After buying their ice creams they sit down at a table. They laugh and tease each other.
"Mom?" Jonathan still wants to know what his mother heard on the phone.
"Yes sweetheart?"
"What did dad say on the phone?"
"Well he is coming next Tuesday. You remember that don't you?" Jonathan nods. "Well as I've told you before, your dad has rented a cabin nearby. Remember that too?"
"Yes, he will be here for 3 weeks." Jonathan grins.
"Well your dad wants to change the plans. He wants to take you to Los Angeles for 2 weeks." She slowly begins.
"OH MY GOD!" Samantha screams. "Jonathan you are so lucky! Two whole weeks in LA! That is so much cooler than Cape Cod." Samantha is so enthusiastic that she doesn't notice Jonathan has become very quiet.
"Thank you Sam." Angela gives her a smile. "BUT! I told your dad that you get the last decision. I know you love your dad and were looking forward to spending time with him." Jonathan quietly nods again. "So now you can go to Los Angeles with your dad and Heather." She caresses his head.
"Do I have to go?" Jonathan asks.
"Of course not sweetheart." Angela sits up straight. "But is that what you want?" Jonathan shrugs.
"I guess not." Jonathan looks at his mother. "Can I decide after he's been here a couple of days?"
"Why do you have to think about it?" Samantha is more excited than Jonathan.
"Walk with me Sam." Tony's tone is enough for Samantha not to question him.
"Yes you can think about it and decide when your dad is here. Can you tell me why you're doubting going?" Angela asks.
"What if dad doesn't like me?" Angela's mouth drops open. "What if I don't like hanging with Heather and him?" Angela has no clue how to respond. "I'd rather he'd be near Tony and you." Jonathan looks at his mom and then looks around for Tony, who hasn't gone too far from them. "What if anything happens?" Angela gives him a reassuring smile.
"If you decide to go with your dad, I will be there within hours if you need me." Her reassuring smiles grows. "And I can always bring Tony with me. Don't forget Sam will go to Cape Cod next Friday. Your dad wants to leave to LA on Sunday. And even if Sam's home. I don't think she'd mind if we take her with us." Jonathan smiles.
"No she wouldn't." Jonathan giggles. "Is it okay if I decide after a couple of days after dad arrives?"
"Of course it is sweetheart. You feel a bit relieved?" She asks as Jonathan nods. Angela looks at Tony and Samantha who have moved near a playground and are running back and forth. "Shall we join them?" She looks at Jonathan.
"Last one there is a stinky bear." As Jonathan dashes off.
"Well there's a race I'll never win." As she slowly makes her way to the playground. She watches Tony chase Samantha and then Jonathan. She stops at the swing, that's when Tony catches Jonathan, even though he is 12, Tony picks him up like he is still that little boy he met almost 5 years ago. ~God I love him.~ her own thoughts startle her. ~I don't just love him.. I think I'm in love with him.~ Seconds later Tony catches Samantha and tackles her.
"NOW GET MOM!" Jonathan yells. Jonathan's voice takes her back to the playground. Before she can react Tony has lifted her over his shoulder.
"I winnnnnn!" He yells out.
"Tony! Tonyyyy! Put me down!" Angela says while giggling. The kids run up to them, laughing their heads off.
"You are so strong Tony!" Jonathan praises.
"Ha! Your mom weighs nothing. Dad isn't that strong." Samantha teases.
"HEY!" Both Angela and Tony say in unison, making the kids laugh even harder. Tony carefully puts Angela on the ground, he keeps his hands on her waist.
"I hope you didn't mind." There is a slight insecurity in his voice, but his fingers softly squeezes her sides. She can't help but shiver at his touch.
"No, no.." She blushes. "It was all in good fun. But Sam has a point.. soon you'll be too old to lift me over your shoulder." Angela giggles as Samantha cries laughing.
"HEY! Will you two stop pinning against me!" Tony says offended, making both Angela and Samantha laugh even harder. Angela tries to catch her breath as she looks at him.
"I am so so sorry Tony." She says in a childish tone, then cupping his cheek. "What can I do to make you feel better?" She asks.
~Oh I have a couple of ideas.~ He thinks as she leans in. "This is not the place nor the time for those thoughts Mr. Micelli." She whispers so only he can hear. He pulls back, his eyes big as saucers.
"Will you get out of my head." He flirtingly whispers back as they slowly make their way back to the car.
