They finally reach Brooklyn, not a moment too soon for Angela. She made a mental note that she does not like Bon Jovi's music. But both Tony and Billy seemed to be enjoying the music.
"We're here!" Tony looks at Billy through the rear view mirror. "You ready to see your Nonna buddy?" Billy nods enthusiastic. Tony's eyes move towards Angela, who is now collecting her purse. "Are you ready, Angela?" She looks up at him and gives an honest smile.
"As ready as I'll ever be! What about you?" Her smile widens. Her smile is contagious, he smiles back at her.
"Yeah.. I think I am." He cuts the engine. "Let's go people!" He happily says. Angela rolls her eyes and exits, opening the door for Billy. Tony quickly walks to the back and grabs the boy's bag.
"Angela?" Billy looks up at her as she turns her attention down to him.
"Yes sweetheart?" Billy takes her hand.
"Will you miss me?" He softly asks. Angela is surprised at his question and kneels down.
"Of course I will sweetheart. Why would you think I wouldn't?" She takes both his hands in hers.
"Well because you work a lot, you have Jonathan and Sam and you might not have time to miss me." He looks at her. She smiles.
"Oh sweetheart.." she pulls him into an embrace. "You being with us, has been the best gift these last months. I love that you are with us and I will miss you, but you'll be back. Now you'll have a wonderful time with your Nonna. She will spoil you and love you for a couple of days. Tony and I get the rest of the days after that." She kisses the side of his head. He puts his arms around her neck.
"Thank you Angela, love you." He says with a small voice. She swallows hard not to cry.
"I love you too sweetheart." When she loosens the embrace and looks up, both Tony and Mrs. Rossini are standing there staring at the tender moment.
Tony swallows and blinks away the tears, Mrs. Rossini can't hide her tears. "Oh that was so sweet and so beautiful." She pulls Angela into an embrace, she feels like Mrs. Rossini is about to break her. "Oh Angela, have you lost weight?" Mrs. Rossini squeezes her arms around her. "Yeah I think you have.. mmmhh.. I think about 10 pounds." Angela's eyes grew in horror. "Oh it's okay Angela." Mrs. Rossini squeezes her cheeks. "You're a hard working woman." Mrs. Rossini then turns her attention to Tony. "You haven't been feeding her well enough, stupido!" She berates him.
"Oh no Mrs. Rossini. Tony has been cooking as well as always." Angela defends Tony, she gives him a warm look. He feels the pit of guilt grown in his stomach. He knows why she lost the weight, she has been working and avoided going home, because of him.
"He has Mrs. Rossini." Billy adds with a grin. Tony tussles his hair.
"Thanks buddy." He says to Billy but quickly looks Angela in her eye. She nods.
"Billy!" A soft, yet firm voice happily calls for him.
"NONNA!" Billy yells in excitement and runs towards the elderly woman, he stops just in front of her and then slowly gives her big hug.
"I've misses you, mio figlio." She cups his little face, then bends down and kisses his forehead.
"I've missed you too Nonna!" His face beams.
"Are they taking good care of you?" Mrs. Napoli nods towards Angela and Tony.
"They've been great! They even took me to Italy Nonna!" He smiles at her with such innocence and happiness in his face. Mrs. Napoli looks at Angela and Tony, her features have soften and she nods at them. Angela gives a slight smile and nod, Tony grins at her. She just shakes her head at him, but she can't hide their small smile.
"Come, come. " Mrs. Napol takes Billy by the hand and slowly walks back inside the building. Billy quickly waves for them to follow them.
Once they're almost inside Mrs. Rossini turns to them. "I will give you some time alone. Angela you come by before you leave, okay now?"
"Yes Mrs. Rossini, I will." She politely replies.
"Tony you better make sure." Mrs. Rossini insist.
"Yes Mrs. R." Tony nervously says.
