chapter Twelve
Fire Cracker
Lorenzo
The next morning, I woke up later than usual, but I was happy that I had a late morning final. I got dressed and headed downstairs to eat. Uncle Mike sat at the table looking annoyed. I knew right away he was on chafer duty.
“Hey kid, what time is your class,” he asked. I wasn’t gone to let him spoil my good mood.
I popped some grapes in my mouth, smiling at his grumpy frown. “We’ll be good, Uncle Mike. I need to be there by Eleven.”
Uncle Mike leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and downed some apple juice. After breakfast Uncle Mike rushed me out of the house.
“I have too much to do to be babysitting,” he complained. “What’s the difference between you having your cars back today or in two days?”
I have to stifle a laugh, but I totally agreed. Although, neither of us was going to tell my father that. If you ask me the whole idea has been pointless.
“I can get a ride home. Don’t worry about coming back,” I offered.
I had it covered. Chris was taking the same course final. He’s probably mad at me, but he wouldn’t leave me stranded. He would probably want to hang out anyway.
“Are you sure, kid? Can I trust you to come home and not go looking for trouble?” Uncle Mike had no idea. I didn’t need to go looking for anything.
“I will come straight home.”
When we arrive to campus, sure enough Chris was waiting in the parking lot for me. He laughed when he saw me getting out of the passenger side. This was the longest my father had ever stuck to taking my cars from me.
I walked over to Chris and motioned to punch him in the stomach playfully. He blocked my hand and returned the gesture. This guy has been in my life for as long as I can remember. He is more like a brother to me.
“Hey, man. You’ve been seriously ignoring me. What’s up?” he grumbled.
“Nothing personal, just dealing with some things with my dad. By the way, did you see what that psycho Sabrina did online?” I asked.
“Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I was calling. She has it in for you man,” he began to laugh.
I grimaced at his words. “Yeah, well, I thought you’d like to fix that. I’m game for whatever good ideas you have.” We started walking toward our class.
A big grin stretched across Chris’s face. “I’m sure I can accommodate you, Sir,” he replied.
I threw my arm around his shoulders, ready to give him my second gift of truce. Of course, he was all ears. I know he could tell I had something good coming.
“Hey, you know Matthew La Marcello?” I started.
“Yeah, we played his school a few times this year. His cousin is the cute little one you were talking to in the mall, right?” he answered.
This is why Chris is my best friend. He paid attention to everything. I never had to fill in the blanks with him. He saw it all.
“Yes, she is giving him a party at her place this weekend. I need a favor. I promised my girlfriend I’d ask you to come to the party,” I grinned, as I spoke, knowing he’d caught the girlfriend part.
“Dude, party, say no more. I am there. Now, is his cousin your girlfriend?” He had one eyebrow raised. I knew he understood it was more than my dad keeping me away.
“Yes, his cousin is my girlfriend, but not that one. I think she’s actually into you.” I answered and slapped him on the back.
Chris looked puzzled. Not everyone knew Victoria was related to the La Marcello’s. So, I tried to give a quick explanation as we entered the classroom.
“Remember the girl with her. The one with the long brown hair,” I paused and he nodded. “That’s Victoria. She’s Matt’s other cousin. That’s my girlfriend.”
His eyes widen. “Dude the one with the eyes and the awesome body. Her mom works at the restaurant. How are they related?” he riffled off.
I let out a long sigh. “Long story. I’ll tell you later, but it’s between us. Yeah, and do me a favor, keep your eyes off Victoria’s body.” We both laughed, but he knew I meant it.
I cruised through my final. I was done before Chris, so I went outside to wait for him to finish. I decided to text Victoria on the way out to the parking lot.
I knew by then she should’ve been finished with all her finals for the day. I just wanted to hear her voice. I took out my phone and sent her a quick text.
Me: Are you home? Can you talk?
When I didn’t get a text right back, I remembered she was going to get her permit after her exams. She was probably in the middle of the test. As I remembered my phone started to buzz.
Victoria: I’m just finishing up at the DMV. Call you in a sec.
When I arrived at the parking lot, I sat on the hood of Chris’s car with my back against the windshield. I closed my eyes, laid my head back on the roof. It was warm and I’d become lost in my own thoughts.
I wondered if Victoria passed the written test. I was sure she did. My thoughts floated to how every time I’ve seen Victoria, she has looked different.
I like her with straight hair, it gives her an older look. I hope she wears it like that on Thursday. I had to remember to ask her to. Talking to her last night made me start to think about grad school and my plans for next year.
