Текст книги "Hook Me"

Автор книги: Chelle Bliss

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

A giant grin crept across Michael’s face as he walked toward us. He looked at his family and then to me as he approached. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he smashed me into his sweaty torso and kissed me.

I collapsed against his body, exhausted from the nervous tension.

Pulling away, he stared into my eyes and said, “That wasn’t so bad was it, Doc?”

“I fucking hated every minute of it, Michael.”

“Liar.” He smirked and turned toward his father.

The simple statement and the cocky smirk reminded me of the bar where we officially met each other. Same statement, same smirk, and totally Michael.

His dad held out his hand and grabbed Michael’s shoulder with the other. “Good job, son.”

“Thanks, Pop,” Michael said as he pulled his dad toward him, kissing his cheek.

The tenderness Michael showed his father was juxtaposition to the cruelty he displayed in the ring.

“Couldn’t be prouder.” His dad slapped him on the back and released him.

Joe and Anthony hugged him as I stayed at his side. Suzy kissed him on the cheek. I watched in awe at the amount of love and support that his family gave him.

After he hugged his family, he turned to me, pulling me tightly against him. The dampness of his skin soaked through my clothes, but I didn’t care. He was safe and the fight was over.

“I have to go clean up. You want to come with,” he cocked an eyebrow, “or wait here with my family?”

I touched the open cut near his eye causing his head to jerk away. “You go get patched up and I’ll sit with them until you’re done.”

“I’ll be right back, beautiful. You’ll come to the next one, right? I know you secretly loved it.”

“It’s still barbaric,” I said against his lips.

“I bet if I touched your panties right now they’re as wet as my skin,” he whispered in my ear, causing me to squeeze my legs together.

I shook my head and laughed. “You’ll have to take me home to find out, won’t you?” I smirked.

“You just gave me the perfect reason to make this quick.” He kissed me tenderly and walked away. “I’m keeping them as a souvenir too,” he yelled over his shoulder.

I collapsed in my seat, exhausted. I couldn’t imagine how he felt.

Mr. Gallo took the seat next to me and smiled. “How are you doing, my dear?”

I gave him a small smile. “It’s a lot to take in, but I’m doing okay, considering.”

“Ah, it’s thrilling and scary. I get it. Seems like yesterday Michael was just a little boy. He was always a scraper.” He fist punched the air. “I always had to pull him off his brothers. He was a rough one, a born fighter.”

“I can’t imagine him as a little boy, but I’m sure he was handful, Mr. Gallo.” I laughed.

He looked so proud as he sat there staring at the cage. “He was never a small boy, but he’s grown up into a fine young man. Anyway, Michael told me he’s already hired a crew to start the renovations at the clinic. When do you start there full-time?

“He has and I’m so excited. I start next week after my time is over at the hospital. I can’t thank you and your family enough for everything.”

“You need to thank Michael. It was all his doing. My wife and I always like to help out community organizations. What good is having money if you can’t help those that need it most?” He smiled, genuine and sweet.

I held his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Gallo. I’ll make you proud.”

He patted my leg and stood. “I have no doubts, my dear. I’ll be right back,” he said smiling and walked away.

A hand gently touched my shoulder and I turned fully expecting to see Michael, but it wasn’t him. I swatted the hand away and stood to escape his reach.

“Excuse me,” I said, crossing my arms across my chest.

“Sorry, a pretty lady sitting here all by yourself made me curious.” His eyes moved over my body.

“Um,” I said as I looked around to for someone to rescue me, but no one was looking in my direction. “I’m not here alone.”

“Oh,” he said, as he looked around the arena.

“I’m here with Michael.”

“Really?” he asked, scratching his goatee.

“Really,” I said, tilting my head.

A hand landed on the man’s shoulder as he turned quickly to come eye to eye with Michael.

“You bothering my girl, Torrez?” Michael crossed his arms over his chest, giving the man a cold hard stare.

“Maybe I was, whatcha gonna do about it, Gallo?” Torrez stood, placing his hands on his hips.

