Free Raw by Jo Davis Page B

probably kick him to the curb.
    ***
    The next day, around ten in the morning, the phone rang and Anna went to answer. Spotting Gray’s number, she smiled as she thought about their tryst after her mother had gone to bed. She’d felt like a naughty teenager sneaking across the hall and meeting her lover for a midnight rendezvous that had nearly melted his sheets.
    â€œHey, sexy,” she said. “Ready for the musical?”
    Gray had gotten the three of them tickets to see the matinee of
Wicked
at the Gershwin Theatre on 51st Street. It was a generous gesture that had further charmed her mother, despite her concerns.
    â€œYou bet, sweetheart. I’ll be over soon, and then we’ll find a place to eat before the show.”
    Gray hailed a cab and took them to lunch, making much over the fact that he had two beautiful women on his arm, much to her mother’s delight. Then they went to the show and had a great time. Anna had seen
Wicked
before, but Gray and her mother hadn’t, and it was always fun to watch it with people who hadn’t been. Anna always found herself wishing she’d been the writer to come up with the brilliant premise for the show—what if the Wicked Witch was simply misunderstood? A victim of misplaced hatred and circumstance?
    Margaret was enthralled and didn’t take her eyes off the stage the entire time, and Gray seemed to enjoy it, too. When the cast came out for their bow, the older woman stood and applauded furiously.
    â€œThat was the best show I’ve ever seen! Are there any more musicals as good as this one?”
    The lights came up and Anna grinned. “
Jersey Boys
is great, but you’re going home tomorrow.”
    â€œWell, damn. Next time, maybe?”
    â€œYou bet.”
    Inroads had been made between her and her mom, a connection established between the three of them. It was a great feeling. They walked a few blocks at a leisurely pace so as not to tire her mother. Then they found an Italian restaurant in Times Square and ate until they thought they’d pop. After more shopping, the sun was going down, and they were all ready to drop.
    Margaret put her arm through her daughter’s. “Thank you for the best weekend I’ve had in a long time.”
    â€œIt’s been fun, hasn’t it? Thanks for coming, and don’t make it so long next time.”
    â€œI won’t.” She gave Anna a sly look. “You’ll have to fly home and have a long weekend sometime soon. Meet Bruce.”
    â€œI’ll do that.”
    Gray grew quiet on the cab ride home, but Anna attributed that to being tired. It had been a long day for all of them. But when her mother disappeared inside Anna’s apartment, he didn’t follow, but hovered in the hallway.
    â€œEverything all right?” she asked, taking his hand. “You still want me to come over after my mother goes to sleep?”
    â€œI’d love nothing more, but I can’t tonight. I’m sorry.”
    Disappointment deflated some of her happiness. “Why not? What’s wrong?”
    â€œI’m not feeling so good. Might be coming down with some sort of stomach bug,” he said with regret. “I just need some rest. But I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
    There was a strange catch in his voice that made her pause. Made her feel weird inside. Not like he was going to call off their budding relationship, but something else. Her mother’s words came back to haunt her, and she found herself wondering if he was telling her the truth now.
    â€œI can come over and check on you later, if you want.”
    â€œNo, I don’t want you or your mom to catch whatever I’ve got. I’ll be fine.”
    Her mood dipped even further. “All right. I hope you feel better, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œBye, honey.”
    He didn’t sound particularly sick. Sad, but not ill. What did she know, though? He would probably go