“Ahhhh fuck! Damn it, Lo. Close them!” The throbbing in my head grows at the light.
“No can do, buddy. We have business today.”
I growl at him as I take four of the pills and down the gross drink.
“Eck. What the fuck is this shit?”
Bash chuckles. “Nonna Rosa says it’s the cure to any hangover. She said you will feel better within the hour. Now go shower and dress. We have some business to handle today.”
“Go without me.” I moan.
“Seriously, Gio? You going to let the boss down because you got too fucking drunk last night?” I don’t care for the tone in Lo’s voice, but I can’t contradict him. He’s right. I knew we had things to do today. It just didn’t cross my mind when I was drowning my sorrows.
“Okay. I’m getting up.”
“That’s what I thought. Oh, and you owe me a new pair of shoes.” He calls out as I head to the bathroom.
I turn and glare at him. “Why is that?”
“Because you puked on mine last night. Learn to hold your liquor better.” Lo and Bash chuckle as they close the door behind me.
“Fucking assholes.”
I turn on the shower and jump in. I still feel like shit when I get out, but I must admit I feel marginally better now. I change quickly and make my way to the kitchen.
“Finally. Took you for-fucking-ever,” Lo jokes.
“Shut up, asshole. You deserved the puke on your shoes,” I mumble as I grab a mug for coffee.
Bash walks into the room, adjusting his cufflinks. “Get it to go, Gio. We’re running late.”
I don’t respond. I grab a travel mug instead and fill it up. Nonna Rosa comes in a minute later and frowns at me. “You look terrible, bambino. Here.” She reaches into the fridge and takes out two hard-boiled eggs and a bottle of orange juice. “Did you drink the juice I sent up with Bash?”
“Yes, Nonna.”
“Good. Eat these, grab a banana, and drink the juice. You will feel better soon.”
I give her a sweet smile as I shove one whole egg in my mouth. I have the urge to throw up, but I finally manage to choke it down before I shove the second one in. I wash it down with half the bottle of orange juice.
“Good boy, bambino.”
“Thank you, Nonna.” I chug the other half and feel queasy.
“Let’s go, then.” Bash heads out of the kitchen with Lo following him.
I grab a banana and my coffee before following.
“Bye, Nonna,” I call out.
Nonna Rosa’s a wonderful woman. She’s been caring for the family since she was in her teens. Rosa helped her mother until her mother died; then she took over. She never had any children of her own but always treats us as if we are her children. I briefly wonder who will care for us when she’s gone but shake the thought out of my head. I don’t want to think about a time without her.
By the time I make it to the SUV, Bash and Lo are already inside. I climb in the back next to Bash and close my eyes. I have to admit, I’m starting to feel a little better, but I still wish I could have slept off this hangover.
“So, Gio, want to tell me why I need to buy a new pair of shoes?” The sound of amusement in Lo’s voice pisses me off.
I miss the old Lo. The one who barely spoke.
“I don’t really know, Lo. I don’t remember.”