“Kick your ass like last time.” Michael broke out into laughter.

Torrez punched him in the shoulder. “I let your sorry ass win that match.”

“Fucking liar.”

“Wanna go for another round?”

“You’re more worthy of my time than the piss ant I fought today. Mia, this is ‘The Mauler’,” Michael said using air quotes and rolling his eyes.

Now it kind of made sense to me, I had seen him before, he was the guy Michael fought in NYC.

“Don’t you two hate each other?” I asked.

“Nah, we went for beers after the match in NYC,” Torrez said, as he shook Michael’s hand. “It’s good to see you, man.”

“Just remember Mia’s mine, Torrez. I’d hate to embarrass you by kicking your ass in public again.” Michael grinned, holding back a laugh.

“Wait, I don’t think I ever said I was yours.” I challenged him.

“Possession, remember,” he said, as he wrapped his arms around me. “You’re mine.”

I bit my lip. I was proud to be called his… he’s a man with the iron fists and warm heart. Michael Gallo could call me anything he wanted as long as he spent his nights in my bed.

Chapter 26

MIA

Liberating. That’s how it felt knowing I didn’t have to work in the ER anymore. I walked in and quit, not wanting to spend another day working there. Michael’s family had found donors and used their own money to have me be the clinic physician on a full-time basis.

I could finally do what I loved. Help people without the nightmares and sleepless night.

Michael spent his mornings working out and then coming into the clinic before heading to Inked. He gave himself whole-heartedly to making the clinic a success. They were officially starting the remodel next week and Michael would oversee the project first hand.

Taking a sip of coffee, I looked over the chart for my first patient of the day. Female, unemployed, general check-up – an easy way to start. Grabbing the chart, tucking it under my arm, I walked toward the room. I felt stress-free for the first time in a long time.

Closing the door, I set the chart on the counter and turned toward the exam table. My heart stopped and I froze in my tracks.

“Hey, Mia,” Tammy sneered.

“How in the hell did you get in here?” I said, loud enough that I hoped someone would hear, especially Michael.

Fuck, I really didn’t need her crazy ass here. “What do you want, Tammy?” I asked, glaring at her.

“I came to make peace with you. I wanted to apologize for my behavior,” she said, hopping off the exam table.

I held my hand up, stopping her. “It’s in the past, Tammy. Whatever happened is between you and Michael. Leave me out of it.”

“You two aren’t together then?” She cocked her eyebrow and grinned.

“We are together. We’re happy. I think you should go before he finds you here and calls the police.”

“He’s here?” she asked and looked at the door with excitement in her eyes.

Fuck. That wasn’t the response I’d hoped for when I told her that Michael was here. “He’s going to be really pissed if he sees you, Tammy. You better go for all of our sakes.”

“Maybe I can apologize to him too.” She smiled.

Clearly she was still delusional.

“Tammy, you need to leave,” I spoke louder than before, hoping to draw the attention of Michael or Cammie.

I was getting pissed. My fists were balled at my side. I never wanted to hit a person as much as I wanted to smack the shit out of her.

“Not until I can see Michael.” Sitting back down, she crossed her legs with that Snickers bar smile she wore so well.

“Fine,” I said, turning my head toward the door, keeping my eyes on her I yelled, “Michael!” I turned back toward her and we waited, staring at each other.

The door open and I heard Michael say, “What’s up?”

“We have a visitor.” I pointed to Tammy without look at him and held my hands up.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” he said, stepping in front of me, cutting off my view.

“I… I,” she stuttered. “I wanted to see you.”

“You’ve seen me and you’re violating the restraining order, Tammy. I will have you arrested for coming here.” Ever muscle in his body tensed as he stood between us.

He trusted her less than I did, but then again, he knew her better.

She slithered off the table and touched his cheek.

His body recoiled taking a step back, almost knocking me over. “Get out,” he said, pointing at the door.

“Come on, Michael. We were so good together.” She slid her arm around his neck.

