Page 41 of Patrick

Emerging from my room, finally presentable—which took more effort than usual after last night, but I’ll take it because last night was worth so much more than an extra layer of makeup—I join Ricci, Nina, and Darcy at the coffee maker where they’re lined up waiting for their cups of the magic brew.

“Glad you’re finally joining us,” Ricci says, a snide smirk in place. “Or are you? Is Trick still in your room waiting for round two? Or is it round three?”

Darcy snorts. “Is his pecker as big and talented as the rumors claim?”

While I try to hold back the blush of embarrassment, I try to think of something smart to say that won’t sound bitchy.

Nina’s eyes widen, and she rises to the bait on my behalf. “Shut. Up. Don’t call it a pecker. That’s just disrespectful.”

I laugh, grateful that Nina said it because I’m too biased to trust myself—plus, there’s no way I’m opening the door to sharing private information. And Trick’s body parts are the most private—and cherished—of all.

“I agree with Nina. I wish I could hang out and talk about the distinction between peckers and cocks—not—but I need to call my dad back.”

“Your father called you while you were in bed? That must have been a buzz killer,” Ricci says.

“More like a pecker-shrinker,” Darcy says, making us all laugh in spite of her use of the P-word again.

“Call him later,” Nina says.

“I wish I didn’t need to call him at all.” I sit on the counter stool because I need a few sips of coffee at least before I talk to my dear dad. Guilt is killing me with the scent of Trick still lingering in my memory.

“Why not?” Darcy asks. “You don’t get along with your dad?” Her interest perks up.

“It’s… complicated.” I glance at Ricci. I’ve never said directly that I’m forbidden from seeing Trick, but she and Nina might have figured it out since it’s no secret back home that our families are enemies, or heated rivals at the least.

“Do tell,” Darcy leans in.

Nina frowns. “It has to do with you seeing Trick, doesn’t it?”

I nod, looking into my coffee cup for solace. Luckily, I’m not a big drinker or I might throw a shot of whiskey in the cup the way I feel. But dammit, after spending the night we had together, I should be wallowing in giddy happiness.

“Yes, Dad forbade me from seeing Trick since high school when Frank caught us—well, you know.” I wave a hand. I’d told them about the kiss and Frank at the time, but not about Dad and the aftermath.

“Shit,” Ricci says. “I would not want to be Trick on the receiving end of Leo’s wrath.”

“Exactly. So all this is extra top secret.” I turn to Darcy and give her one of those promise-me looks.

She crosses her heart. “Who would I tell? I don’t know your family.”

Her words are only semi-reassuring.

Picking up my cup, I stand. “I’m probably making a big deal out of nothing. He’s probably calling to ask how I am.” I smile because he’s like that. He’s always cared about me—all of us.

“Say hello to Leo for me,” Ricci says. She worked at the family’s restaurant in high school for a while, and she and Dad got along. Which is one of the reasons he let me live on campus and share this apartment.

Taking my phone and my coffee cup, I head to my room and close the door. Sitting at my desk, I relax back in my pink leather desk chair and press Dad’s icon. It only takes one and a half rings for him to pick up.

“Sweetheart, I’m glad you called me back. Good news—your mom and I are coming to the UNH-BC game tomorrow night. We can go together to watch Vincent play. Then we can all go out to dinner after the game.”

He finally stops talking, but my mind keeps spinning. This blows up my plan to have dinner with Trick—and spend the night with him.

“Oh. Sure. Great. But… are you sure? Saturdays are your busy night at the restaurant. What about Frank? Wouldn’t you all rather go to the home game at B.C. on Wednesday?” My mind races through the implications and stops with a horrifying possibility. What if Trick’s family is coming to the game too?

“No problem. Frank can handle Saturday night at the restaurant.”

Shit. Part of me is glad to see my parents, though I get a twinge because Carmela won’t be with them either, but that can’t be helped since she’s so far away, and I’m still getting used to that. I’m barely used to my big teddy bear brother Tony being away in Canada.

It will be nice seeing them and sharing my excitement about the design class and Prof Matami, but I’m torn because it means changing my plans with Trick.