Page 71 of Heart

“My eyes?”

“Yeah. I can see your ancestry in them.”

“My mother’s gonna love you.”

“Speaking of which... I should probably be meeting her soon, don’t you think?”

Mikey sighed. “Yeah, I guess. I’m a little worried—”

George chuckled. “Here we go again.”

“No, this is a different kind of worry. She can be overbearing.”

“Your mom? I’m shocked.”

“Har, har.”

George reached across the table and took Mikey’s hand. “No matter what happens, my feelings for you won’t change because of her. I promise.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“She can’t be that bad.”

He shook his head. “No. But you know how it is with mothers, being Greek and all.”

“My mother is not the stereotypical Greek mother. I wish she was, but she’s not. I know what you mean though.”

“What happened there?”

George scoffed. “Dad died when I was young. When I came out to her, she didn’t take it well. She acts like we both abandoned her when—in reality—neither was in our control.”

“Are you in contact with her?”

“She’s in Florida. Christmas and Mother’s Day phone calls are the extent of our relationship. So, I kind of look forward to your overbearing mother.”

“And then there’s my sister, Natalie.”

“What’s up with her?”

“She’s a selfish brat. I say it like she’s a child, but she’s only two years younger than me.”

“How can that be, Mikey? You’re the complete opposite.”

“I don’t know. Ever since we lost Pop, I’ve provided... more for her, than Ma. Ma has Pop’s pension, and the house is paid for.”

“So she’s taking advantage of you both?”

“It sure feels that way. I mean, it could be worse. She could be a drug-dealer, or a drunk, or a floozy. She’s not that. I think she’s just fucking lazy.”

“She’ll step up. It takes some people longer.”

“Yeah, that’s what Ma says. Me—I’m not so sure. I am sure I don’t want to talk about her though. Could we please change the subject?”

“Sure. But can I propose something?”

Mikey grinned. “Does it involve us going back to your place and getting naked?”

“Yes. Definitely. But one other thing.”