She’s totally insane. Was I invisible to her?

I bit my lip not to say something to aggravate the situation.

Peeling her off him, he said through gritted teeth, “Are you shitting me right now with this shit?”

“No, I’m just stating the truth.” She looked at him with a frown and hurt in her eyes.

I’m not an angry person, but this bitch needed to be taught a lesson. Tammy isn’t and never will be a threat to our happiness, but to throw shit in my face was too much for me to take.

“You wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped you in the face. Go, Tammy. I don’t hit women, never have and always said I never would, but you’re getting real close to getting knocked on your ass,” Michael said calmly.

“You know I like it when you’re rough with me, Michael,” she said, moving closer to him with a sly smile, “the harder the better, like old times.”

“Okay, I’ve had enough,” I interrupted. I placed myself between her and Michael creating a barrier. He. Was. Mine. If anyone were to knock her on her ass, it would be me.

“I wasn’t talking to you, whore. I sucked his cock way before you came along. Sloppy seconds aren’t fun, are they?” She smirked.

“Calm down, Mia,” Michael whispered in my ear, grabbing my arm.

Motherfucker. My body shook from anger.

“Yeah, Mia. Know your place. I’m sure you don’t bring him to his knees like I did. You don’t have him smacking your ass as you come on his cock. His body was made for me and I gave him everything he ever wanted,” she said, stepping closer to me.

“You need to shut your damn mouth,” I seethed, with clenched fists, wanting to punch her in the face.

“Ladies,” Michael said, pushing us apart.

“What’s going on in here?” Cammie asked as she looked in the room.

“Call the cops, Cammie. Tammy is violating a court order,” Michael replied as he held us apart.

Tammy stood there with her hands on her hips like she was proving her point. Did she not hear a word he spoke?

“I’m fine, Michael. You can let me go,” I said.

Michael nodded, releasing his hold on me.

On the inside, my belly was burning and my hands were itching to smack her. I judged Michael and called him a barbarian for fighting, but in this moment, it clicked.

“You listen like a good bitch, don’t you?” she asked.

I looked at Michael and he winced. “He. Is. Mine, Tammy,” I said, separating each word to drive the point home.

“He may marry a girl like you, but he’ll always come to me for all the dirty things you don’t give him. You’re plain and boring and probably a rotten lay. He’ll always be mine.”

I closed my eyes, trying to control my rage. My heart pounded feverishly in my chest, my skin grew hot and I could hear the blood flowing through my ears.

Michael turned to her, crossing his arms in front of his chest, as he squared his shoulder. “Shut the fuck up, Tammy. Mia’s my girl, not you.”

“She stole you from me,” Tammy said sounding wounded.

“I did not,” I said stepping around him as he gripped my arm.

“You fucking did,” she yelled before smacking me in the face.

Everything else in the room disappeared except her and me. I lunged at her, my palm connecting to her face with a crack. “He’s mine,” I said as I landed a smack with my other hand. My hands throbbed as we tumbled backward, her body slamming against the tile floor.

“Fuck,” Michael yelled as his strong arms gripped my torso, trying to pull me off, but I had my legs wrapped around her body.

“Stop, Mia,” Michael roared trying to untangle me.

Blood trickled from her mouth as she lay there crying.

I blinked. I did this too her. I went ape shit and hit her… twice.

I released my legs and leaned over her body, resting my weight on my arms. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I don’t know what happened.”

“It’s okay, baby girl,” he said, lifting me up and cradled me in his arms.

“No, it’s not. I just snapped.” I didn’t know I had that in me. I’d never been pushed to that point in my life.

“She deserved it, Mia,” he said, kissing my forehead as he walked out of the room leaving Tammy on the floor in tears.

“She just wouldn’t shut her damn mouth.” I looked at her face through the open door, bloodied and tear filled. A wave of guilt rolled over me.

“You hit pretty fucking good for a girl,” Michael said, chuckling.