Angela and Tony sit down next to each other on Mrs. Napoli's couch. The coffee table is set up with cups, cannelloni and a cheesecake. Mrs. Napoli walks into the kitchen to get the ready-made coffee, Billy quickly follows her. Angela sees the goodies and normally she couldn't wait to attack but she is too nervous. ~But why am I nervous?~ she wonders to herself. ~Is it because of having to miss Billy? Is it work stress? Because it has been so busy.~ she looks at her hands on her lap and notices that Tony's thigh is touching hers. She slowly shifts in her seat so her thigh isn't touching his anymore. She is overwhelmed by the feeling of sadness. ~That's why. It still makes me nervous when we're this close when other people are near. And Mrs. Napoli really, really makes me nervous.~ She starts fidgeting with her hands. Tony puts his hand over hers.
"Are you okay, Angela?" Tony has a worried look in his eyes.
Angela puts on a brave face. "Yes, yes I am.. I'm just terribly nervous. Mrs. Napoli is quite an impressive and slightly scary woman." She whispers the last part.
Tony chuckles. "I know!" he tries to whisper scream. Angela gives a real laugh.
"What?! You're scared? Of Mrs. Napoli?" She ask in surprise.
"Heck yeah! You should have seen her before. That is not a woman you mess with. Respect the scary, Italian Nonna's Angela, that's what we were taught."
Angela softly chuckles.
Mrs. Napoli walks back in, Billy still on her tail with a glass of lemonade in hands. Mrs. Napoli quietly pours the cups, then she sits down.
"So.." Mrs. Napoli starts as she sits down. "Billy tells me he is enjoying his time with you and you are taking very good care of him." She looks at them and the both softly nod and smile. "Good! I am happy to hear how well you are taking care of my grandson. Please take something of the table. I made a Limoncello cheesecake and some cannoli." She gestures to the food. "I really want to thank you so much for taking care of Billy. But I do want to ask you something." Tony stops cutting the cheesecake and looks at Mrs. Napoli.
"Yes, Mrs. Napoli." He says. Angela squeezes her hands together.
"Would you be willing to bring him to me at least one weekend per month? I am afraid he will forget about me, if I see him this little."
Relief washes over both Angela and Tony. "Of course Mrs. Napoli, we wouldn't want Billy to forget about you either." Tony offers her a piece of the cheesecake.
"Thank you." All knowing she isn't thanking him for the cheesecake.
"Of course." Tony says. "Ay.. I could bring him on Friday after school and he can stay for 2 nights. And either Angela or I can pick him up on Sunday." He turns to Angela. "After I drop him off I can pick you up. Is that okay with you?" Angela looks at her hands.
"Would you mind picking me up first? So I can.. you know.. see him before the weekend starts." Her voice small.
"Of course." He says with compassion. ~Every time I think I've got you figured out.. you surprise me and make me love you even more.~ "If that is okay with you Mrs. Napoli?"
Mrs. Napoli looks at Angela with as much of compassion as Tony just did. "Seeing how much Angela cares about my grandson, how can I object?"
Angela smiles at Mrs. Napoli. "Thank you Mrs. Napoli."
Tony offers her the cheesecake. Angela softly shakes her head and smiles at Billy. "Billy told me that Mrs. Napoli's Cannoli is the best and they do look so good." Mrs. Napoli's face lights up as she smiles at her grandson.
They make the final arrangements for the one weekend a month and the New Year's Eve. And steadily the conversation turns light. After about an hour when they wrap up the conversation, Mrs. Napoli is wrapping up some Cannoli and Cheesecake. She hands them the boxes.
"You have a wonderful New Year. Thank you for bringing him here." She softly pats Tony's face and then places her hand on Angela's face and smiles at her.
Tony and Angela make their way to Mrs. Rossini's apartment. Before they are able to knock, Mrs. Rossini opens the door.
"There you are!" She nearly pulls them into her apartment. "Mrs. Napoli probably stuffed you two." She rattles on. "But I've put some food in containers, you need to take with you. And Angela promise me you'll eat. Okay?" Before Angela can even respond Mrs. Rossini chatters away. "Oh I've made so much, too much for all of us. And well Jonathan and Samantha will probably drop by and eat some of it as well." Mrs. Rossini pulls out a big shopper filled with containers. "Here you go." She hands Tony the big shopper. "Will you bring the containers back when you pick up Billy?" She takes the time to await Tony's reaction.
"Of course Mrs. R."