"Then don't have such loud thoughts." Angela isn't letting this go. They both laugh.
===XXX===
The next couple of days Angela is working hard at a campaign for a new sandwich chain based in New York. It isn't her biggest campaign, but every client gets the same service.
Tony is busy cleaning the house, washing clothes, cooking, working out in the garage and still takes his time to study.
Jonathan is preparing himself for his father's visit and Samantha is preparing for her trip to Cape Cod. Even though everyone is busy, there is balance and the general mood is in the house is perfect.
===XXX===
Angela is deep in the file in front of her, when there is a small knock at her office door.
"Come in." She says never taking her eyes off of the file.
"Angela?" Mona opens the door.
"Mmmhh?" Angela starts scribbling on the paper in front of her. Mona just watches her daughter write, normally she would just interrupt her, but somehow she feels that this isn't the time. But when it takes too long, she has to say something.
"Yo Blondie!" Mona says quite loudly.
"Mother!" Angela's head snaps up to look at her mother.
"Hey.." She shrugs. "It worked didn't it?" Mona laughs.
"What is it mother?" She takes off her glasses to look at her mother. Mona walks in and closes the door behind her.
"When is that trashy ex-husband of yours coming to the house?" She sits opposite of Angela.
"Mother, please don't speak about Michael that way. He is still Jonathan's father." Angela reprimands her mother.
"Yeah and that is the only thing he did right in his life." Mona side-eyes her daughter, she sees her just shaking her head, but Angela says nothing. "I see you agree with me on that."
"No I don't, but I am hoping this conversation will soon end." She smirks.
"Well.." Mona gives her daughter a look. "Isn't he coming this week?"
"Yes mother, Michael and Heather arrive tomorrow. They will be at the house around 6pm." Angela informs her mother.
"So are we going to the office tomorrow?" Mona tries to pry.
"Of course mother, I have a couple of meetings tomorrow. And I need you to make some notes." Angela gives her mother a hopeful look.
"Okay good, I will stay in the city then." Mona is about to get up.
"What? Mother no! I need you there tomorrow." She definitely cannot hide the panic in her voice.
"You've go Tony and the kids. You'll be fine." She looks at her daughter. Angela looks like a deer in headlights.
"Please mother, I need you there." She pleads. "You make me feel stronger when he is around." Mona throws her hands in the air.
"OH fine! I will be there, for Jonathan and you." Mona gives in. "But I will hate every second of it."
"You and me both." Angela says under her breath.
"What was that dear?" Mona definitely heard her.
"Nothing mother, please just be there. I cannot be in a room with Michael and Heather alone. And we both know that Tony will be running around serving everyone." She looks up at her mother. "And you know the kids won't be of any help." She gives a faint smile. "Please mother. Just be there for me." Angela had never pleaded to her mother, not like this.
"Okay dear, I promise I will be there next to you. I will help you." Her face is serious.
"I don't think I've ever seen you respond this seriously." Angela gives a sad smile.
"I've never seen you this stressed. Well maybe when Michael and Heather got married." Mona raised her eyebrows at her daughter.
"I.. I actually am. Oh mother, he wants to take Jonathan back to LA. For 2 weeks." Angela leans back in her chair, when she feels the tears well she turns her chair to look out the window. "What if Jonathan doesn't want to come back home again?"
"HA!" Mona's voice makes Angela turn back around and look at her mother. Mona looks down at her daughter, normally she'd make fun of her daughter but she sees the pain is real. "Oh Angela.. Jonathan could never leave his mother.. or his grandmother." Mona laughs. "And he couldn't go without either Tony or Samantha either. Connecticut is home."
"Promise?" Angela asks.
"I can't promise you something like that and I think you know that. But I know my grandson. He wouldn't last long with Michael and Heather. He will probably keep calling us every day or every other day." Mona laughs but quickly stops as she looks at her daughter. She makes her way to the other side of the table. "Oh Angela. I can't promise you he will come back, but you know your son and you know the family. Michael and Heather can never offer the family bond that Tony and you can. I know he loves you both so much." Angela sighs.
"I know mother, I know he loves us. I know he loves our family. But Michael is his father. Remember how much he adored Michael and Heather when we were in California." Angela starts chewing the inside of her cheek. "What if that happens again and he wants to stay?" She swallows. "Forever." Mona looks at her daughter and thinks back to their time in California.
