Page 87 of Under Watchful Wings
“Nicky… what am I going to do? Where will I live?”
She was already questioning her decision, so I took the box and got her moving. One step at a time. “After we visit Gran and Gramps, we’re going to spend the night at Uriel’s estate in Westchester. Tomorrow we’ll drive to my house in Maryland, and then we’ll move you into Henry’s old condo near where I live. You'll love the place.”
“Henry?”
I threw too much at her at once. “He’s my boyfriend. We live together. Let’s get in the car and we can talk on the ride.”
She kept walking, but only seemed to notice the car when we got closer. “Oh, my.” Mom stared at the Maserati and smiled. “You finally got your dream car.”
The joy in her voice gave me a rush. “Yeah. I bought it last week. If you like it, I’ll get you one. Or whatever else you want.”
“Nicky, no.” She looked flustered again. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
Not only was Kevin a shitty parent and a terrible husband, but he was also a cheapskate. “You expected nothing in return for all the things you did for me because you love me. I always dreamed of being able to get you away from the abuse. Now Ican. From now on, get used to getting all the things you wanted but never had.”
Uriel took the box from me so I could open the door. Mom covered her face with her hands and cried. The timing was fortuitous, as the front door opened suddenly. Kevin had a gun in his hand, and murder in his eyes.
Uriel made a motion Mom couldn’t see, and a gust of wind knocked the gun into the yard. Kevin fell back as if shoved and he crashed into Jacob, who squealed in protest. Another hand gesture, and Uriel slammed the door shut.
Uriel motioned with his eyes and I helped Ma into the back seat. I climbed into the passenger seat, while Uriel got in behind Henry.
Henry smiled at me and I might have swooned just a bit. "Ma," I turned toward her and pointed toward Henry. "This is my fiancé, Henry Angelini."
Flashing his most disarming smile, Henry extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Fenton."
Mom's grin as she looked between us made everything worthwhile. She wasn't my real mother, and I'd always regret not meeting Ariel, but Laura Fenton loved me like her son. It felt wonderful to give some of it back.
“So nice to meet you, Henry.”
Sparing a last look at the house, I half expected to see Kevin and Jacob charging out the door again, waving guns or something. Instead, the door stayed closed. As we pulled away, I imagined them fighting with each other about whose fault it was Mom left.
Pushing a button on the dashboard, I opened the phone app. A few taps later, a phone rang.
“Hello?” The voice was soft and hopeful.
“Hey Gran, it’s Nick.” I looked over my shoulder. “We have Ma and are heading to your house now.”
The End
