"Hello," Tony said. "This is Anthony Wilson, Monica Wilson's son. Can I talk to her please? Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll hold on."
He took the phone away from his ear. "They're getting her. She was at a book club. Kinda funny isn't it?"
"Uh, yeah." What kind of shit were they supposed to do for the patients that were halfway together at a mental hospital she thought?
Someone came back to the phone then because he said "Okay. I'll wait."
His mom came to the phone a minute or two later and he switched it over to speaker phone. "Hello?" Monica said.
"Hey Mom."
"Hello Anthony." Her voice was icy. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected call?"
"I'm sorry about earlier. I know I was out of line."
"You certainly were."
"I wanted to talk to you about the whole thing. Make sure we both know what's going on."
"I'm an adult Anthony. What makes you think that I need to explain to you what's going on?"
"I'm worried about you. Are you somewhere private where you can talk without worrying about someone overhearing you?"
"Yes Tony." She sighed. "I'm in my room. Which has quickly become my private version of hell."
"Oh Mom. I'm sorry. I promise that we'll get you out of there as soon as possible."
"I had hoped to be out to see your fiancé' graduate but now I'm beginning to wonder if I'll make it out in time to see Carl graduate."
"Why? I've got that doctor coming to talk to you in January. I think he's going to be a big help. At least that's what Tory's stepdad said."
"It's going to take time Tony. No one is going to think I've made a miraculous recovery after so little progress in three years."
"What's changed?"
"I can't talk to you about this over the phone Tony. You never know when someone's listening in."
"Are you kidding? They can't do that. I'll come and get you out right now."
"We both know that's not going to happen Tony. I'll tell you about it next time you visit when we have a little privacy. Now, about this business with Ryan. It's crazy thinking that I'm having an affair with my nurse. Not that it would really be an affair since your father's gone, but you know what I mean."
"You know he wants to Mom. I saw the way he looked at you."
"An attractive young man is going to find a forty year old woman who's been locked up for three years attractive."
"You think he's good looking?"
"Ugh, Anthony, you have eyes don't you? Or if you want an opinion of someone who would be better at judging a man's appeal; ask your fiancé or since her answer would probably upset you judging by what you said about some guy with a nose ring, ask your cousin's young lady. I’m sure she'll tell you."
"Okay, so he's attractive to women at least. But just because you're locked up in that place doesn't mean he doesn't think you're hot."
"What if I told you he's gay?"
"I wouldn't believe you."
"Maybe he's not, but I hardly think that he thinks of me in that way."
"You're being blind."
"What if what you believe is true Tony? He's not going to risk his job by making some kind of move on me while I'm in here. I shouldn't be talking about this. Just talking about this could probably get him fired."
"And we wouldn't want that, now would we?"
"No, we wouldn't Anthony. Do you think there are a lot of qualified nurses that want to spend their time working in a mental hospital? It's not an easy job."
"Maybe you are better off with him there. I just don't like thinking of him picturing you without your clothes on."
Monica laughed. "I doubt that he does that son."
"I don't. What if they let you out and he asks you out?"
She sighed again. "That's months down the road at best. I think it might be pushing it hoping to be able to be with you at your fiancé’s graduation."
"I don't think so Mom. This doctor's supposed to be really good. I'm hoping that he'll be able to help you. Are you okay with staying with me and Tor for a while? We're gonna get the hell out of this town though. I already talked to Uncle Keith and Aunt Lori about it. They think it's the best thing too."
"Do you really want your mother living with you when you're planning on getting married?"
"I don't mind. I'm sure Tory won't either. Are you okay about moving away?"
"Yes Tony. There are too many memories here."
"I know. You didn't answer my question. What would you do if Ryan asked you out when you get out?"
"If it happens Tony, I'll decide how to deal with it then. Until then, you will be respectful when you come to visit. He's the best damn nurse this place has had since I've been here."
"Okay Mom. I promise I'll be nice to your boyfriend."
Monica laughed. "That's a promise you'd better keep."
Hmm, Tory thought. Was she admitting that there was something going on, or was she warning her son for future reference?
"I don't have to like it though," Tony muttered.
"No man will ever replace your father in my heart Anthony. You're the only one that's ever going to come close."
"I love you Mom.”
"I love you too Tony. Even if you do have your father's temper."
"I do not."
Tory wanted to laugh.
"You do too. I'm sure Tory would agree with me." Tory smiled. "So are Brent and Michelle moving back to town? Andi is a beautiful girl. Looks just like her mother did at that age."
"They're just here for a visit. Andi's convinced her parents to let her stay with her grandma over the summer. She's trying to get into Crestview."
"They must think they're really in love, huh?"
"It's funny, but I think they really are. I think those two are going to make it."
Then Tory had to stifle a laugh because from the sounds coming from the direction of the other bedroom they WERE making it again, instead of taking the nap that Carl had claimed they were going to.
"That's good. You'd be surprised how many high school sweethearts do end up growing old together. I wish that I could have grown old with your father."
"I know Mom,"
"Your fiancé is really a beauty too. Though I can tell that she probably doesn't listen when you try to tell her that."