"Yes I remember our trip. And yes I remember Jonathan being impressed by Michael. But don't forget this was over 2,5 years ago. Jonathan is older and slightly wiser now. He will see through all of it right now. And if he doesn't, Michael and Heather will. Jonathan is a pre-teen now, he isn't the cute little boy anymore. He has opinions and he is strong-minded." Mona kisses the top of her daughter's head, a small and rare gesture but both know they need it. "Want to go out to get some lunch?" Mona asks.
"I can go for an early lunch. Well.. depending.. didn't I have a meeting?" Angela asks.
"Yes.. you did. But it's an internal meeting and seeing as some of the staff is already on vacation, it really isn't that important. I still think you should hire someone to the team so not all the heavy lifting comes down on you."
"I know you're right, I really do. But I just need to find one or two more clients to be able to justify hiring someone new. But you're right. Cancel the meeting." Angela smiles.
===XXX===
Tuesday came quicker than anyone wanted. Their morning routine didn't change. The kids are allowed to sleep in, Angela and Mona make their way to the office, after they left, Tony starts his morning workout routine. He is just about to start lifting weights when there is a knock at the door.
"Dad?" Samantha makes her way in.
"Yeah sweetheart, you're up early." He chuckles as he sits up straight.
"I couldn't sleep anymore." She looks at her feet. "Can I ask you something?"
"Always Sam, you know that." Tony pats the spot next to him.
"Michael and Heather coming.." She starts. "And Jonathan going to LA with them." She nervously looks at her hands. "Something is going to change, isn't it?"
"No of course not!" Tony immediately intervenes.
"Then why is the atmosphere around this house colder than a freezer?" She looks up at her father. "It feels like something is about to change." He can hear the emotions in her voice.
"This house isn't a freezer Sam. But I understand what you're saying. Angela is very stressed about Jonathan going to his dad and honestly I can't comfort her. I can't take this stress away from her." He puts his hand on her shoulder.
"It's not just Angela and you. It's also Jonathan. He is more jittery than usual. Michael coming does affect him too you know."
"I know sweetheart and I appreciate you looking out for him. Even though he annoys you from time to time." Both give each other a knowing smile. "And I know you don't like being called brother and sister, but you two do act like siblings from time to time."
"I know." The words slip her mouth before she knows it. "And if you ever repeat these words, I will hurt you."
"Are you threatening your old man?" He nudges her with his shoulder.
"No.. I am warning you." She leans into him. "I love you dad."
"I love you too Sam."
"I don't want our family to change dad." He hears real concern in her voice.
"Me neither sweetheart, me neither." He kisses the top of her head.
"Wanna go one-on-one?" Samantha tries to lighten the mood.
"Get ready to be crushed young lady." Tony jumps up and grabs a basketball from the shelf.
"Yeah right, old man!" She runs passed him and steals the ball out of his hands.
Jonathan watches Tony and Samantha lay from the kitchen. That's when Angela comes back into the kitchen.
"Good morning sweetheart." Her voice startles him.
"Mom? I thought you were going into the office." He looks at her in shock. "I mean good morning mom." His face turns colour.
"I was, until I realised I forgot the most important file for my client this afternoon." She holds up the file.
"Where is grandma?" Jonathan asks.
"Grandma took the train, I had to go back for this file. I will take the car into the city, so we can be home quicker." She looks at his nervous face. "Don't worry we'll be back in time for you father and Heather. I promise." She gives him a smile. Jonathan looks over his shoulder. "What are you looking at?" She looks over his head and watches Tony and Samantha.
"Will dad play basketball with me when he gets here?" He asks. Angela snickers.
"Your father has never been really athletic you know." She looks at the top of her son's head. "He isn't like Tony." She watches him make a shot, her eyes are fixed on his muscular arms.
"I know he isn't. I wish he was though." Jonathan looks up. "Mom?"
"Yes sweetheart."
"Will you be okay when I'm gone?" Jonathan sincerely asks.
"As long as you come back sweetheart." She says without thinking, then quickly adds. "I will be just fine. I've got Tony, mother and my work."
"You won't have time to miss me." Jonathan jokes.
"Oh no sweetheart! I will miss you every day you're gone. But fortunately if I miss you too much I can always pick up the phone and call you. I'll be happy just to hear your voice."
"I know." Jonathan smiles. "Thanks mom."
