Without Me (21 page)

“
W
e’re so sad
you couldn’t make it to girls’ night out last week,” Izzy told Max as we slid into the booth along the back wall.

Max smiled at Izzy. “Yeah?”

“It wasn’t the same without you,” Suzy added, sitting in a chair across from Izzy.

After Max couldn’t make it to girls’ night out because of some work event, which I found a way to skip, we decided to get together as a group. Everyone came. Max’s brother brought Brenda and all the Gallos, including James. My parents agreed to watch Gigi for the night so we could have a celebration.

On one side of the table sat Izzy, James, Denzel, Brenda, Max, and myself. In the chairs across from us were Mike, Mia, Thomas, Angel, Suzy, and Joe. Malia and Nita took opposite ends of the table for “maximum view,” as they liked to call it.

“I’m just glad Suzy could make it out again,” Max said as she brushed Suzy’s long blond hair away from her shoulder.

Max had grown close to the girls over the last months or so. They rallied around her through text messages, phone calls, and lunch while we were waiting for her results and even afterward. I could never thank them enough for everything they did to make her feel welcome and like a member of the family, especially after the results were given to us.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I swear that baby is going to be the death of me.”

“Sugar, you’re the best mother in the world,” Joe said before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Enough of me whining, we’re here to celebrate. Champagne?” Suzy asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yes!” I said as I slammed my open palm down on the table. “Wait. Can you drink while breastfeeding?”

She laughed and shook her head. “Technically no, but I have a stock pile of breast milk saved for occasions just like this.”

“Really?” Mike asked as he blanched. “That’s just so…”

“Responsible,” Mia added before he could finish his statement.

“How does that work exactly?” I asked, trying to visualize how the milk goes from breast to bottle. “I mean, do you milk yourself by hand?”

“Oh, Jesus,” Mia said, slapping her forehead as everyone groaned.

“You are not that dense.” Thomas shook his head.

“Yo!” I yelled, pointing at myself. “I know nothing about babies. Women, yes. Breasts, yes. Milking, um, no.”

“It’s okay, Anthony.” Suzy laughed, reaching across Max to touch my hand. “There’s a machine that pumps the milk out.”

I scratched my chin, trying to picture it. “Does it look like the breast pumps I can get at Todd Couples Superstore? You know those ones you can use,” I said as I pretended to attach them to my chest, “to get your kink on while you’re eating—” A hard slap to the back of my head stopped me. I glared at Joe, knowing exactly where that hand came from.

“Just stop.”

“You’ve turned into a prude fucker, Joe,” I spat.

“Yep, they’re almost exactly like that,” Suzy replied as she swatted Joe’s arm. “Be nice to him.”

“Why?” he growled, peering down at her. “He says dumb shit.”

“He’s curious, baby.” Suzy patted his arm before looking over at me. “They aren’t as fun as the ones you’re talking about, though, Anthony. Your brother can attest to that.” Suzy broke into laughter.

“I don’t want to know, Suzy,” I said as I blanched. “I like to think of you as an angel.” I smiled as she blushed.

“What a crock of horseshit,” Izzy declared. “Suzy is one of the dirtiest bitches out there.”

“Am not,” Suzy said.

“Are too,” Mia agreed, and threw a sugar packet at Suzy.

“Izzy, shall we discuss your necklace?” Suzy asked as she raised one eyebrow and gave Izzy a cocky grin.

“No!” Izzy snapped with wide eyes.

“What’s she talking about?” Thomas asked, looking between James and Izzy.

“Nothing,” Izzy said without giving James a chance to respond.

“I’m not stupid. I know James too well,” Thomas said as he mouthed “we’re going to talk later” to James, who gave him a nod.

“Why do I always think I’m missing something?” I asked Max.

“It’s okay, babe. I’ll tell you about it later,” she whispered, and kissed my lips.

“So,” Izzy drawled, “where’s the waitress so we can get some champagne?”

Just then a woman popped up out of nowhere as if she was summoned. “What can I get y’all?” she asked as she stared at me.