I’m not sure what I want to do about school. I had only planned to go away because I wanted to avoid what my father was planning. Although, I had also applied to schools closer to home because he insisted.
At this point, I could go wherever I wanted. I’d been accepted to almost every school I applied to. It was only a matter of choosing.
I really wanted to try my hand at a business of my own, that much I knew. What my family did wasn’t the last stop for me. I knew one thing for sure though.
I would have a hard time doing anything that kept me far from Victoria. It was hurting me to have to wait so long to see her. That fact was very funny to me.
A week ago, I was trying to get as far away from her as I could. Now, all I wanted was to be with her. I let out a little laugh as that occurred to me.
I suddenly felt something wet poured on my face. My eyes flashed open. I was to my feet in the same thought.
Sabrina stood in front of me with a Styrofoam cup in her hand. My nostrils flared and I clinched my fists at my sides. I had enough of this girl.
“What’s your problem?” I grunted through my teeth.
She wrinkled her nose and answered, “You are! What makes you think you can just stand people up because you feel like it? I don’t believe a word about you being grounded.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “I don’t care what you believe. I don’t owe you anything. I told you I was sorry I couldn’t take you and that’s that.” My fists balled tighter in frustration. If she was a guy we wouldn’t be talking at this point.
Sabrina jumped in my face and started pointing her finger at me. “Sorry isn’t good enough. You could’ve offered to make it up to me, but you’re acting like I don’t matter. We were planning this for weeks.”
I moved back away from her and just stared at her for a minute, like she was crazy. I managed to calm myself down and then I replied, “Sabrina, We weren’t planning anything. I don’t appreciate the fact that you are making it seem like we were dating in the first place. Like I said, I am sorry, but that’s the end of it.
“Stop posting shit about me, don’t call or text my phone, and we really don’t need to speak. I am beyond trying to be nice to you.”
A few snickers came from around us and her face turned red. Chris had finally arrived. I was more than ready to go. However, Sabrina wasn’t done.
“Is this because of that girl you were talking to in the mall on Friday? I was picking up my shoes for the party and I saw you talking to that girl and her friend. You weren’t grounded then.”
Oh, my God, this girl didn’t give up. I couldn’t believe this was happening. In that same moment, my cell phone started to ring. I was so annoyed, but I didn’t want to miss Victoria’s call. I answered the call anyway.
“Hello,” I completely failed to hide my aggravation.
“Hey, I passed, I got my permit!” Victoria squealed.
“That’s great, can I please call you back,” I said flatly.
“What’s the matter, Lorenzo? You sound upset,” her voice was laced with panic. That just added to my frustration.
Sabrina narrowed her eyes, starting in again. “That’s her, isn’t it? Wow, I knew I was right, hmm, grounded.”
That was the last straw. This girl was out of her fucking mind. I lost it.
“So, what if it is, Sabrina? You’re not my girlfriend and you never were. I’m tired of this. You really should just walk away and leave me alone.”
Victoria became silent for a second. Then I heard her rage came to life over the phone. It was almost living and breathing.
“Lorenzo, where are you? Are you still on Campus? Is that, that stalker? I want to talk to her, now!”
I was a bit shocked. The fire in her voice was unlike anything I’ve ever heard from her. So unlike my sweet Victoria.
“Victoria, it’s nothing. I’ll call you back,” I said urgently.
“No, Lorenzo, you put the phone on speaker or give it to her. Whatever, if you don’t, I will find her,” she ordered, in a hostile tone.
That stunned me even more. “Victoria, relax. I can take care of this….”
“Oh, please, is she threatened by me? She should watch out you may stand her up,” Sabrina taunted.
That was it. I wanted Victoria to rip her head off. I wish she were here. I was close to doing it myself.
I was also curious as to what Victoria planned to say to her. I know I shouldn’t have, but I was way passed reasoning. I put the phone on speaker.
“Victoria, Baby, you’re on speaker. You wanted to say something?” I said politely.
“Sabrina, is that your name?” Victoria yelled through the phone. “You need to learn when you’re not wanted. I know Lorenzo, and I know he has gone out of his way to be nice to you.
“He tried to let you down gently, but I’m not so nice. If you so much as breathe in his direction again, you’re going to find out what threatened is. I’m not threatened by anyone.
“I already have what you want. Play with me if you want. I’m nothing you’ve ever dealt with,” her voice relaxed and she said, “Lorenzo, she understands now. Do you still want to call me back?”
I wanted to explode with laughter. The look on Sabrina’s face said she was horrified. I knew she believed every word Victoria spoke.
I felt pride rise in my chest. My girlfriend was a real loose cannon. If she were here I would have kissed the breath out of her.