"Why don't you go outside and join them?" She asks.
"I don't want to ruin their alone time." Jonathan states.
"I don't think you joining will ruin their alone time. I think it will be good for you to just spend some time with both Tony and Samantha. AND…" She emphasises. "I think they need it too. They will miss you too, you know."
"Tony will. Samantha will be at Cape Cod, she'll be too busy to miss me." He laughs.
"You are probably right." She laughs. "But go out there and enjoy your time with them okay?"
"Okay mom." He turns to his mother and hugs her.
"Have a great day. I love you sweetheart."
"I love you too mom." And he speeds outside. Angela watches him disappear through the door with a smile before turning on her heels and leaving.
===XXX===
When Angela and Mona are in the car back, Angela is excitingly telling her mother how the meeting with the new client went. Proudly telling how she reeled the client in.
"Does this mean that you're hiring a new staff member?" Mona pries.
"Like I said mother, I need at least 2 clients. This is just a small client. But nevertheless an important one." Angela says never taking her eyes off of the road. "You know we need all the clients that come our way. Those also keep us afloat. I know you know that mother."
"I know dear. You just work so hard." Mona is looking outside the window. Angela side-eyes her. Her mother wasn't one to worry about her.
"Thank you mother." After about 20 minutes of silence Mona turns to Angela.
"So you ready for tonight?" She directly asks.
"No." Is her quick and honest response. "Like everyone I haven't seen Michael in over 2,5 years and the last time isn't a good memory."
"I know. That's why I asked."
"Oh mother, what if he wants split custody again? Or even worse full custody because I've had full custody of Jonathan for years now? And he had to miss out on his dad."
"We will fight him tooth and nail." Mona resolutely says.
"I don't know if I can or will if Jonathan really wants to be with his dad." Angela keeps her eyes on the road as she wipes away a tear. Mona, for once, is at a loss of words. She doesn't know how to console her daughter or if it's even possible, because she knows there is a point to what Angela is saying. But unlike her daughter, Mona isn't willing to just hand Jonathan over to Michael without a real fight.. even if the fight has to be dirty.
"Don't worry Angela. Tony and I will have your back. And we will support you through whatever." Is all she says, for now.
"I know, mother, thank you." She smiles.
When they arrive at the house, Angela parks the car and looks towards her mother.
"I can't lose my baby boy mother." As she starts crying. Mona is taken aback by her daughters emotions.
"Come here Angela." As she pulls her into an awkward embrace. "It'll be fine dear. I know it will."
"I hope you're right." Angela sits up and dries her tears. "How do I look?" she asks Mona, but before she can respond. "Forget it, I can probably guess the answer." As she pulls down the sun visor to look in the mirror.
"Ouch Angela." Mona feels kind of hurt, but she also knows she has it coming. "You look good dear."
They make their way into the house, as the smell of herbs and garlic fill their noses. Tony comes from the kitchen.
"Good evening ladies, how was work?" He asks with a smile.
"Ugh." Mona rolls her eyes. "I will get changed. I will see you too soon."
"So how was your day Angela?" He asks as he helps her out of her coat.
"Great!" She flashes him her fake smile. "I reeled in the new client."
"I knew you would!" He quickly hangs her coat. "Well done Angela." She gives him a genuine smile.
"Thank you for having my back and always being my number one supporter." She squeezes his hand.
"I will always have your back, you know that." He softly squeezes her hand back. She smiles at him.
"Did Michael check in?" She knew Michael would call the house.
"Yes, he did, Heather and he will be here around 7:30. It'd not even 6, you can just take a shower or bath, relax and then come down." He is every so chipper.
"That's actual a good idea. But do you need any help with dinner?" She nods towards the swinging door.
"I've got it handled Angela. You just go up and relax." He slowly caresses her upper arm. She looks at his hand.
"Okay I will." But she isn't moving. "What did you make us?" She whiffs the air. "It smells like garlic herb butter chicken." Tony laughs.
"Your nose never ceases to amaze me. I did make garlic herb butter chicken, with roasted potatoes, green asparagus and a salad. Now go and take a bath." He nods upstairs. Angela turns and walks upstairs, then turns, wanting to tease him.
"So you promise not to come in?" He immediately turns around.
"What?" The way he says it, makes her regret her words.
"I'm sorry." She quickly turns.
"I promise." He grins, she hears the smile in his voice as she makes her way up the stairs.
