Page 35 of Merciless Monster

“You must be looking forward to your trip to see Aunt Maddy next month.”

“I am. She’s taking your Dad and me on a trip through the winelands.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“I know, right. Flip the switch on the kettle, please, sweetheart.”

“Sure.”

Mom slices the pie, while I pop two teabags into a teapot. I’m not sure how I’m going to start this delicate conversation off, so I’m a little rattled.

“So,” she says once we’re seated at the nook. “What’s on your mind, Mia?”

I take a bite of apple pie before I start talking. Heaven knows I need the feel of comfort food on my tongue right about now.

“It’s about Angelo’s father.”

“I get the feeling we should be drinking something a little weightier than tea.”

“I know I haven’t spoken much about him, but I feel I need to now.”

“Why? What happened?”

My mother looks worried.

“He’s here. In LA.”

“Oh. I see.”

Mom waits patiently for me to speak. I take a sip of tea before I feel brave enough to speak on.

“He’s met Angelo. But I haven’t told him that he’s the father.”

“Mia! That’s terrible. You have to tell him, sweetheart.”

“I know! But, how? I feel awful. What am I going to say?”

“That depends on what kind of man he is, Mia. Which brings me to a question that I’ve never asked you because I respect the fact that this is a difficult situation for you. But what kind of a man is he?”

“Truthfully, Mom…I don’t know. I don’t know him well enough. It was a mistake, Mom. It isn’t something I’m proud of. I’m not a one night stand kind of girl. You know that. But, I was vulnerable and he was so good for me at the time. Ugh! It’s all a mess!”

“Shhh, my love. It’s alright. I’m not judging you. Heaven knows, none of us are perfect. Don’t beat yourself up. You’re a terrific mom.”

“I called him once.”

“Really? When?”

“When I was about eight months pregnant. I found out where he lives and I called his house.”

“And?”

“I hung up as soon as I heard his voice. I didn't know what to say.”

“Oh, Mia. My darling.”

“Now he’s here in LA and he’s met his son and you should see how well they get along, Mom,” I start rambling. “Angelo adores him and he doesn’t even know that the man is his father.”

“Kids are instinctive, Mia. They know things. What are you going to do?”