I was so turned on by her confidence. She’s a firecracker, as hot blooded as I could be. I took the phone off of speaker and placed it to my ear.
“No, not really. I want to talk to you now.” What I wanted was to see her.
I turned toward Chris’s car, opening the passenger side to get in. Chris got in after me with a shocked, goofy look on his face. I chuckled at his expression.
Sabrina still stood in the same spot, with tears coming out of her eyes and her mouth hanging open. I laughed even harder. A week ago, I would have thought it cruel to do so, but she’d pushed me too far.
“Victoria, where’d that come from?”
“Lorenzo, I don’t like hearing you upset. I believed you when you said she was stalking you. You’re not the type to just be mean to someone.”
I laughed again. “Yeah, but Victoria, I didn’t think you’d react that way. I don’t know. You surprised me.”
“Lorenzo, remember who my father is. My mother really isn’t any better, my dad’s her only weakness,” she said and giggled a little.
“Hey, congratulations, Beautiful. So, did you pick out a car yet?” I changed the subject feeling a lighter mood.
“No, I thought you would help me. Do you feel better now?” I could hear the concern in her voice.
“Of course, I’m talking to you, aren’t I? We’ll talk cars when I see you. I’ll show you some books and maybe I’ll let you drive a few of mine. You can see what you like,” I offered.
“Really! You would let me drive,” she squealed, the excitement pouring through the phone.
I laughed as Chris sucked his teeth beside me. I turned to see him roll his eyes. “Sure. Listen, I just wanted to hear your voice. Chris is giving me a ride home. I’m being a little rude. Can I call you later?”
I didn’t want to go, but it wasn’t a good idea to stay on the phone as we arrived at my house anyway. My father still was unaware of my communication with Victoria. This would just piss him off all over again.
“Oh, sorry. I just wanted to call you before Maria came back to the car. Text me when you can talk,” she said.
“I will. Thanks, Sweetheart, you really made my day.”
“Your welcome, il mio amore,” she said perfectly.
I was stunned and speechless for a second. Victoria had no idea what she was doing or maybe she did. Her love, I would accept that title.
I bite my lip as I answered. “Don’t do that.”
I could hear my own voice too soft and raspy for my company’s ears. I would regret this later. I cleared my throat and shook my head clear of lust before starting again.
“You can get yourself in a lot of trouble with that. I’ll text you later, Beautiful.”
Victoria giggled as she hung up. I wanted so badly to see her. I wanted to kiss the lips those words came out of. I was falling in love with her.
I had barely been in her presence more than 20 minutes collectively, but I knew. Chris cleared his throat to get my attention. I looked over at him and just grinned.
“So, I guess I don’t need to take care of Sabrina,” he chuckled out.
“Guess not.” I laughed remembering Sabrina’s face.
He shook his head and smiled. “Wow, she’s something else man. I was afraid for Sabrina…and when she was done, she went back to normal, as if nothing happened. That was great.”
We both roared with laughter. Chris composed himself enough to say, “You’re the only other person I’ve ever seen do something like that. Well, besides your dad. It was priceless. She’s perfect for you.”
Chris didn’t need to tell me that. This was something I already knew. Victoria was made for me. What more could I ask for?
Victoria was smart, sexy, and honest. Even when she giggled it was seductive and flirty, but I don’t think she’s even trying. It’s natural to her.
Chris paused. “Lo, how in the world did you pull this off? I thought she blew you off in the mall. How did she end up your girlfriend?” he asked after a few seconds.
I laughed at his question. “You guys assumed she blew me off. There was a lot more to it. I’d walked away,” I answered. I didn’t want to get into what really happened that day.
Chris knew me well enough to move on. “Okay, so like, isn’t she a little younger than you? I know Angie is younger. They’re about the same age, right?”
I just smiled and nodded slowly. Chris didn’t care about Victoria’s age. I could see where he was going with this.
“So, since when do you date younger girls? How old is she?” he asked.
I laughed because I knew what Chris really wanted to know. Although Angie looked a lot like Victoria, minus the body. She wasn’t as mature looking, especially not in the face.
“Kid, Victoria will be seventeen in two weeks and Angie is already seventeen, since that’s what you’re really asking. Angie isn’t as young as she looks.”
Chris chuckled and reached over to playfully punch me in the arm. “I have to check these things out. Besides, are you sure you want to start a relationship now? You’re going to grad school next year, then what?”
I rolled my eyes and mumbled. “She’ll be a senior next year and I can pick a school closer to home for a year. Then transfer wherever she wants to go after that or something.”
