Page 54 of Time Served in New York
“Not after that.”
“Come on, Mom. You know you love me.”
“I’m going to cut you out of the will.”
“Do you even have a will?”
“Of course I do.”
“You don’t need one anymore, Mom,” Zach reassured me, “It’s going to be okay now. I’ll make sure of it.”
“That terrifies me even more than living under your grandfather’s rule,” I admitted. “You promise you’ll be careful and make sure and get help from your uncles if you need it.”
“Of course I will. I’ve got the Russo and Romano families to lean on now too.”
“You’re right, but I’ll still worry.”
“Isn’t that your job?”
“It is, and you’re not making it any easier, Twat Knot.”
“Hey!”
“Get some plates and forks, please, and refill my coffee while I ice these.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Zach said as he stood up and started around the bar. “Dammit. You’re not supposed to boss me around anymore.”
“Whatever. I’m your mother.”
“But . . .”
“Boy, do what I said before I thump you.”
“No respect at all. None,” Zach muttered as he opened the cabinet door.
“Call your friends and see if they’re hungry. I have another pan ready to go in the oven, so there’ll be plenty.”
“Just like old times, huh?”
“No matter how big you are in this town, I’ll always be your mom and love you unconditionally, Zach.”
“I know. I love you too.”
“Good. Now wash your hands and get some napkins.”
“Good grief.”
“Use soap!”
“No respect,” Zach grumbled with a tortured sigh.
When I heard the water come on, I looked over and saw that he was smiling. My little boy may be all grown up now, but he still knew who was in charge. I couldn’t help but smile right along with him.
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“Where’s Bernadette?” Matteo asked before he nodded at the doorman and then walked ahead of me out onto the street. “Did she not want to come with us?”
