After they’d left, Joe and I tried our best to get through the dinner as fast as humanly possible without offending Gino. Not that he would notice after all the whiskey he drank. He was annoying enough when he was sober—drunk, he was a total ass.
“Let’s do that again, soon.” My sarcasm was as thick as the cloud cover on Mount Everest during a storm.
“That was fun, hey. Such good company.” Joe was visibly irritated as we drove home, keen to get as much distance between us and Gino.
“At least it’s over and done with. The ‘dinner’ ice is broken. Next time, I’m going to have a hangnail emergency. You’re on your own then, hon.” I smiled as he gave me his “you rotten scoundrel” look.
“Wait 'til I get you home, you naughty girl. I’ll show you a hangnail.”
“Oooh, another badass in the Coli clan. Please, Mr. Gangster, don’t hurt me!”
“I see. You like badass do you? Good, cause I’m gonna be badass all over your cute little body later.”
I loved the way Joe looked when he was horny. He had an extra edge of sexy about him. His lips were fuller, his eyes sleepy, and his jaw morphed into a square, chiseled wonder—or maybe it was just me. I couldn’t wait until he got me home and naked.
It was late by the time we pulled into our driveway. The evening was clear, the stars studded the skies, and the wind was silent. Joe opened the door. I patted his hard buns as he dropped the keys in the basket next to the coat rack. He grabbed my hands, swung me around, and smacked me on the butt.
“It’s payday, missy. Come here. I’ll show you who the badass Coli is.”
He pulled me to him, grinding me with his groin as he showed off his fine manhood. It took my body a mere millisecond to respond to his. I was ready for my “punishment.”
“Ah, yes, punish me…”
The phone rang. Shitballs! Now what?
Joe moaned as I reached to answer. “Who would call so late? Don’t answer. We’re not home.”
“Hush, you honey devil.” I giggled. “It could be important.” I wriggled free and answered.
“Hello, Ella speaking.”
“Darling, it’s mama. Oh, darling, something’s happened.” My mother’s voice was frail, with a trace of panic.
“Mama, what’s wrong? What’s happened?” My heart took off at a hundred beats a minute.
“Your father had a heart attack this evening. We’re at the hospital.”
“Oh my god, Mama! Is he okay? Are you okay?”
“He’s out of the woods, darling. He’s going in for bypass surgery in a few minutes.”
“We’re on our way.” I hung up the phone before my mother could answer.
“What’s wrong, my love?” Joe asked.
“It’s my father, Joe. He’s had a heart attack. He’s going into surgery now.”
“Get your purse, let’s go.”
We were at the hospital in record time. Joe drove like a Grand Prix champion, while I tried to fight back the tears. The cardiology department was right at the back of the hospital entrance—by the time I got to it, I could have done with a bypass too. My mother was sitting in the room adjacent to the theatre, looking frail and scared. I threw my arms around her as I allowed my tears to spill over.
“Oh, Mama. I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Can I get you a coffee?”
“I’m so glad you’re here, my love. No, thank you. He’s just gone in. Now, we wait.”
“What happened, Mama?”
“We had just finished dinner. I was in the kitchen making coffee when I heard a dish crashing to the floor. Your father was lying on the ground, gripping his arm tightly. I called the doctor immediately, he called the ambulance, and here we are.”
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you, Mama. Joe and I were out to dinner.”
“It’s okay, my love. There was nothing any of us could have done anyway. The doctor said it was a mild attack, but I’m a mess, Ella.”
I remembered when my mom and I were up late, chatting in the kitchen. She’d looked stressed about something then, but I didn’t want to interrogate her.
“Mama, did you know papa wasn’t well?”
“We had a feeling. He had dizzy spells and terrible heartburn, but you know your papa, he’s bulletproof, or so he thinks. So, when the symptoms went away, he put it down to stress and didn’t see his doctor. I should have driven him there myself.” She started crying, uncontrollably.
“Don’t worry, Mama. He’s a fighter, I’m sure he’s going to be just fine. He’ll bounce back and get on your nerves for at least another thirty years.”
My mother smiled, but her eyes were sad and scared.
“Why don’t you go home for a quick shower and some clean clothes?” Joe said. “I spoke to the nurse, and she says Papa will be in the theatre for at least six hours. I’ll stay here, and Ella can go with you. I promise to let you know if there’s any news.” Joe was kneeling in front of my mother, holding her hands in his.
“That’s a good idea, Joe. Come, Mama, let’s go home to freshen up.”
“Thank you for your concern, my darlings, but I’m not moving from here. I’ll never forgive myself if your father wakes up and I’m not here.”
“Okay, you ladies stay here. I’ll go to the house and pick up a few things for you, Mama. Ella, will you make a list for me, please?”
“Thank you, Joe. Mama, what can Joe bring you?”
“I think your papa’s pajamas and slippers. The ones on the bed are fine. And his nightgown please, Joe. Also, his reading glasses and his book are on the nightstand. A
