This is a prequel to Together Again. Multiple chapter and will explain Chapter 6 a bit better.
Together
Chapter 1- Chicago, May 1997
"You are kidding me, right? It's the 20th Century. Almost 21st. Arranged marriages don't happen anymore." Mike interrupted his father.
"I'm Irish. Your mother is Italian. In our family, we do. Her father owns a transportation company, and so to get a lower rate…" Mike's father, Sean explained.
"You sold me and he sold his daughter." Mike said. As he expected, his dad slapped him across the cheek.
"You don't know this girl. Your sister knows her." Sean said.
"Exactly. Kathleen said this woman wanted to be a nun. How is that supposed to work? I assume you want us to have kids." Mike asked.
"You are trying my last thread of patience. You'll be married by the end of the week. Screw her. Knock her up. I don't care how you do it. If you want money or part of the business, you'll make it work. Just as I did. Your mom did, and grandparents on both sides. When you get bored, find a discreet whore and make her into a mistress. Now, I already explained this to your grandma. She's going to help you prepare. She and your mother will chaperone your meetings with Christine O'Hare. Wedding is Saturday at two. You'll have until the next Wednesday off." Sean explained dismissively.
"You'd think it was 1897." Mike said before walking out of his dad's office. He honestly wanted nothing to do with the business. He wanted to be a cop. But his family's business was nefarious at best and he was being hooked in. He didn't have a choice. Maybe at least, Christine would be pleasant. He drove to his apartment, where his mother and grandmother were putting curtains on the windows, pictures on the walls, and throw rugs down. It looked like his childhood home.
"Can she cook?" Mike's grandma, Hannah asked.
"Of course. Marie O'Hare for a mother? The woman brags about her sauce and homemade pasta. She taught her daughter to cook." Mike's mother, Teresa said. Mike was standing where they couldn't see him.
"This isn't right. Mike is a free spirit. I've met the girl. I think you should give them a chance to get to know one another. They might even fall in love." Grandma Hannah said.
"It is the same thing our families have been doing for years, and there have been no divorces." Teresa answered.
"There have also been no happy marriages. Forced pregnancies, mistresses, and domestic abuse." Grandma Hannah said just as Mike walked into the open area of the apartment.
"Shouldn't we let this young woman decorate her own apartment?" Mike asked.
"This is all things from my storage. I just wanted it a bit more home-like. She can change it." Grandma Hannah said before giving him a kiss on the cheek. Mike adored her and it was 'Grammy' he went to for advice, comfort and love. It had never been his parent's thing.
"Michael, I need to get my hair set, but I have a brunch set up tomorrow at eleven am at my house. Wear the clothes and shoes I put on your bed, and for God sakes, don't let it wrinkle. You might go to the barber too. Those curls were cute when you were five, but not now. Christine will be there. She'll have to miss ten o'clock mass, but oh well." Teresa said before leaving. She didn't bother to hug or kiss Mike.
"I have work." Mike lamented.
"I will call your father. Can you give me a ride home? Your mom forgot she drove me here." Grandma Hannah asked.
"Of course, Grammy." Mike said with a smile.
"And don't visit the barbershop. I think your little bride will love those curls. She is a really nice girl. I know her grandma, and she also doesn't agree with this. She says that Christine takes good care of her." Grandma Hannah said.
"Yes, Grammy. I just wish I knew her better." Mike admitted.
"I'll see if I can help you two slip away. Enjoy yourselves a bit." Grandma Hannah said.
"GRAMMY!" Mike admonished her.
"I know your dad and cousins have taken you to those places. Your grandfather visited them too." Grandma Hannah remarked.
"Yes, but she's a nice Catholic girl. She'll want to be a virgin." Mike said, surprised that he was even having this conversation with his grandmother.
"She will also know she won't stay one. And there is plenty you can do that will leave her a virgin until your wedding night. And another thing, wait to have a baby. There are things you can do to prevent a pregnancy. Get to know your wife. Take a trip or two with her. Let her work. Get into police academy, yourself. You'll think me later." Grandma Hannah told him as she gathered her purse, indicating it was time to take her home.
"Dad will want a grandson within a year." Mike said. He locked his apartment and helped Grandma Hannah down the stairs.
"Have a girl first. Boys belong to the business. Girls are for the family. Just take your time, son. We are rushing you into this, but you can take your time making a family." Grandma Hannah told him with a laugh.
"Thanks, Grammy. I love you, you know." Mike answered.
"I love you too." Grandma Hannah said. He helped her into his truck and began the drive to her house.