“It’s probably not a bad idea when you add in my various aunts and uncles and cousins. I’m lucky, though, everyone gets along pretty well, for the most part. There’s no major animosity. I never felt pulled in one direction, or anything like that. Though holidays have always been like a whirlwind tour.”
I refill our wine glasses and head into the living room. We snuggle into the couch, and it all seems so natural, just being here with Ev.
“Something tells me our family holidays are on opposite ends of the spectrum, Molls.”
“From what Elaine has said, you’re right,” I admit.
“Edward and Patrice Madigan are an acquired taste, I guess. One I still haven’t acclimated to, and I’m forty,” he jokes.
“Is now a bad time to mention that I’ve fantasized about throat-punching your mother?”
“Not at all,” he smiles. “She’s nasty and judgmental. Unfortunately, Elaine always bore the brunt of that. I’m sure my mother began aiming her vitriol in my direction when I was a kid, but I never paid much attention to her.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“Agreed. And I left for college right after I graduated and never really looked back. Of course, that’s not to say I’ve steered clear of toxic relationships. And I have the divorce papers to prove it.”
“Yea, Elaine filled me in on that, too. To say that your sister was not a fan of your ex is an understatement.”
“That’s because my ex is a bitch, and my sister is a kind, loving person.”
“From what I’ve heard, this is also true. So, if I can repeat your earlier question, how did you two meet?”
“Is it that hard to imagine? Victoria and I were a marriage made in corporate heaven. Her dad was a partner in the company I work for. We met at a social function about ten years ago, and that was it. She liked the lifestyle I could offer, and I liked the connections she could offer.”
I turn to face him, because this feels like the sort of conversation that should be had face-to-face. He cradles me, so I’m still wrapped in his arm, but we can see each other now. The honesty in his eyes is familiar and reassuring.
“I won’t sugarcoat it, Molly. I’m not void of emotion like my parents, but I’ve been known to be a bit of an asshole. I was definitely laser-focused on my career after grad school, and it’s fair to say I made decisions with upward mobility in mind.”
“Are you still?”
“Laser-focused on my career?”
“No, an asshole.”
He laughs. “Not nearly as much.”
“I can live with that.” I hear myself say the words, and they should scare me. I’m not ever going to put myself in a position where I’m living with any part of Ev,metaphorically or otherwise. And yet, my reassurance is genuine.
He takes the last swallow of his wine. I offer more, but he declines. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything else? Dessert, maybe? I made brownies.”
“Dessert first, then brownies.” His answer requires no explanation as he lays me back on the couch and kneels between my thighs. He takes his time kissing his way down my body, removing clothing as he goes.
“Feel free to do this for the rest of eternity,” I say, proud that I can still form words.
“I’m leaving for Miami in the morning, so there will be a slight hiatus. But I swear I’ll make it up to you.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
Stella: Don’t hold dinner for me, dear. The girls want to try that new casino that opened up in Delaware.
Molly: Have fun! And don’t forget what you taught me.
Stella: How could I? It’s the Golden Rule of Casinos. One pocket for what you can spend and one pocket for what you’ve won.
Molly: That’s my gal. Are you staying over?
Stella:We are. We just can’t do a day trip like we used to, not with Faye’s bursitis acting up. Bill and Doreen found us a little B&B outside Wilmington, so we’re all set.