I closed my eyes. It was Candy—the Candy whom I slept with more than once and regretted with every fiber of my being. She was a train wreck and I couldn’t shake her. I had to remember to scratch this place off my list.

“Anthony,” she said. “Long time no see.”

“Candy,” I replied, avoiding eye contact.

“Candy,” Max snarled, and squeezed my leg, digging her nails into my skin.

“Are we celebrating?” Candy asked.

“Yeah,” I said, and raised my eyes to meet hers. “We’re celebrating my engagement.” I smiled at her, not feeling an ounce of guilt.

Her face fell as she narrowed her eyes at me. “Well hell, just a few months ago we were—”

My stomach dropped. “Stop right there,” I said, holding up my hand. “You will not disrespect Max. Candy, I don’t know who you think you are, but this is a family affair and I’d prefer another waitress.” I put my arm around Max, drawing her head to mine and placing a kiss on her cheek.

“So would I,” Max inserted as she glared at Candy.

“I was going to say that we were at the Ritz and you two were talking. Jesus, I’m not total trash. Congrats, asshole,” she retorted before stomping off.

“What the fuck was that about?” Denzel asked, turning to watch Candy storm away.

“Anthony always had problems with the ladies,” Mike answered for me.

“There weren’t any problems, that’s the issue,” Max said.

“Enough about Candy, for shit’s sake. I have the woman I want sitting next to me and nothing and no one will ruin it,” I declared.

“I’ll go get another waitress,” Denzel said as he left the table.

As the girls began to chat, I kept my eyes trained on Denzel. He spoke with the bartender, motioning to our table with his head as their eyes found their way to our spot. Before he walked back to the table, he found Candy and grabbed her by the arm. They were having a heated conversation from the looks of it. She kept glancing toward our table as she spoke to him.

“All set,” Denzel said as he sat back in his chair.

“What was that about?” Max asked, tilting her head toward where Candy and Denzel had just spoken.

“Nothing. Just making sure we’re left alone.”

“Denzel, you don’t always have to come to my rescue,” she said as she rolled her eyes.

“You’ll always be my baby sister, and I’m sure as these fine gentleman sitting here can attest to, I’ll protect you forever, Max.”

“Men are impossible.”

“We’ve known that for years.” Mia snickered. “Welcome to the Gallos.”

“Don’t worry,” Izzy told Max. “They think they run the show, but we know who really holds the power.”

“Lies,” I muttered as a new waitress set down three bottles of Dom Pérignon chilling in ice buckets at the center of the table and another girl placed champagne flutes in front of each person.

Joe, James and I grabbed a bottle and started to fill the glasses. When everyone had a full glass, Joe stood from his chair and held the champagne in the air, clearing his throat.

“We have a lot to celebrate tonight. First to Max and Anthony and their upcoming wedding: may you find the happiness that only lives in the movies. I never thought I’d live to see the day, but I’m damn proud of you. Max, welcome to the family and I hope you always find it in your heart to forgive my brother for being such an asshole.”

“It’s what I love about him most,” Max added as she raised her glass higher.

“I thought it was my giant cock?” I teased, which earned me an elbow to the ribs.

Joe continued, ignoring my comment, “We’d also like to celebrate Thomas returning safely to the family. Angel, thank you for making my brother happier than I’ve seen him in a long time.” Thomas and Angel both nodded at Joe with smiles. “Denzel and Brenda, welcome to the family. What used to be five is now twelve. We’ve been blessed and the best is yet to come.” He raised his glass and everyone followed suit.

“Big pansy,” Mike muttered as he lifted the glass to his lips.

“Don’t fuckin’ start with me,” Joe growled, setting his glass on the table.

“So, Max,” Mia said between sips. “What kind of dress are you going to wear?”

“I don’t want to know,” I said quickly. “It’s bad luck.”

“Dumbass, its bad luck to
see
the bride in the dress before the wedding.” James sighed and rubbed his forehead.

“I don’t give a shit. I’m taking no chances.”

“Why don’t we switch places so the girls can all gab while you boys talk about whatever it is you talk about?” Brenda said.