Mrs. Rossini squeezes his cheek. "You've always been such a good man." Tony looks at her with saddened eyes. ~Not always. If you only knew what I did to Angela. Kinda thankful that you don't know, I couldn't bear if you'd give me a disappointing look. I can hardly handle Angela's. But you're like a mom to me. ~ He thinks.
"Why so sad Tony?" Mrs. Rossini caresses her cheek. Angela looks at this gentle interaction.
"You shouldn't praise me like that Mrs. R. I make my mistakes too." He quickly looks her in the eyes. Her serious demeanour turns into a smile, she closes her eyes and huffs. He takes the moment to quickly glances at Angela. She stares at him.
"Oh Tony don't you think I know that? I've know you for many years now. I have watched you grow up. I know you've made your share of mistakes, but I also know that here.." she pats the spot of his chest where is heart resides. "You are a good guy." Tony swallows at her words. "You're like a son to me, I love you!"
"Thank you Mrs. R. Love you too." He hugs her tightly.
Angela feels slightly uncomfortable and shifts her attention to the photos on the wall.
"Will you two like to stay for lunch? I have enough." Mrs. Rossini turns to Angela, she spins on her heels. "Oh thank you for offering, but I don't think I can eat another bite Mrs. Rossini." She gives a warm smile.
Tony rises his eyebrow at her, knowing she only had one Cannoli. Angela's eyes meet his, her eyes pleading to also decline. "Yeah Mrs. R. Me too. I had cheesecake and a couple of Cannolis at Mrs. Napoli. I can't fit anything in there." He chuckles.
Mrs. Rossini smiles. "Will you come eat dinner when you pick up Billy?"
"That will be next Friday. Is that okay with you?" Angela asks.
"Of course Angela! You are always welcome here." She looks at Tony. "Will you try to convince Jonathan and Sam to come as well?"
Angela and Tony both start laughing. "If we ever see them after New Year's eve." Tony chuckles.
"Yes Mrs. Rossini, Sam is so busy in college and Jonathan is trying to finish a project for school this coming week, but we will ask them to come." Angela promises.
Mrs. Rossini grabs her cheeks. "Thank you." She looks Angela directly in her eyes. Angela quickly eyes Tony, Mrs. Rossini follows her eyes after seeing the sadness in Angela's eyes. And then softly shakes her head. Mrs. Rossini pulls her into a small hug. "See you Friday."
They walk towards the door, Tony opens the door and let's Angela pass. Mrs. Rossini pulls his arm. "What is wrong with Angela? She looks sad. Is it because of Billy?" She whispers.
Tony shrugs. "I think among other things." Is all he can mutter. Mrs. Rossini narrows her eyes.
"That's all I'm getting out the two of you, isn't it?" She shakes her head at his confirmation. "Take good care of each other." She says before they say their goodbyes.
Back in the car they both sigh and start laughing at themselves.
"You okay?" He asks. Angela nods. "Because you said no to food, while you hardly ate."
She smiles and looks at him. "I know, I am actually quite hungry." Her face turns red. "I just wanted to try this.. uhm.. well Jack said that.." Angela sighs to get her thoughts straight. "There is this restaurant near where Jack lives in Williamsburg, it's called Peter Luger Steak House. It's.."
"The oldest restaurant in Williamsburg." Tony finishes.
"Yes!" She excitingly says. "You've heard of it?"
"Have I ever! I've been dying to go there ever since I've heard of it." Her excitement is contagious.
"Jack says the Luger-burger is the best. Of course so are the steaks." Her face turns pink. "I could just really go for a burger. And seeing as we have enough Italian food to last us.." She looks at the large bag in his hand and the smaller on in hers. "I'd say about 5 days." She gives a sincere laugh. Tony can't help but laugh with her. "So I hope you're not annoyed or disappointed that I turned Mrs. Rossini down?" That insecurity seeping through again.
"I don't think I could ever be annoyed with or disappointed by you." He sweetly says. Angela arches her eyebrow at his words.
"Really Tony? Really?" She can's supress the cynical tone.
"Okay, okay.." Tony puts his hands up. "Maybe you are able to annoy me from time to time." They both chuckle, before his face turns serious. "But YOU could never disappoint me, Angela." He says in a deep, serious tone. Angela is slight taken aback by the intensity of the situation.
