But I loved every second of it. I’d almost begged Aviva never to leave. My house was full and happy, and we had the time of our lives. We cooked, we made a cake, and then we watched movies until we all fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up because I was hot, it was from Aviva and Callie leaning on me as they slept. I felt so damn loved, so damn complete, and I’ve never felt like that in my life outside of my mother’s love.
I love these girls, and I want my family to love them.
I want my mom to know that I have found what I needed. That she doesn’t have to watch over me and protect me. That I actually do it myself and for others.
I think I might have grown up.
Didn’t take as long as I thought it would.
“So, we’re sitting right behind you at the game?”
I nod as I turn downtown. “Yeah, I bought the tickets off one of our shareholders. We’re playing the Caps, so it should be a great game.”
“The Caps?”
“Washington Capitals,” Callie says, annoyed, from the back.
Aviva shrugs. “And we have to wear those oversized shirts?”
“Jerseys, and they’re meant to be big.”
“They’re like dresses.”
I flash her a toothy grin. “I mean, you don’t have to wear anything under it.”
She chuckles lightly as Callie groans. “Gross.”
“Hush, you,” I throw back at her, and I swear she mumbles something along the lines of me being an asshole. I’m not sure, so I let it go. “I think you guys will have a blast. I think Amelia is going to go to show you the ropes and buy you all the bad food.”
Aviva’s brow perks. “Bad food?”
“Oh yeah. Stadium food is life. Get the pretzel, right? With the cheese. And then get a thing of popcorn. Dip the pretzel in the cheese and then dip it in popcorn. Boom. It’s like a tree of popcorn. I mean, basically a party in your mouth.”
When I look over to see her excitement, I find that she isn’t as enthusiastic as I am. “That sounds absolutely disgusting.”
“Well, that’s rude,” I tease, and she laughs.
“Actually, I think it sounds amazing,” Callie says, and I glance back at her.
“Thank you. That’s why you’re my favorite.”
That makes them both laugh, which was my end game. When we arrive at Surf House, my mom’s favorite place to eat when she’s in town, I do valet since we’re kind of late. I didn’t realize how slow I was driving until we got here. After making sure everything is set, I take Aviva’s hand and head inside with Callie beside me. The loud sounds of the place, the clashing and clanking of plates, smacks me right in the face when we enter. I go straight to the hostess and tell her my name.
“Of course, Mr. Merryweather. This way.”
“We are so cool,” Callie gushes as we head toward the back where there are private dining rooms. “Yes, Mr. Merryweather. This way, Mr. Merryweather. Would you like high tea?” she says in the worst British accent I’ve ever heard. Aviva smiles and laughs along with her, but I gotta get to the back. When the hostess opens the door, a feeling of relief washes over me. I step in, not saying anything to my mom before ushering Aviva and Callie inside. I shut the door behind them before the hostess can and press my hand to the cool wood. I take a deep breath in, letting it out through my nose as Aviva’s hand comes to my back.
“You okay?”
I nod, breathing in once more. “It’s just so damn loud in this place.”
“But it’s my favorite,” Mom says, and I turn just as she approaches me. She takes my face in her hands, kissing me loudly on the cheek. “Ah, my Nicolas. I’ve missed you so much. Thank you for coming. I know it’s hard.”
I wave her off. “It’s fine. I just wish they had a back way in.”
She pats my face, kissing me again. “I agree.” She studies me critically. “You look skinny.”
I make a face. “I seriously eat, like, nine subs a day. Carbs galore.”
Callie snorts. “For real. I’ve never seen someone eat so many subs.”
My mom drops her hands and looks over at Callie. She points to her. “Callie?”
“Yes. Hi. It’s great to meet you.”
“It’s so wonderful to meet you. I’m Myra.” Mom smiles widely. “I have heard so much about you. Nicolas talks constantly about you and how talented you are.”
Callie beams at me. “He’s a good guy. We like him.”
I smirk as Mom turns to Aviva. She’s standing beside me, not her usual self due to the nerves. She holds out her hand, and my mom takes it. “It’s nice to meet you. Nico speaks of you all the time. You’ve raised an amazing guy.”