Chapter 17

Once inside her house, Buffy curled up on the couch. She flipped on the TV to the music channels. She closed her eyes and tried to nap. The fight with Marco was wearing her out. She hadn't slept well the night before, her stomach was upset, and she could barely eat.

She felt rotten that she couldn't enjoy the pizza after Julian's game. She wanted to have fun spending time with Julian and Antonio, but it didn't happen. She was grateful that she had another date with Antonio. He was so sweet and kind. She could hardly believe that his ex wife would divorce him.

Half an hour later, Julian let himself in through the back door. "Mom, I'm home!" he yelled.

Buffy sat up from the couch and went out to greet Julian. "Hey, Julian," she greeted.

He handed her the box he was holding. "Here. Uncle Marco and Antonio said you can have the leftovers when you feel better."

She took the box. "Thanks. I'll put it in the fridge."

He took off his cleats and slipped his glove over his bat, placing it in the corner. "Can I play Xbox?"

"Yes. Just keep the noise down, okay?"

"Okay," he agreed as he scampered off to his room.

Buffy placed the pizza box in the fridge. Her stomach growled. She was hungry, but decided against tempting fate. Instead, she made a cup of tea and carried it back to the living room. She turned the TV to WGN to catch up on the news.

Her phone buzzed. She looked at it and sighed. She reached out and declined the call. She couldn't deal with Marco. A few minutes later, the phone buzzed again, this time showing her Mother's number. She debated on answering. She knew Marco could have easily grabbed their Mother's phone to call her and get her to answer. She picked up the phone and texted Marco. Leave me the hell alone.

She texted her Mother. If you called me, and it wasn't Marco using your phone, please call me back.

She had no sooner finished texting her Mother than her phone rang again. She unlocked the phone and answered. "Hi," she greeted.

"Hi yourself," he said. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. I had a short nap before Julian got home."

"We sent him home with the leftover pizza."

"It's in the fridge."

"I'm sorry you're not feeling well. And I'm sorry that you and Marco are having trouble."

"I am too. But if it makes him learn his lesson, it's worth a couple of days of heartburn and nausea."

Antonio smiled. He knew this road all too well. He had gone through it with Gabby many times. "I'm sure it will all work itself out. It has with Gabby."

"I'm sure you are right. It is just weird because this has never happened before."

"So, are you going to your Mom's for dinner tomorrow?"

"Yes. Sunday dinner. It's the only day I don't have to cook." She wondered something. "Can I call you back in a few?" she asked.

"Sure. I'll be around."

Buffy disconnected and called her Mother. After a few minutes of conversation, she hung up, smiling. She called Antonio back and invited him for Sunday dinner.

"Be happy to come," he said when she extended her offer.