Page 76 of Mercy
I feign a sad expression, “I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have taken you.”
“Oh,” she says trying to mask her disappointment, “It’s not a big deal. I probably wouldn’t like a concert anyway. Besides, if we are together, I’m sure this weekend will be amazing.”
Extending my arm, I squeeze her leg, “You’re amazing. Next time, tell me what you want before it’s too late, okay?”
She bites her lip, appearing lost in thought.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Nothing. You wouldn’t want to. It’s fine.”
I run a hand through my hair, it annoys me when she won’t just speak her damn mind, but I don’t want to snap at her this weekend.
“Mercy, tell me. If it’s something I don’t want to do, I’ll tell you. I need you to communicate with me. Come on, you're a social worker, you know how important it is.”
She stares out the passenger window as she speaking low, “It’s just that my parents live in New York, and I haven’t seen them in a while. They couldn’t make it to my graduation. But it’s too much to ask.”
“Baby girl, if you want to see your parents, then you will see your parents.”
Shaking her head, she says quietly, “I wantusto see my parents. I want you to meet them, Liam.”
I swallow hard, obviously at some point, she’d want me to meet her parents. But I hadn’t thought about it until now. I can’t imagine her parents will be pleased to meet me.
“Does your father own any guns?”
“He’s a detective with the NYPD, of course he does.”
I shake my head, “Fantastic.”
She takes my hand, “It’ll be okay, baby.”
Sighing, I ask, “Can it at least wait until Monday, so the rest of our plans aren’t ruined?”
Giggling, she nods, “Yes, sir.”
As we arrive in New York City, the traffic slows to a crawl. I hate this fucking place so much.I will never understand the fascination.
“Were you born here?”
She smiles, “No. I was born in Manhattan, but we moved to the Poconos before I started school. After I left for college, my parents moved to the city full time.”
Finally, we get to our hotel, and her excitement is palpable. “Oh my God, Liam this is amazing!” She shouts, “Oh doctor, you do know how to show a girl a good time.”
I get out and scowl as the valet gawks at my girl, looking her up and down, but I don’t say anything. There’s no way I’m ruining her mood.
As we walk into the hotel she stops, “Our bag!”
I laugh, “They will bring it up.”
Holding her close to me, we walk inside and to the front desk.
Twenty-Seven
MERCY
I standwith him at the guest check-in counter as he argues with the front desk attendant.
“I need our stay extended; we’ll be checking out on Tuesday instead of Monday.”
