Free March (Calendar Girl #3) by Audrey Carlan Page A

over to the fridge and pulled out a beer and twisted off the top. In two huge slugs he finished it. Watching Tony eat and drink was like watching a professional eating competition. The man could just put things away as if his jaw was unhinged.
    “And what of Mama, the family line? Everything is not so easy.” His tone turned a smidge harsh.
    I nodded and tilted my head to the side. “It will be hard and she may get mad, cry, or hell, she may even throw something. That is one fiery Italian!” And the smile was back. All white, even teeth. Too pretty for his own good. Then again, in my experience, most gay guys were too pretty or too good looking. “And you and Hector talked about having a family?” I asked dying to know, but being too afraid to stick my nose any further in their business.
    Tony grabbed another beer and popped the top off tossing the cap on the counter where the other one was. “Yeah, he says he definitely wants to have kids and soon.” Tony’s smile got brighter, as if the sun was shining directly on him. Only thing, he wants us to be married or have some type of commitment ceremony first.”
    “I can see that. If you’re going to bring a child into the world, the smart thing to do would be to get married first.”
    Tony’s lips pursed together. “I guess I just never saw us getting married. It seems so old-fashioned and formal. Our relationship has always just been. There was never any pomp and circumstance. We just fit together you know? Like puzzle pieces.”
    “Is that how Hector feels about it? Because even only knowing Hector for the past couple weeks, he definitely seems like the type of guy that would appreciate a little pomp and circumstance. A real big show of affection.”
    “You’ve been hanging out with Angie too much, Mia. You’re turning into one of them.”
    I shook my head emphatically. “Nuh uh. No way. If I ever get married, which the odds are very, very slim, I’d just go to Vegas.”
    Tony’s arm came out and he pointed at me. His smile now split from ear to ear. “See! I agree with that. A marriage in Vegas. Perfect!”
    “Over my dead body,” said the voice of none other than Mona Fasano from behind us.
    “Mama! We didn’t hear you come in.” Tony went over to his mother and kissed both cheeks then hugged her. Hector was standing behind her with daggers in his eyes. I shook my head and tried with eye gestures to express that it wasn’t what he thought.
    Mona came over to me. She pulled me into a hug, kissed both cheeks then held me back at arm’s length. Her steely eyes traced my form. “Yep, perfect for making my babies,” she gushed before clapping her hands together. “Hector my boy,” she called over her shoulder.
    “Yes, Mama,” Hector returned.
    “What are we cooking, dear boy?” She turned and placed a hand on his cheek. The way she held his face was clearly affectionate. She loved him like a son. Hopefully, that would help when the truth came out. If Tony ever got his head out of his ass.
    “Enchiladas!”
    “Not Italian?” I asked surprised that the Italian mother of all mothers, wouldn’t be making one of her famous dishes.
    Mona shook her head. “No. When I cook with my Hector, we make food from his heritage. Gives me the opportunity to broaden my skills. Someday I will make a dish that’s Italian and Mexican fusion of cultures and sell it at the restaurant.” Mona pushed on my hips edging me out of the kitchen to one of the bar stools. “Now, you go sit and we’ll talk while Hector and I cook. Capisce ?”
    Sounded good to me. Tony handed me a beer then took the stool next to mine.
    “So, what is this I hear about a Vegas wedding?” Mama Mona went right for the gut.
    “Ma, we were just talking. It didn’t mean anything.” Tony said it to his mother’s back while she worked over the stove, but his eyes were glued to Hector’s. “I’d never run off and marry Mia. Never.” His voice was breathy, as if he’d whispered it loud