“It was nothing. Just a brief kiss last night when we went to talk. That’s it.” Of course, the sparks from even such a short encounter still had her wanting more. That’s what she couldn’t afford to do. Wanting more is what had gotten her into this predicament in the first place. Why can’t I just be happy with what I have? Right now, it was the kiss she was thinking about, not the restaurant. Charlene might be teasing her, but really, she was only saying what Sofia didn’t have the guts to. With a sigh, she added, “But damn he can kiss.”
Charlene winked. “I’m sure he’s good at lots of things.”
If I find out, I’m not telling.Her cell phone rang, thankfully. “Hi Mama, is everything all right?”
“No. Did you see the news?”
“What’s wrong?” Sofia said, now filled with panic.
“Your brother Salvatore is in the city and there has been a shooting. He’s not picking up his phone.”
This wasn’t the first time her mother had freaked out. It must be difficult having your son as a policeman in such tough times. “Mama, Sal doesn’t work in the city.” Hopefully that eased her mind.
“He went to see the new baby. Oh my boy. What if—”
“Mama, don’t think like that. He probably shut off his phone so he didn’t wake the baby. I’ll call Dylan now and check.”
“Oh Sofia, I couldn’t bear it,” her mama said, voice shaking.
“I know, Mama. And trust me, Sal is okay. I’ll call you right back.”
She immediately called Dylan. Her mother was right, it was good to check on people you cared about. “Hi Dylan, I’m calling to check and make sure everything is okay with you. You and your family.” She didn’t want it to sound as if she wasn’t concerned about all the Lawsons equally.
“We’re fine. Why?”
“My mother said there was a shooting and she is worried because she can’t reach Sal. He’s supposed to be with Charlie. Can you please do me a favor and ask your brother if Sal is there safe and sound?”
“Of course. Hold on a minute.”
It seemed like forever while she waited, knowing her mother would be counting the seconds. When he got back on the line, she was relieved.
“Sofia, I spoke to both Charles and Sal. Sal will call your mother now. Everyone is okay. I guess he was holding Penelope.”
“Thank you, Dylan. I owe you. I hope this doesn’t become a habit.”
“Calling me?” Dylan asked.
“No. Me owing you.”
Dylan laughed. “If you want, we can chip away at that debt and you can have dinner with me.”
“Dinner? Tonight?” Sofia asked.
Charlene was nodding her head and shouted, “She’ll be ready.”
“Charlene, stop!” Sofia said covering the phone. But it was too late.
“So, six sound good to you?” Dylan asked.
Shooting Charlene a piercing look, she replied to Dylan. “That will be fine. Where should I meet you?”
“How about I pick you up and we can go—”
“Please don’t say Mama’s Place.”
He laughed. “I was actually going to say out for seafood. I know a place that has amazing lobster rolls and the view isn’t bad either. That is, if you don’t mind a bit of a drive.”
She wasn’t driving, so it didn’t matter. “Dylan, I’d be happy with something simple, like pizza or a burger.”