I wasn’t ready to let Chris know I was that serious about Victoria. However, answering his question was sort of answering my own thoughts as well. He was just bringing out the conclusion.
Chris pulled up in front of my house. We got out of the car to head inside. He was quiet for a bit, after I told him my plans.
I was sure he was thinking them over. That is what Chris did. I would decide on something and he would try to figure out if I was making a sound decision.
That’s why we were best friends. We keep each other out of trouble. I respected his opinion, but I wasn’t sure yet if he understood how I truly felt about Victoria. The simple fact that I would do anything for her.
When we walked into the kitchen my mom had a spread set up for everyone in the family. Honestly, there was enough for about two other families. Chris and I grabbed a couple of plates and made our way to my room.
Chris plopped down in my lounge chair and I grabbed a game chair from the closet. After a few minutes of eating in silence, Chris put his plate down in his lap.
“Lo, you would really do that? I mean plan your future around her? I mean, you two have known each other for what, almost a week? I know she’s beautiful and all, but are you thinking? What will your father say?” he rifled off.
Just as I thought, my friend always trying to save me from myself. He had no idea how happy my father would be to hear this news. I put my plate down and looked at Chris.
“You’re my best friend, Chris, so I’m going to tell you the truth. Victoria means a lot to me. More than any girl I’ve ever been with.
“Yes, I would plan my future around her because she is my future. It’s like she knows how to draw me to her and I don’t want her to stop. She’s all I think about,” I had to admit.
Chris watched my face, as I spoke. When I finished, he went back to eating, not saying a word, just thinking. I finished off my plate and took it over to the desk. I went back to my seat to start up the Xbox.
Chris raced to finish his food, so he could join me. When he was done, he placed his plate with mine. Once he was seated again, he returned to his questions.
“Ok Lo, I understand how you feel. I know you, if you say you love her then you do. My question is, does she feel the same? Will she feel the same next year?” he asked sincerely.
I chuckled a little before I answered. “I don’t remember saying I love her, but I guess you’re right.” I thought about that for a minute.
“Right about you loving her or her not feeling the same way about you?” he asked, as he raised his brows.
I sucked in a deep breath. “Both, I guess, but I think she feels the same way. To be honest, I am willing to take my chances. She means that much to me.” Just talking to Victoria was teaching me about her. I really do care about her a lot.
“Wow, Lo, you got it bad, bro. I’m not even mad at you anymore for not answering my calls or returning them. I see why. Well, if she makes you happy, I’m happy. I hope your father understands. Are you grounded because of her?” Chris said in awe, as he shook his head.
I rolled my eyes. “Long story, Chris, but yeah, sort of. As far as my father is concerned, she is perfect for me. You don’t have to worry about him,” I said dryly.
“Speaking of long stories, what did you mean earlier? How is she related to Matt?” Chris asked.
I sighed. “Promise you won’t say a word.”
“Promise.”
“Her biological father is Venny, the restaurant owner,” I shrugged.
“Venncesso La Marcello?” Chris sat up straighter in his seat. However, he didn’t look as shocked as I expected. He looked more intrigued. He nodded his head. “I can see the resemblance.”
“Yeah, pretty hard to miss it if you’re paying attention.”
“So, Angie. She’s seventeen?”
I snorted. I knew this was where he was originally headed in the car. I knew it wouldn’t take long to get back to the topic. Angie is Chris’s type all the way.
“Yeah, she actually put in a request for you presence at the party this weekend.”
“She cute, I just always thought she was a lot younger. I didn’t want any trouble with Matt,” Chris shrugged.
“Yeah, I’ve seen her hanging around you a few times,” I chuckled.
“The ladies love Chris. What can I say?”
“Whatever,” I barked with laughter and tossed a pillow at him.
We played video games for about an hour. After I thrashed Chris a few times, I didn’t want to throw him out, but I did want to call Victoria. I guess he could tell because he grabbed the headset, while shaking his head at me.
“Dude, go ‘head and call her. I won’t listen. I’m just not ready to go home and who knows how much we’ll get to hang before you take off after graduation,” he said with a smirk.
I smiled at that. We both know I’m not taking off. I grabbed my phone from my pocket. I sent her a quick text to see if I could call her.
Me: Hey, you busy?
I waited for a return text, but the phone rung instead. “Hey, Beautiful,” I answered.
Victoria giggled into the phone, then she paused. I wasn’t sure what to think. Maybe someone had entered the room. I waited a minute, but when she still didn’t respond, I whispered. “Everything okay Baby?”
