My shoulders lift. “I’ll do my best, but if you didn’t notice, she’s rather strong-willed.”
Drew laughs. “Clearly, that trait runs in the family.”
I open the passenger door and hop out of his truck. “C’mon, Drew. Put on your big boy undies and let’s get this over with.”
He grabs my hand as we head up to the front door. My parents know I’m coming so I don’t bother knocking. “Hello?”
“Be right there, Carlotta!” my mother calls in her thick accent. She quickly appears and her eyes brighten as she sees Drew. “Andrew! So nice to see you again! Carlotta told me she was bringing a guest but she didn’t mention who. What a nice surprise!”
“Nice to see you again, Mrs. Harris.”
She makes a get over here motion. “No need for such formalities! Come over here and give me a hug, boy.”
Drew obliges and has to practically bend in half so my mother can place a kiss on each one of his cheeks. The woman left Italy over forty years ago and still insists on keeping her Old World mannerisms.
My mom motions between me and Drew. “So, does this mean there’s something going on between the two of you? Do I see a wedding on the horizon?”
Drew coughs into his fist. Oh geez, of course, that’s the one thing she leads with. This woman has made it her mission in life to marry off her kids so they can provide her with grandchildren.
“Mamma, knock it off.”
She gives me a look that would make grown men piss their pants. “Don’t you tell me what to do, young lady.” She faces Drew. “So, Andrew? Why don’t you tell me since my daughter insists on being so difficult.”
“Uh...” Drew stammers. “Yes, Charlee and I are together.”
My mom beams and presses her hand to her chest. “Oh, this is wonderful! Daniel, get in here!”
Not only does my father heed her call, but Brody and Rainey are hot on his heels.
“Oh hell,” I mutter.
My dad swings his arm around my mom’s shoulders while Brody glowers at us behind my parents’ backs. Poor Rainey looks like she’s just waiting for the chaos to begin at any moment. At this house, the probability of that happening was already high. Considering Brody and I both have tempers and like to fight dirty no matter how old we get, those odds go right through the roof.
“What, Sofia?” He notices Drew before she can answer. “Drew, nice to see you again.”
Drew shakes his hand. “Sir, nice to see you.”
“Kiss ass,” Brody says through a fake cough.
My mom whips around and glares at him. “You shush. Carlotta finally brought a boy home. This is a happy occasion!”
“Happy, my ass,” Brody grumbles.
Rainey smacks him on the chest with the back of her hand. “Can it, you idiot.”
God, I love that woman.
“Come in! Come in!” My mom motions for us to follow her. “We were just about to sit down to eat.”
When we enter the dining room, my grandmother smiles at Drew. “Oh, look what we have here! Mmm, and just in time. I’ve got a helluva sugar craving today and you are one sweet piece of ass!”
“Make it stop,” Drew whispers.
I bend down to kiss her wrinkled cheek. “Hello, Nonna. You remember Drew, don’t you?”
She eyes him appreciatively. “Sì. Of course, Carlotta. Who could forget such handsome man?”
Drew rushes to take the chair furthest from my grandma and gives her a little wave. “Nice to see you again.”