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I startle at Angelo’s sudden appearance, his trademark smirk on his lips, but my relief at seeing him quickly turns to concern. He’s pale, and I notice his hands trembling slightly. Something’s wrong.
Before I can ask, Jimbo fires back, “Took you long enough, Boss. Get lost on your way home?”
Angelo’s eyes narrow. “Traffic was a bitch. What’s so urgent?”
Jimbo leans forward, his voice dropping. “Got word from our friend at the docks. The shipment’s been compromised.”
Angelo’s eyes widen for a split second before his face hardens. “Shit. How bad?”
“Bad enough that we need to move.Now.”
Angelo curses, then turns to me. “Fee, I’m sorry, but I need to take care of this. We’ll talk later, okay?”
I want to protest, to ask what’s really going on, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. Whatever this is, it’s serious.
“Okay,” I say softly. “Be careful.”
He gives me a quick kiss, then he and Jimbo are out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I keep myself busy throughout the day, and when it’s time, I head to Lou’s school to pick her up. My heart lifts as I see her bound down the steps. Her face lights up when she spots me.
“Mom!” she calls out, rushing into my arms. “You’re here!”
I hug her tightly, breathing in her familiar scent. “Of course I am. How was your day?”
As we walk home, Lou chatters excitedly about her time with Shawn. “We had so much fun, Mom! We watched movies and played games, and guess what?”
“What?” I ask, grateful for this moment of normalcy.
Lou grins mischievously. “Shawn let me have cake for breakfast!”
I gasp in mock horror. “Cake for breakfast? Oh, no, I guess that means you can’t hang out with Shawn anymore.”
The look of absolute horror on Lou’s face is so comical, I can’t help but burst out laughing.
“Mom! No! I was just kidding!” Lou protests frantically.
I ruffle her hair, still chuckling. “So was I, girl. But maybe we’ll keep the cake-for-breakfast thing between us, okay?”
Lou nods vigorously, relief washing over her face. As we continue our walk, I listen to her stories, cherishing this moment of simple happiness.
Once we get back to the house, Lou immediately heads for the dining table. “I’ve got homework to do,” she announces, pulling out her books.
“Alright. I’ll get started on dinner,” I reply, heading to the kitchen.
As I chop vegetables and season chicken, I find myself relaxing into the familiar routine. The rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board, the sizzle of oil in the pan—it’s almost meditative.
The front door opens about an hour later, and I hear Angelo’s voice. “Hello? Anybody home?”
“We’re here!” I call out.
Lou’s face lights up at the sound of Angelo’s voice, but she quickly schools her expression into one of casual indifference. “Oh, hey, Angelo,” she says nonchalantly, not looking up from her homework.
I have to stifle a laugh at her attempt to play it cool. Angelo catches my eye and winks, clearly seeing through Lou’s act as well.
“Hey, Louisville,” he says, ruffling her hair as he passes. “How was school?”
Lou shrugs, still maintaining her façade of nonchalance. "It was okay, I guess."
