We stay another hour, sipping coffee and helping clear plates when things slow down. On our way out, her mom gives me a to-go box “in case the doctor needs snacks later.”
When Marcella ducks into the back to say goodbye to Rosa, her mom pulls me aside for more insight. “She doesn’t bring boyfriends here,” she whispers, folding her arms. “Not since college.”
I nod. “She told me.”
“She works too hard. Holds everything too tight.” Her mom takes both of my hands in hers.
“I know.”
Her gaze softens, just slightly. “She’ll pretend like she doesn’t need you. That’s her way. But she does.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I assure her.
She presses a warm hand to my cheek in a gesture so motherly and unexpected, I blink.
Then Marcella’s back, putting on her coat. “Ready?”
We drive in silence for the first few minutes, this time it’s comforting, not disquieting. It’s late and the rain is still coming down in a steady rhythm against the windshield. Marcella’s hand rests on the center console, and I cover it with mine.
“Thanks for bringing me to dinner.” I squeeze gently. “It was nothing short of amazing. Our families are so similar.”
The corner of her mouth tugs upward. “They liked you.”
“I liked them too,” I say honestly.
Marcella shoots me a look. “Even Rosa?”
“Especially Rosa. She has your back and wasn’t afraid to let me know.”
Marcella laughs. “Sorry…”
“Don’t be. If I had a sister like you, I’d be protective.” I lean over and kiss her temple. “My brothers are the same with me.”
She smiles and turns back toward the road. “It meant a lot you came.”
“Eventually you’ll get it through your thick head I’m going to follow you anywhere.” I stroke her cheek with my thumb.
She doesn’t answer. The way her hand slips over to rest on my thigh tells me all I need to know.
Half hour later as we near our exit, Marcella says quietly, without fanfare, “I’ll follow you anywhere too.”
No conditions. No defense.
Not a promise.
A true beginning.
twenty-five
Marcella
A Couple Days Later
ThedrivetotheMcGloughlin house takes less than twenty minutes, though my pulse seems to think I’m heading into a courtroom with no prep.
I’ve made corporations fold with a single citation. Stripped arrogant surgeons down to raw nerve in front of a jury. Walked into boardrooms packed with men twice my age and walked out with settlements they never saw coming.
Visiting Seamus’s family home and being introduced to his mother as his girlfriend feels infinitely more dangerous.