“Shut up, before I pop you one too,” I said, reaching for his lips.

I felt the smirk on his face as he laughed. “My, my how you’ve changed since that night in the bar. What did you call me? Barbaric?”

“Yeah, well. She clearly didn’t understand the English language. I didn’t have any other choice and she hit me first so I’m claiming self-preservation and defense.” He was right, but there was no way in hell I’d admit it.

“So, I’m yours, if I heard you right?” he asked.

I sighed and cradled his face in my hands. “Possession, remember?”

“I could never forget. I love you, Mia.” His eyes grew wide, shocked at his own words.

My heart stopped. I didn’t know how badly I wanted to hear that phrase until it slipped from his lips. My insides warmed and felt gooey. I loved Michael, but I would have never been the first to say it. Tears filled my eyes as I looked into his eyes.

“Gonna leave me hanging here, Doc?”

I smiled against his mouth. “Just this once… I won’t. I love you too, Michael.”

He crushed his mouth to mine, claiming each other, branding one another with a passionate kiss.

Epilogue

MICHAEL

Two months later

Mia wrapped her arms around me as I looked around the room, admiring the remodeled clinic. “You did an amazing thing here, Michael,” she said, resting her head on my back, smashing her breasts into me. Damn, she felt good.

“We, Mia. We did an amazing job.” I rubbed her arm and thought about how much life had changed in three months.

I couldn’t imagine a day without her. She made me happier than anything else in my life. I quit fighting and trying to climb the ranks. For her, I’d do anything.

My time was spent between the shop, the clinic, and Mia. There wasn’t time to fight without sacrificing my time with Mia.

Did I turn into a pussy? Not a bit. I could kick any motherfucker’s ass if given the chance.

I had a greater purpose in life – one that mattered and made a difference. I loved seeing the sparkle in Mia’s eyes every day. She wasn’t stressed and no longer had nightmares as often as she did before quitting her job. She made a difference to the people in the community and I felt like I played a role in making her dream become a reality.

“Is everyone here?” I asked, turning around.

“If you mean your family, yeah they’re all here. There’s a big crowd outside waiting for us to cut the ribbon and open up this bad boy.” She laughed. It was infectious.

“I have something for you first,” I said, reaching for an envelope I left on a waiting room chair.

She grabbed it, looking up at me she asked, “What is it?” as she tore it open.

“Read it,” I said, tapping the folded paper.

She slowly opened the paper; her eyes flickered to me and back to the paper. “Michael,” she said, covering her mouth.

“I couldn’t think of a better owner than you, Mia.” I brushed the small tear that trickled down her cheek.

Tears of joy had never made me feel so kickass. Some of the money came from donations and the rest from my family and I filled the gap personally. We knew that Mia was the perfect person to be the rightful owner of the building, giving her security that the clinic would always be there.

“I can’t believe this, but how?” she said, her eyes moving across the paper, as she gripped it with two hands.

“Doesn’t matter, Mia. It’s yours now.” I grabbed her chin and kissed her.

She jumped in my arms, kissing my lips before kissing my face. I laughed, letting her plant soft kisses on my skin.

“I’m speechless. I don’t know how to repay you for all this,” she said, waving her hands toward the room.

“I can think of a few ways,” I said, squeezing her ass as I laughed.

“I’m sure you will.” She rubbed her nose against mine, giggling.

“Let’s do this then. No reason to wait any longer.” I released her, letting her body slide down mine until her feet hit the floor.

“Ready,” she said, wiping her lips and eyes.

We opened the door, stepping outside to a group of about thirty people including patients, local media, and my family. Mia’s smile was radiant as she waved to the patients that she recognized in the crowd.

‘This is so exciting,” Ma said, grabbing my face, planting a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “And you, my sweet girl,” she said turning to Mia, “thank you for allowing me to be a part of this.”

My ma loved Mia as much as I did.

Mia’s cheeks flushed. “Thanks, Mrs. G. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Mia hugged my ma, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Come on, ladies. Let’s cut this ribbon and get the party started,” I said, ready to let everyone in to see the amazing work we did the last two months.