Tony laughed. "No she doesn't."
"You two seem to be good together. I can tell that she makes you happy. And you seem to make her happy too. I was afraid that I was never going to be a grandmother with all the girls you were running around with. We do hear things in here you know. We're not totally shut off from the world."
Oh shit, did that mean she knew that Tony was dealing Tory thought?
"What else have you heard about me?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just about the girls, and that's only been lately, since before I had no idea what the hell was going on. I heard about Tory before you mentioned her to me. They were saying that a girl was putting you back on the straight and narrow."
"Oh. She really has been. She's changed the whole way I think."
"That's wonderful Tony. I'm glad that you've met someone that makes you happy."
"She does. She's my whole world."
"Good sweetheart. You keep it that way."
"I will Mom."
"How do her parents feel about you being engaged?"
"Her Dad's okay with it. He told me congratulations and to take care of her. But her mom, who knows? She probably thinks I'm not good enough for her."
"Any mother is going to have a hard time believing that anyone is worthy of marrying their child. It’s killing me to think that my only child is grown and getting married. I wish your father could be there to see you get married."
"Me too."
"Carl is growing up too. How's Lori dealing with it?"
Tony chuckled. "You know Aunt Lori. She's gonna drive Uncle Keith nuts when Carl leaves the nest."
"She was born to be a mother. She was so disappointed when the doctor
told her she couldn't have any more children safely."
"Yeah, I remember. Did you and Dad want more kids?"
"We did at one time. But you were quite a handful as a child."
"I was not.”
"Yes, you were. Always into everything. It didn't matter that most of the time you were trying to be helpful, because you always ended up breaking something or making a mess. You drove your grandmother nuts when she had to watch you."
"Grandma loves me."
"I know she does. Have you told her about your engagement?"
"No. I'm afraid she's gonna put Tory through hell and make her run away screaming."
"If Lori and I could deal with it, Tory and Andi can survive it. Tell Lori to make another batch of her brownies and slip them to your grandma before you take the girls to meet her. That was the most mellow I've ever seen that woman, when Lori made them eat those brownies when we were still in high school."
Tony laughed. "Yeah, Grandma is a little uptight isn't she?"
"And very protective. You'd have thought she'd have been used to me when your father and I were together so long but she still threw a fit when he asked me to marry him. When Keith married Lori, you'd have thought the world was ending. Her baby having the lack of brains as she called it to marry a virtual hippie."
Tony laughed again. "They still clash heads don't they?"
"And you wonder why she never comes to visit?"
"Not really.”
"Well Tony, I'm glad that we got all of that out of the way. I can't stand the thought of you being mad at me. And over something so ridiculous."
"It's not ridiculous Mom. You admitted it."
"Yes dear. But like I said, if something does happen to come up when I get out, I'll deal with it then. No more about it until then okay?"
"Yes Mom."
"I'd better let you go dear. It's time for my sponge bath from Ryan."
"No way."
"I'm kidding Tony. I wanted to hear what you'd say."
"That was not funny Mom."
"Yes dear. Really, I've got to help a friend of mine write a letter to her son. She has a hard time holding a pen her arthritis is so bad."
"That sucks. It's nice of you to help out."
“Mrs. Cameron is a sad story; but there are a lot of sad stories around this place."
"I'll bet. You have a good night Mom. I'll come and see you again soon okay?"
"You'd better. Are your Aunt and Uncle still coming up?"
"As far as I know."
"Good. I know it's still hard for Keith to look me in the eye with the way I acted after your father died."
"He loves you Mom, and he understands."
"I don't think anyone really understands hon. Not even me."
"It's gonna be okay."
"I love you sweetie. Thank you for still believing in me."
"I love you too Mom. I'll always believe in you. Even if you drive me crazy by hooking up with some tattooed nurse."
Monica laughed. "Okay dear. Have a good night and a happy new year's if I don't get to talk to you again before then."
"You too Mom."
"Oh, it gets real wild and crazy in this place on New Year's; believe me."
"I'm sure." Tony laughed. "'Night Mom."
"Goodnight dear." He hung up the phone and turned to Tory.
"Do you feel better now?"
He nodded. "I guess. I'm still not crazy about Ryan, but I'll live with it."
“Good. “
They made love and then shared a cigarette afterwards. When they headed to Tony’s bedroom to shower before dinner, she saw that Carl and Andi were sitting on the floor in front of the couch together, playing a video game. Wow, Tory thought, Andi really was perfect for Carl.
Tony grinned and then shook his head as Carl said “Damn it Andi. Can’t you let me win just once?”
She laughed. “That’s no fun Carl. Riley never lets me win. I’m not gonna let you win either.”
He sighed, then turned to look at Tony and Tory. “You guys getting ready to head out to my house?”
“Yeah. I figured we’d better shower before we left. Your mom can always smell sex on me too.” Tony chuckled.
Carl laughed. “Yeah, she’s got a weird sense for that.”
Andi wrinkled her nose. “I thought it was just guys that had that. My mom seems perfectly oblivious when I’ve had sex. It’s my dad that always seems to know.”