"Right." She smiles and looks at the bag in her hands. "It's almost noon, shall we make our way to Williamsburg? I think it's about a half-hour drive." She turns to walk back to his car. Tony watches her walk to the car for a moment, her heels clicking on the sidewalk. He watches the muscles in her calves tighten every step she takes. ~I wonder what those legs feel like wrapped around my waist.~
"Ay momma.. why don't you shake all that my way!" A deep male voice brings Tony back. He closes the distance between them quickly.
Angela feels his presence nearing and before he can speak, she grabs his free hand and leans in to give him a small, tender kiss on his cheek. First Tony is happily surprised then he looks the way where the voice comes from, glaring at the clearly younger and disrespectful man. "You better not speak to her or any woman for that matter, ever again. How would you feel if someone spoke to your mother or sister that way?" He hears Angela stiffen a laugh next to him as he squeezes her hand.
"Sorry man.. I didn't know she was taken." The guy back down.
"Even if she wasn't that's no way to speak to any woman, let alone a lady as lovely as this one." He means every word of it. "Don't say anything to any woman, you won't be afraid to tell your own mother, you hear me?"
"Yes, sir, I am sorry sir." With those words, the young man disappears.
"My hero." Her hot breath on his ear nearly unravels him on the spot.
He puts his hand on the small of her back as he guides her to his car. "Come on, let's get lunch."
They quickly settle in the restaurant.
"This is quite the place." Tony says looking around.
"I know, the ambiance is just perfect." She smiles. "Oh Tony I know what I want. You just have to decide what you'd like."
"You said the Luger-burger is good or Jack said that. I will take his word for it." Tony smiles.
"So shall we take one order of fries with that? I just want a few to nibble on. I am more excited about the burger."
When the waiter arrives. Angela orders her burger with cheese, Tony goes all out and asks for bacon and cheese. Also ordering one order of fries and 2 diet Cokes.
"It's going to be so quiet around the house with Billy with Mrs. Napoli for the week." Angela strikes up conversation with a safe subject.
"Yeah, I'm going to miss the little guy." Tony stares off.
"I am happy that she really wants him in her life as well." Angela's voice warm and serious. "I mean for all we know she is his last relative. Family is important." She concludes.
"You are absolutely right. Family IS important." He smiles. "And we will have a wonderful New Year's Eve with our blended family."
"We will!" Angela actually feels excited about their coming New Year's Eve. She had dreaded it for long, but now she is ready for it. She holds up her drink. "Here's to the New Year."
"To new beginnings." Tony raises his glass. The straightforwardness in his voice takes her by surprise.
"To new beginnings." She repeats in a whispers, before letting their glasses meet in the middle. They take a sip from their glasses, Tony watches her over the rim of his glass. Her eyes are fixed on her the liquid in her glass, the hint of sadness is back in her eyes.
~Maybe I shouldn't have said what I said.~ He deeply ponders. ~But I do want new beginnings for us. We need it, we deserve it and I think she also wants it.~ His eyes wander over the restaurant, before settling back on her. He sees her wipe a small tear. ~Shit.. what if she doesn't want it. I sure don't deserve a second chance. But she does and she deserve happiness.~ He feels a new type of fear overtaking him. ~But what if it's too late? What if she doesn't want to take the second chance? What if I screwed this all up and I will lose her? I've lost my first love, I can't lose the love of my life.~ A big part of him is afraid that he has already lost her and he has no one to blame but himself. He puts on a brave face and looks around the restaurant again. His eye meeting a young woman who is smiling at him, he automatically smiles back.
Angela notices Tony's smile changing, a smile she knows all to well. The knot in her stomach grows as she follows his eyes to where he is looking. She sees a young woman, she guesses about 8 maybe 10 years younger than she is, long dark blonde hair and probably the greenest eyes she has ever seen. She quickly turns her attention to her drink again. ~It's your own fault Angela.~ she starts berating herself. ~This is what you get for letting your guard down and having hope again.~ She softly shakes her head at her own thoughts, wishing she could just escape her own thoughts.