My parents, Mia, and myself all stood in front of the red ribbon with the largest pair of scissors I’d ever seen in my life being held up by Anthony and Izzy. Suzy stood next to Joseph, holding him by the arm as he leaned on his cane. The only person missing was my brother, Thomas.

Flashes from the crowd blinded me as Mia fidgeted at my side. I squeezed her hand hoping to calm her.

My father held his hands up, motioning for quiet. He turned to Mia and nodded.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming. The Gallo family has been kind enough to help give the clinic a new life. They helped raise funds to rehab and bring the facility up-to-date. We’re proud to offer the community the best medical care possible.” Her voice was strong as she spoke.

She was meant for this, meant to be in the spotlight.

“Without their generosity, none of this would be possible. We will have a full-time on staff doctor, a nurse, and a receptionist along with the volunteer physicians that will work in the clinic to meet the needs of all patients. Thank you for coming today and making this moment even more special.” With a beaming smile, she looked at me and winked.

Fuck, I loved her.

The crowd clapped and cheered as we held up the scissors before cutting the ribbon. Flashes illuminated around us as I grabbed her, kissing her as the people in the crowd cheered louder.

“Come on, Doc. Show the people around,” I said.

She smiled at me before turning her attention back to the people. “Come on everybody, I can’t wait to show you all the changes.”

The people entered the clinic with the same shocked expression. Their mouths hung open, their eyes looked around as they turned their head taking in every inch.

Mia showed people round the new exam rooms as I stayed in the waiting room. I watched her walk in and out of the rooms with small groups of people that hung on her every word.

“Is my baby in love?” my mother asked, standing at my side.

I jumped, grabbing my chest. “Ma, you about gave me a heart attack.”

She laughed before resting her head on my bicep. “I see the way you look at her, Michael. You wouldn’t do all this, if you weren’t in love with Mia.”

Heat crept up my chest to my face. “I do love her, Ma.”

“Well then,” she said, clearing her throat, “someone better give me a damn grandchild already. I know I taught you boys about birth control, but for the love of God, you or Joseph better make it happen, and I mean quick.”

“I’ve been practicing,” I smirked as I looked down at her beautiful smile.

“You’ve had enough time for that, you’re getting older, don’t wait too long, Michael.”

“Ma, Joe and Suzy have been together longer and they live together. Put a little pressure on them first, will ya?” I turned, getting a glimpse of Mia before looking back to my mother.

“Oh, don’t worry about that, I am.” She laughed. ”They’re practicing too, plenty from what I hear from your sister. Is Mia coming to the party at the house after this?”

My family was filled with gossips. Nothing stayed a secret for very long.

I swear sometimes my ma used any excuse to have a party. She loved to cook and have everyone over to talk. She hated how quiet the house had become since we moved out. “Yeah, she’s coming. You didn’t invite too many people, did you?”

“Baby, do I ever invite too many people?” She smiled at me, but it was a bullshit smile.

Sighing, I said, “Always.” I kissed the top of her head.

Her body shook against my arm with her silent laughter. “Never you mind that. I’m going to head home and start getting things ready with your father. Gather the troops when everyone is gone and come over. Don’t dilly dally.” She patted my stomach and walked toward my father. He nodded at her and shook the man’s hand he’d been talking with before they walked to the door hand in hand.

“You did real good, Mikey,” Izzy said, as she crept up next to me.

“Does everyone feel the need to sneak up on me today?” I crossed my arms over my chest but didn’t turn to face her.

“Cranky ass, aren’t ya? I didn’t sneak up anywhere. If you weren’t so hypnotized by Mia you would’ve heard me.”

I guess I was that obvious. I thought I hung out and blended in with the crowd, but I guess I didn’t. “Am I staring at her like a creep?”

Izzy smacked my arm. “Nah, like a love sick puppy is all.”