“Nah, my mom always knows when I do it. You think we got time for a rematch before we have to leave Tone?”
“Yeah.”
“Can we get back to the game Andi? I’m going to win this time, I swear.”
“Sure.”
Andi winked at Tory before she turned back to the game. Tory had a feeling that Andi was going to let Carl win this time even if she’d told him that she wouldn’t.
Tony took her hand and drew her into the bedroom with him. They took a quick shower together and then got dressed.
They got into separate cars and drove the short distance to Carl’s house. Carl and Andi had already disappeared into the house by the time they got out of the car, so Tony knocked lightly on the door before he opened it.
Lori greeted them. “You know you don’t have to knock Tony. Our home has always been your home. I’m so glad to hear that Monica is doing so well. If we’re lucky she might be at the next big family dinner. You look beautiful Tory.”
Tory thought the comment was a little weird since she was wearing jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt, but she said “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome dear. I was so happy to hear of your engagement. You have brought so much happiness into Tony’s life.”
“He’s brought more happiness than he’ll ever know into mine too.” She squeezed Tony’s hand.
“How does Monica feel about your engagement?”
“Mom’s okay with it. She’s got this young nurse at the hospital all hot and bothered over her.”
Tory could see that Lori was hiding a smile. “She told me about him on the phone. He’s been helping your mother very much Anthony. You should be grateful.”
“I’ll be grateful when she gets out of there and away from him.”
She turned back to Tory. “How did your parents take the news?”
“I talked to my Dad. He’s fine with it. We’re going to visit him when I have Spring Break. I haven’t been able to get a hold of my mom.”
“I’m sorry you haven’t been able to speak to your mother. But it’s nice that your father seems to approve. I’m sure that he’ll very much approve of our Tony when he meets him.”
Tory smiled. “I’m sure he will.” Then her smile faded as she started to worry that her mom would call during dinner and yell at her.
Lori didn’t catch it, though. She took Tory’s arm. “Come on. Let’s eat.”
Tony followed them. Everyone was already seated at the table in the cozy kitchen. Michelle was sitting next to a good looking man who Tory thought must be her husband, a teenage boy on the other side, typing away on his cell phone. He didn’t look up, but Tory could tell how hot he was. She snuck a look at Tony to make sure that he hadn’t caught her checking out Andi’s brother. He hadn’t. Lori busied herself with passing a stack of plates around the table. Tony took her hand and led her to the head of the table where his uncle was sitting.
“Uncle Keith, I’d like to formally introduce you to my fiancé Tory.”
“It’s good to finally meet you in person Tory, our first informal meeting non withstanding.” He winked at her. Tory felt herself blush.
“It’s nice to meet you too.”
“Brent, Riley, this is my nephew’s future wife, Tory.”
“Nice to meet you Tory.” Brent said.
Riley didn’t look up from the screen of his cell phone. “Hi.”
Tony took her hand and led her back around the table. She was seated between Tony and Andi. Tony immediately started a conversation with Carl who was seated on the other sid
e of him and looked sulky because he wasn’t sitting next to Andi.
“Hey Tory,” Andi said brightly.
“Hi Andi. What’s up with your brother?”
“You think he’s cute? A lot of girls think he’s cute. But you’ve got Tony.”
Tory rolled her eyes. “No. I mean he is cute, but that’s not what I meant. Why is he in such a bad mood?”
“Oh, my parents are mad at him again. Sophie showed up in town last night and he snuck out to be with her. They caught them doing it in her car in the park a few blocks from my grandma’s house. My mom was super pissed. She told him he couldn’t see her anymore. He’s supposedly texting his friends, but I know he’s talking to her.”
“Do you like Sophie?”
“Yeah. She’s nice enough. Riley has been hot after her for forever. It’s weird because he’s this big jock, all popular and stuff. She hangs out with this Emo Goth crowd. She’s really smart. She got into a really good college. Riley has been trying to get in there, but he got waitlisted because his grades aren’t as good as hers. I heard them talking about taking a year off and moving in together. People say that she might be pregnant but I don’t believe it. We haven’t been that close lately, but my brother would tell me if she was pregnant. I think he’d be really happy if she was to be honest with you.”
Food was soon passed around. They all started to eat except for Riley, who hadn’t bothered to look at the food he’d put on his plate.
“Riley James,” Michelle said.
Riley looked up from his cell phone briefly before going back to typing away. “What Mom?”
“Lori went to a lot of trouble to make dinner. You’re going to eat.”
“It was no trouble Michelle,” Lori said. Tory could tell that she was trying to keep the peace.
But Michelle wasn’t having it. She took a sip from the glass of wine in front of her. “Give me that phone Riley. Now.”
“I’m not hungry Mom. Chill out.”
“Give me the phone Riley. You know that I told you not to talk to that girl.”
Riley finally looked up and met his mother’s eyes. “She’s not that girl Mom. I’m marrying her. We’re having a baby.”
“You had better be joking Riley James Spacey. Because if you’re not your father and I are going to send you to reform school.”
Misty Reigenborn Romance Boxed Set Page 139
