“Yuck. Raw fish does nothing for me.”
“Agreed. Now, I need those highlights from the baseball game last night, too. And get the editing department on the phone. I’m tired of the same six shots of that basketball game from a week ago.”
I drop my purse on my chair, flip on my computer, and start my day. I check the clock and I know that Luca will be in Portland soon. I figure it’s a perfect time to call Mama and Papa.
“Hello, Mama.”
“There’s my sweet future daughter-in-law.”
“Aw, Mama, you’re too kind.”
“Now, tell me everything. Luca didn’t give me any details.”
I giggle and go in depth of how Luca propo
sed to me.
“That’s not very romantic.”
“Well, you know Luca. He’s romantic in his own way. But, I called to see if you guys still wanted to come to the playoff games. You can stay with us again.”
“Oh yes, we would love to.”
“Great. I’ll take care of everything and send you the details.”
“Perfect. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I take a deep breath when I hang up the phone. I love Luca’s parents more than anything and they’ve always treated me as their own.
I look over at my bookshelf and see one of the last pictures taken of my mother and me. She’s wearing a scarf to cover her head, bald from the chemo, but her eyes are bright. I never knew my father. He left when I was a baby, but Mom never left my side.
When she died three years ago, I didn’t know how I was going to make it. Thankfully, Luca was there. Even in the middle of a hockey season, he took a week off to help me plan everything and then whisked me away to New Zealand for a weekend get-a-way.
The tears are building thinking that she won’t be at my wedding or help with any of the planning. I’m sure Luca doesn’t want anything big. He’s never been one for a large party or events. His life is hockey.
Maybe a beach wedding?
Or, run off to Vegas?
My thoughts rush away when Amy bursts in with information about the baseball team and it’s back to work for me.
~ ~ ~
I drop my items on the kitchen table and reach for the bag of chips I left on the counter. After diverting a small crisis with the editing team, I’m finally home. I’m exhausted. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this many obstacles in one day. I fall onto the couch and flip on the TV as I check my phone for message.
Luca: I landed.
Luca: Good practice. Going to lunch with the guys.
Luca: I’m back at the hotel. Call me when you have time.
It never fails that every time Luca is on the road, he tells me every move he makes. I’ve never asked him to. I trust Luca. I know that girls will try and throw themselves at him, but he brushes them aside.
I quickly hit his name and he picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, baby.”