“Great,” I muttered, scrubbing my hands across my face.

“I’m going to go. I have a stop to make before I head to the party,” Izzy said and stood on her tiptoes, grabbing my arm and kissed my cheek.

“Don’t be long, Izzy. Ma will have a cow.”

“No worries. I’ll be there in plenty of time.” She winked and waved as I turned my attention back to Mia.

I shook hands with the people as they left. They thanked me for my family’s generous gift to the clinic. I told them that none of it would be possible without Dr. Greco and they’d nod and smiled.

When the crowd thinned, I sat down, resting my head against the wall. I could hear Mia talking in the back as she continued to walk room to room with the few people left. I closed my eyes and listened to her voice.

Soft warm lips pressed against mine. As I opened my eyes, I hoped they were Mia’s. “Everyone’s gone. Are you ready?” she asked as she pulled away.

“Yeah, we better go before Mama Gallo puts out an APB.”

She giggled, climbing in my lap. “You make her sound so horrible, but your mom is a sweetheart,” she said, resting her forehead against mine.

“You’ve never seen her other side, Mia. She’s Italian and has a temper. No mild mannered woman can raise four boys.”

“I’ll remember that,” she said, caressing my cheek.

“If we sit here any long I’m going to christen the waiting room and maybe one of the exam rooms. How do those stirrup things work again?” I smirked against her lips.

Mia smacked me, shaking her head. “Oh, no you don’t. Not today at least.” She jumped off my lap and held her hand out.

“You’re lucky my ma is waiting or else I’d say fuck it, and take you right here, right now.” I grabbed her hand.

“Yeah, just my luck.” She rolled her eyes and giggled.

To see Mia so happy and full of laughter made everything worth it. The long hours at the clinic and shop, busting my ass to get it done right.

She completed me.

Jesus, now I’m quoting Jerry McGuire.

Dick check. It’s still there. Whew.

I may not be a pussy, although I’d never it admit, I was pussy whipped.

Mia did that to me and I couldn’t be fucking happier.

* * *

“All women are crazy,” I said, as we walked to my parents’ front door.

“Let’s qualify crazy.” She coughed.

I called Tammy crazy, but my ma wasn’t. Ma was more excessive than crazy. There wasn’t an open spot in the driveway or on their block for that matter.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

“I told my ma to have a small get together. There has to be at least fifty people in that house based on all these cars.”

“Leave her alone. It makes her happy, right?” Mia asked, rubbing my arm.

“Yeah,” I said, grabbing her hand and placing a kiss in her palm.

“Everyone is waiting to see you.”

“To see us, Mia, not just me.” I pushed opened the door and shook my head.

“Hey,” a few voice sounded as we walked inside.

I couldn’t see an open space from the foyer, through the great room and out to the pool. Wall to wall people, holding drinks filled my parents’ home. I held Mia’s hand as we made our way through the house.

“Wait,” she said, stopping to grab a photo from a side table near the couch.

“What?”

Holding it close to her face she asked, “Is this you?” She looked at me and back to the photo.

“Yep, that’s me.” I forgot my mother had the photo sitting out for the world to see.

“You look so…so….” She swiped her fingers across the glass with a smile.

“Handsome? Buff? Sexy?” I asked with a grin.

“I was going to say young, but we can go with your descriptions if you prefer,” she said and giggled.

“I was a whole lot of trouble back then,” I said, as I grabbed my freshman year wrestling photo.

Too much of my manhood showed through the tiny maroon singlet, but when I had it on back in the day, I wore it like a proud son of a bitch.

“You haven’t changed much since then,” she said as I put the photo back exactly where my mother had it.

“Checking out my cock?” I whispered in her ear.

“Shh.” She turned, hitting me. “Someone might hear you.”

“They’re loud and Italian, trust me, they didn’t hear a thing.”

“I did,” Joe said, as he smacked my ass with his cane.

“Lucky I don’t hit the handicapped, brother.” I gave him a giant bear hug. “Where’s Suzy?” I asked looking around.