“Fantastic plan,” Mia said, shooing Mike away. “Everyone switch.”

“But I want to sit next to my fiancée,” I whined, and didn’t move.

“Fine,” Izzy said with a groan. “You two stay where you are and the rest of us will move. Because, ya know, the universe revolves around your ass.”

“I know it does. At least for tonight, since it’s
our
celebration, little sister.”

“Whatever,” she whispered, and rolled her eyes again.

James leaned over, speaking in Izzy’s ear. “If you roll your eyes one more time, I swear I’m going to spank your ass.”

I sat up straight. James had threatened Izzy. I’d never heard him say he’d spank her. I thought about standing and intervening, but I changed my mind when she looked him right in the eyes and rolled her beautiful blues backward.

He bit his lip, hiding his amusement as he gripped her arm. “Excuse us. I need to talk to Izzy really quick,” he said as he tipped his head to everyone. Izzy smiled and almost skipped away as James kept hold of her.

“What the fuck was that about?” Mike asked as he sat down next to me.

“You don’t want to fuckin’ know,” I replied as I shook my head. “Some shit you just can’t unhear.”

“Shit is the truth, brother.”

It was the first night in a long time that everything seemed to fall into place. As a group, we just fit together. The additions of our significant others didn’t make our love diminish or alter the way we felt for each other. No. It had made us a stronger unit and a force to be reckoned with. We were the Gallos—even Denzel would get his honorary membership for the way he handled Candy.

After their conversation, I didn’t see her face again the rest of the night. I didn’t know until afterward that he offered her three hundred bucks to get lost for the night or else he’d unleash his sister on her ass. Candy was at least smart enough to take the offer and tell her boss she was too sick to finish her shift.

As I looked around the table, I realized that much of our wedding party sat around us. The only two people who were missing were a couple of the guys from the band who were going to partner with Nita and Malia. I’d paired them with men who would be able to handle their type of aggression. When they saw pictures of the guys, Nita and Malia both thanked Max. I guess they figured they’d be able to paw a tattooed man and maybe get lucky in the process.

I sat back, listening to everyone chat as their voices faded. I was the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet. There was so much love at this table that I felt like my heart would burst.

No longer was I an asshole, but I had drowned in love so deep that I couldn’t remember what life was like without Max by my side.

In a few short weeks she’d be mine for eternity.

“
M
a
, this is Mrs. Washington,” I said as I held out my hand to Ruth.

“Ruth,” she said with a small grin.

“Ruth, this is my ma, Maria.”

The two women smiled at each other.

“Ruth?” Ma asked, her eyebrows knitting together.

“Maria,” Ruth replied as she held out her arms to my ma.

I looked at Max and she shrugged. Good thing I wasn’t the only one lost.

“You look so good, Ruthie. I haven’t seen you in what?”

“Five years,” Ruth replied as she squeezed Ma.

“Anyone want to share?” Max said.

“Oh, child,” Ruth said as she let my mother go.

“Well, Ruth and I used to be part of a ladies’ group. I joined when we moved here years ago. Sal thought it would be a great way for me to make new friends. We’d meet for lunch once a week and sometimes have drinks when we needed to lean on one another.”

“So you two, like, know each other?” I asked as I tried to hide my shock.

“We do,” they answered together.

“Maria and I would talk often, but when your father started to get sick I didn’t have as much free time. We’d lost contact.”

“I’m so sorry to hear about your husband, Ruth. I can’t imagine.”

“Thank you, Maria,” Ruth replied with a small smile. “It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through in my life.”

“Ruth?” Pop asked as he approached. “What are you doing here?” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Max is my daughter, Sal.”

Pops eyes grew wide as a giant smile crept across his face. “What a small world. I never put two and two together.”

“We’re going to be related,” Ma added as she clapped her hands.

“Who would’ve known, Maria? Those times when we shared pictures of our kids and bitched about them that they’d end up together.”

“You bitched about us?” Max asked as her body stiffened.

“You two were a handful, if I remember correctly. Don’t even get me started on the other kids.” Ma laughed and was quickly joined by Ruth.

