I imagined
happy children giddy to open their presents as they sat around the tree. When I was young, I’d been lucky to get a small trinket from one of the guys my mom had been fucking at the time. I felt robbed of my childhood the more I watched this family interact. Hell, I’d been robbed of the family experience in my adulthood too—and I was pissed.
Feeling a need to be alone and wallow in my self-pity, I placed my napkin on the table and pushed my chair back. “Where’s the bathroom?” I whispered in Thomas’s ear.
He stopped moving, his fork touching his lips. “Are you okay?” he asked, turning toward me and looking me straight in the eyes.
“Yeah,” I replied, nodding and praying that he believed my lie. “Just need to go to the bathroom, baby.” I plastered a fake smile on my face, attempting to make my story more believable.
“I’ll show you,” he responded, setting his fork on his plate. “We’ll be right back everyone,” he announced, standing and tossing his napkin on the chair.
“I can go myself.” I didn’t want to pull him away from his family. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts.
“No, I’ll take you.” He smiled, brushing his fingers against my cheek.
“Don’t be too long. Don’t go pulling a Mike and Mia,” Izzy told us before we walked out into the foyer.
“What’s she talking about?”
“Long story. Don’t worry about it.” He stopped walking and turned to face me. “Are you really okay?” His eyes searched mine—looking for what, I didn’t exactly know.
“I am,” I lied again, not wanting to bring down the happy party at the dinner table. The last thing I wanted to do was ruin any moment he had with his family.
“It’s a lot to take in. Remember, I know your mother really well.”
“Please say you didn’t—” I started before he put his index finger against my lips.
“No!” he growled, shaking his head. “I know what a shitty person she is. I wouldn’t let that woman near my dick even if it would have been the only way to bring down the MC.”
“Thank God.” I dragged my hands down my face, trying to wash that image out of my mind. “I just needed a minute. I love your family. They’re amazing. I feel like it’s a crazy sitcom on television. You’re one of the luckiest people I know.”