“Girl talking. It makes me bat shit crazy. I love the woman, but being with her twenty-four-seven can be a test to any relationship.” He shook his head and laughed. “Thank god I can walk now and go to the shop for a couple hours”

“I haven’t talked to the girls lately. Maybe I’ll go join them and let you two chat.” Mia kissed my cheek.

“Go ahead, love. I’ll find Ma and let her know we’re here.” I patted her ass and watched her walk away.

“You got it bad, bro. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one around here being led around by my balls.” Joe slapped me on the back.

I sighed. This family – I loved them, but they were all a pain in the ass.

* * *

MIA

I felt like I weighed two hundred pounds as I grabbed the open spot next to Suzy on the couch. “My god, do they always eat like this?” I asked.

“Always,” Suzy said with a sigh, leaning back as she rubbed her stomach. “I swear I’ve gained ten pounds since I started hanging out with this family. Everything revolves around food. Doesn’t matter the occasion food is always on hand.”

“At least it’s good food,” I said, happy to be off my feet. The couch felt like lying on a cloud of feathers. The soft cotton material would make it hard to stay awake.

“She’s the best cook ever. I look forward to coming here on Sunday. Don’t get me wrong, Joey is an amazing cook, but nothing beats his mother’s home cooking.”

“I wish Michael could cook.”

“Whatcha girls talking about?” Izzy said, as she plopped her skinny ass between us.

“Talking about your brothers,” Suzy said.

“I have all the dirt, ladies. I can tell you some stories that would make you fall off the couch in a fit of giggles,” Izzy replied.

“Why isn’t Anthony taken?” I asked.

“He likes to play the field. Someday a lady will bring him to his knees and have him begging to be his, but until then he prefers the man whore status. He’s gets a little carried away with his groupies,” Izzy said sarcastically. “Men, total pigs. It’s bullshit that he’s sowing his wild oats and playing the field and if a girl did that shit she’s easy and a slut.”

“Sexism will never die,” Suzy replied, patting Izzy on the leg.

“Not in this damn family – too many cocks for it to be equal. Having you ladies around helps, though. My ma and I have always been outnumbered.”

She made me feel like I was part of the family. I wanted to fit in and be a member of this tight knit group. Holidays, including Christmas, had consisted of my parents and me for the last couple of years.

“If you two bitches have kids they better have vaginas.” Izzy laughed. “The world isn’t big enough for anymore Gallo men.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that for a while,” I said quickly.

“Yeah, not an issue,” Suzy said sitting up.

“Suzy, come on. Joey has your ass on your back more than a two-bit whore looking for her next fix. Your ass is going to get knocked up sooner or later.”

“We’re careful, Izzy.”

“Whatever. Someone better give my mother a damn grandchild. She’s already crocheting blankets and she’s going to get desperate and start bothering me if you ladies don’t come through. I’m entirely too young to ruin this body.”

“Oh, shut the hell up, Izzy,” Suzy said, as she slapped Izzy’s hand down.

“I’m just saying, Suzy. It’s your duty to carry on the Gallo Legacy.”

“Fucking great. Don’t let Joey hear you say that,” Suzy muttered, closing her eyes and pinching her nose between her fingers.

A shadow fell over us and I peered up to see Joe looking at us with curiosity.

“Let me hear Izzy say what?” Joe asked with a crooked smile.

Suzy looked up, a giant smile painted on her face. “Nothing, sweetie,” she said without flinching.

“Babies, Joe. Get on that shit,” Izzy said, smacking his good leg.

“I’m on that shit all time, aren’t I, sugar?

Her cheeks turned pink as she looked at him “There’s always room for improvement,” she said with a smirk.

I loved this family as much as I loved Michael. They had become my home away from home with my parents back in Minnesota. Suzy and Izzy were the sisters I never had and always wanted.

Michael was my savior.

Saving me from my nightmare, from the heart crushing sadness of the ER and giving me the greatest gift of all – happiness.

The End