Tony puts his hand over hers. "Are you okay Angela?" His hand was so warm on top of her cold hand. She puts on her fake smile. "I'm fine."
"No you're not. I can see it in your eyes." He throws back at her. Her eyes automatically turn to the young woman, who is now smirking at her. ~Yeah push the dagger in deeper, skank.~ As she gives the woman an icy stare.. It's like the woman could read her mind, she stops smirking and looks back at Tony. Tony had followed her eyes and met the young woman's eyes. Her eyes slightly light up at him as licks her lips at him.
~Dammit! I smiled back. Shit!~ He looks from Angela to the young woman. ~She isn't even my type. I have the perfect woman sitting here with me. What is wrong with me.~ He thinks and coldly looks at the woman and then focuses his eyes on Angela, softly squeezing her hand. Angela looks at his hand over her and cocks her head at him, his eyes warm, loving. But she is hurting.
~Why do you keep playing the strings of my heart like this? Why do you keep flirting with women when I am around. You know how I feel. Dammit, I've told you. I told you I'd wait for you, for us.~ Her eyes are saying what her mouth can't as she quickly pulls her hand away, to remove invisible lint on her lap.
"I'm sorry, Angela." He pipes. The waiter comes and brings them their food.
Angela is starving, but unsure she can take a bite. She grabs her knife and cuts the burger in half. Tony looks at her in amazement.
"That's very un-American of you." He chuckles. Angela smiles.
"Yeah.. I know. But if I don't cut it in 2 pieces I am guaranteed to wear the burger home." She smiles at him. "I would be so embarrassed to show up at Jack's place wearing hamburger." Tony laughs. Then looks at her.
"I am sorry Angela.." His voice more serious. "I.."
"Don't.. please don't." she looks him straight in his eyes. "Not now. Let's just enjoy this amazing meal together."
"I just.. I didn't mean to hurt you." He starts again.
"I know.." She sighs. ~You never do..~ He looks at her, seeing the disappointment.
"I know.. I never do." He says with such hurt and disappointment in his voice that she stares at him.
"I didn't say that." Slight panic in her voice. ~Did I?~ She doubts herself.
"You didn't have to." He drops his eyes. "Your eyes say it all." He closes his eyes and sighs. When he opens his eyes, she is staring at him, tears on the rims of her eyes, giving him the same look she gave him when she told him she didn't want to lose him. He feels a fire start to burn from within his soul as an idea for New Year's Eve starts to form in his mind. He smiles at her. "I am happy to be here with you again Angela." She knows he isn't talking about the restaurant.
"Me too." She feels the blood rise in her face, knowing what he has just said. He picks up her hand and kisses it while looking her directly in her eyes. His eyes making the promise that he will win her heart back, how ever long it will take. They smile and start eating, Angela's appetite is back.
"You want some more?" Tony offers her the basket of fries with only a couple left.
"I think I'll burst if I take one more bite." She giggles. "Thanks but no, you can have them."
"Suit yourself." He takes the fries and finishes them. "This is terrific. We have to take the kids here someday."
"HA! You think Jonathan and Samantha would still want to go here with us? But we could take Billy, it's very close from his grandmother's. Just the three of us." The thought alone warms her heart.
Tony swallows hard at her words. She just threw a log on the fire that has just started to burn. "I'd love that." His voice steady and warm.
"Hi I'm Kayleigh." The young woman approaches them. ~Of course you are! Another K!~ Angela thinks but doesn't say a word, at least not with her mouth, her eyes are doing all the talking necessary. "I saw you smile.. and well." The young woman blushes. "I wanted to give you my number." Angela stiffens and just looks at the scene at hand.
"Thank you, but no thank you. You've mistaken my kindness for something that isn't there." Tony puts his hand up. "I only.." he stops and looks at Angela.
"Oh God this is embarrassing." Kayleigh says. "The body language told me.. Oh I am horrified. I am so, so sorry miss." She turns to Angela, who has the utmost confused look on her face. "Up-close I can clearly see that he.. I'm assuming your husband, only has eyes for you."
Angela is about to open her mouth, but Tony's hand on hers makes her stop. "I do." He says giving her a sincere look. She has never been more confused in her life than she is now.