Junior Year Box Set

“Congratulations on your awards. When I heard, I simply had to come and offer my support.”

“I’m not sure how to take you,” I admitted.

That got a laugh out of Tony.

“If I were in your place, I would think the same. Why would the son of a ‘connected’ family be interested in me? In fact, it would probably creep me out, if I were honest. Welcome to my world,” Tony said.

Nancy smiled and patted my arm reassuringly.

“I was more than a little nervous about Tony when I first met him. Like you, I have plans for politics someday. My father is Senator Wilson, and believe me, he had concerns about Tony and his family. The thing is, Tony’s a good man. I’m not going to say he’s a saint, but he’s trying hard to keep on the straight and narrow,” Nancy said.

“The days of the Italian crime families are coming to an end. My goal has been to make our family legitimate. Someday I’ll be in charge, and that will happen. I understand your concerns, but I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you did to take down that piece of … of … filth.

“Even if I’m out of the life, so to speak, at some point you might have a need. If I can’t help you, I can probably point you in the right direction,” Tony explained.

“So, if I wanted something to happen to Brandon …”

“They have him buttoned up right now. At some point, he’ll be released or allowed to enter the general population. That’s all I’ll say because I know you’re wired,” Tony said with a small smile.

“I’ll make sure it gets deleted. I have to protect myself,” I explained.

He nodded sadly. Tony more than understood why I would be defending myself.

“I know you will. I just assume if I’m in public, someone’s listening in, and I’m sure you have similar issues. That’s why I have my sister as my go-between for anything … questionable. You would never ask me to do anything shady, would you?”

“Tony, be good. Remember you want David as a friend, not scared of you,” Nancy chided him.

“I think David understands the realities we both face better than you realize. He’s someone who’s going places, and frankly, those are the kinds of people I want to associate with, love,” Tony told Nancy, as if I weren’t there.

“We’re good,” I said and meant it.

I wasn’t sure what to make of Tony being a friend, but I didn’t get the feeling he had any evil plans for me. I had a feeling that at some point, his wife might end up being someone I wanted to work with if, in fact, I moved into politics.

“You know what, we’re more than good,” I admitted. “I don’t know why, but I think we’ll become good friends. Honestly, I don’t know how it’ll work, but I believe we will. I’m glad you made the effort to fly in and join me tonight. I think it’s the start of something.”

Tony got up and hugged me. I sure hoped this hadn’t been a mistake.

◊◊◊

Grandma showed up with my boys. I was glad she had because she was friends with a lot of the people in the room. I took them around so I could show my kids off to the people who hadn’t had a chance to see them yet.

State’s jazz band took the stage and played. I thought it was smart to offer university students the opportunity to practice their craft. I would have to find out who thought of it and thank them.

Coby was cranky, so Peggy took the boys home.

I took my mom to the dance floor when a slow number was played.

“This was a great idea. I’ve had a good time.”

“When Caryn and I were putting this together, it made us realize how many people you’ve touched. It makes me proud to hear how they like you and how they feel you’ve helped them. You’re becoming a fine young man.”

“Someday, I might even be good enough for Tami,” I teased.

“If only,” Mom sighed.

“I hate you sometimes,” I teased.

“You’re not allowed, I’m your mother. You’re stuck loving me.”

“I’ll always be your little boy, won’t I?”

“Yep. You could be fifty, and I would still think of you that way.”

I felt my chest tighten. I really did love this woman.

“That’s okay with me.”

◊◊◊

Chapter 26 – Look Me in The Eyes Wednesday July 20

I’d spent the last few days being a kid. I talked Dad and Greg into going to the lake and breaking out the jet water board. We had a blast. I’d had a small twinge when I remembered this was where Jeff had drowned. Then I remembered this was where Coby was conceived. I chalked it up to the circle of life and pushed all the negative feelings away.

I’d also hit football practice hard. Both Wolf and Tim had taken the week off because football camp with the University of Michigan began today.

I had one bit of work to do that I’d put off because Dad said I had to get their parents’ permission first. I was on my way to the Pearson farm for breakfast before football began. Zoe was waiting for me on the front porch when I pulled up in the Demon. She came down the steps and gave me a good-morning kiss.

Yuri pulled up and had my half brother, Phil, with him.

“I should have brought Jan,” Yuri observed.

“Go get her. Mom has enough food to feed everyone,” Zoe said.

“Where’s Roc?” Phil asked.