“I’m sorry I never called, Maria. Time got away from me after he passed and I barely made it through most days.”

“All is forgiven, Ruth. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you through that time in your life.”

“Let’s make sure to get back to lunch and drinks. We’re going to have so much fun planning this wedding.”

“Right?” Ma agreed. “I’m not letting you out of my life again. We’re going to be family. I can’t wait to have more grandbabies.”

“Can we get married first?” I asked as I watched the two grow excited at the thought of more little ones.

“Phew,” Earl called out as he walked into the private room at Morton’s Steakhouse and stared at my mother. “That right there is a fine specimen.”

Clara gave him a crack in the back of the head. “Behave, Earl.”

“Clara, I was talking about the steak,” he said as he pointed at the display sitting behind where my mother stood.

“You’re a horrible liar.”

“I’m Earl,” he said as he held out his hand to Ma.

“Maria,” she replied as she slid her hand into his.

“I’m Sal, Maria’s husband,” Pop interjected before Earl had a chance to kiss Ma’s hand.

“Lucky bastard,” he whispered against Ma’s hand. “That’s mine,” he said as he tipped his head backward. “Clara.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Clara.” Pop wrapped her into a hug and kissed her cheek.

Clara slid her hands up and down my father’s back as he embraced her. The entire time, a giant smile clung to her face. “There’s entirely too many good-looking men in this room,” Clara added as she glanced around and zoomed in on my brothers.

“We’re Gallos,” I added, being my cocky asshole self.

“You sure do grow them right,” she said as she cleared her throat.

“What did you say?” Earl asked as he stared at her and then followed her line of sight.

“I said I don’t wanna fight.”

“What would we fight about?” he asked as he glared at her.

“Everything.”

Watching the two of them made my head hurt. I wondered if they ever had a serious conversation.

He slapped her on the ass as her body jolted forward. “Get me a drink, woman.”

“That right there,” she said as she looked down at his arm, “will make you never wake up from your sleep again.”

“You keep promising, but I always wake up to your sparkling personality.”

“Why don’t we find our seats,” I said as I held out my arm, hoping to get everyone moving. They followed my cue and headed toward the tables.

“Thank you,” Max whispered as she slid her arm around mine.

“Can you believe our mothers know each other?”

“It’s so weird. How did we not know about each other and how did they not notice us when we met them?” I asked, thinking about how funny life could be.

“I’ve seen the pictures of you when you were younger, Anthony. You weren’t quite as handsome as you are now.”

“Puhlease. I’ve always been a lady-killer.” I pinched her ass as she yelped.

“Keep telling yourself that. It’s a good thing teenage girls don’t have such high standards.”

“Yeah, ’cause you were hot with your mouth filled with metal and your dorky oversized glasses.”

“I was in style even then.”

“Max, baby. You’re a beautiful woman today, but then, I would’ve run away from you,” I teased as I pulled out her chair.

“Keep believing that, Anthony.”

I was lying through my teeth. Even in the pictures where she looked like a gawky teenager, she was still stunning. Her features were so pronounced and exotic that not even giant glasses could hide her beauty.

I moved my chair closer to hers as we faced the room full of our closest friends and family.

Pop stood, tapping a knife against his wineglass. “I’d like to propose a toast.” The room grew silent as all eyes focused on him. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming tonight to celebrate the joining of our two families. Until tonight Maria and I hadn’t realized that we’d known Max for many years. Ruth and Maria had been close friends who had lost touch. This is not only a joining of Max and Anthony, but a reunion of families. We couldn’t be happier to be gaining a daughter as beautiful and loving as Max to our oldest son, Anthony.” He raised his glass and finished with a “
salute
.”

Max grabbed my thigh under the table and gave it a hard squeeze as we sipped our champagne.

“Kiss,” Nita said, clanking her silverware against the glass.

Without hesitation, I grabbed Max by the back of the neck before she had a chance to set the glass down on the table and crushed my lips to hers.

“Babies,” Ma called out from down the table.

I laughed, pulling away from Max. “And so it begins,” I whispered, and looked into the eyes of my future.