She sighed. “Yes, I hope so. I want to …well, I was hoping …you aren’t mad at me for earlier, are you?” she stumbled across her words.
I sat puzzled. I thought for a minute about what I would be mad about. “About what? I don’t understand,” I asked, confused.
She sighed again. “I thought maybe I was out of line. You know, the way I forced you to let me talk to that girl.” She twisted the word girl, as she said it through her teeth.
I chuckled hard.
“Victoria, I’m not mad at you. I was surprised by it, yes, but that’s all,” I said as gentle as I could to reassure her.
“Oh, okay, I thought about it after I calmed down. It was a little unladylike. My father probably wouldn’t have liked it,” she said shyly.
“I’m not your father,” I paused to think about what I’m about to say to my shy girl. I throw caution to the wind and decide to be me. “It turned me on.”
“Oh,” she replied. I could practically hear her thinking. After a few beats, she repeated. “Oh, really!” she squealed as if what I said just hit her.
“Yes, I like that you were so ready to defend me. You’re cute when you’re angry,” I admitted in a seductive voice.
“Umm, I’ll keep that in mind. Can I ask you a question? What did you mean about getting myself in trouble?” She questioned, curiosity lacing her voice.
I laughed. “Same thing,” I said pointedly.
“What do you mean?” she asked bemused.
“You think about it. You’re smart,” I suggested, as I relaxed in my seat. I was enjoying hearing her voice on the other end of the phone.
She contemplated what I said for a minute. Then she squealed through the phone. “Oh, really! Are you serious? I mean, how, what did I do?” I could hear her laughing on the other end now.
“I like the way you speak Italian. You have a way of making it sound…I don’t know…sexy,” I told her, keeping the seductive tone in play.
“Lorenzo, you’re kidding. I sound like anyone else. That really excites you? You’re not hard to please, you know,” she teased.
We both laughed. “That’s a good thing, so you always know how to keep me happy.”
“I like that. I want to keep you happy.” Once again, she spoke with a seduction I didn’t think she intends to use. It’s just natural.
“Not as much as I want to make you happy,” I replied. Victoria had no clue how much I owe her or how much I was willing to give her. Until that day, I had no idea how much myself. Chris made me think about how much I cared for her.
“What makes you think that?” she said, sounding a little wounded.
“It’s not what I think, it’s what I know,” I spoke with confidence.
“Don’t be so sure of that. I…,” she paused and changed the subject. “Maria promised to take me driving tomorrow.”
I thought about what I knew she was going to say. I wanted her to. I wanted to prove that Chris was wrong. This wasn’t a one-way thing.
I know what she was going to say. My stomach twisted by the words that were cut off in her mouth. I needed them like air.
“I love you, too, Victoria.” There that would get me what I wanted.
She paused, leaving a long silence to fill the air. “Was I that obvious? I thought I had stopped in time? I love you, Lorenzo, but that scares me. I have lost so many people I love, all at the same time. I don’t want to love you and then have to lose you too.”
That was more than I expected to hear, but I was happy to know what she was thinking. I felt like I understood. Although, it hurt me to know what she was feeling.
I was the one who made her lose those people she loved. Here I was, getting to love her and have her love me. It seemed so wrong. I wanted to tell her the truth and see if she could still love me, but I couldn’t.
That was my father’s one condition. I could never tell the truth about what I had done. My father warned that I better pray Venny never told her himself.
I took a deep breath. “Victoria, you will never lose me. I don’t want you to be afraid of loving me. You have nothing to be afraid of.” I wanted her to believe this. I needed to reassure her I was good for her.
“What about when you go to grad school? From what I hear you might be going away. I’m not stupid, Lorenzo. I know you will want to be with someone. Someone ready to give you what I can’t or won’t. Someone older, more mature,” she spit out angrily.
“You’re the someone I want to be with. You’re very mature for your age. If I have you, then you have given me enough.”
“Ugh, you know what I mean, Lorenzo. I don’t know how…I’ve never…I’m not sure I am ready to…I want to wait.” She managed to say almost sounding frustrated.
“Didn’t I tell you, you worry too much?” I laughed.
I did however give thought to her words. How could I not think about giving her nothing but pleasure with the way she looks? Although, that wasn’t as important to me as us just being together.
“Yes, but sometimes the way you sound when you speak to me. I don’t know… it makes me afraid you want to,” she spoke shyly.
I snorted. “We can talk about that later. I don’t want anything you don’t.” I told her. I was ready to brush the subject off. I meant every word, it just wasn’t something we needed to discuss at that moment.
“See, that’s the problem. This is easy to say over the phone, but what if…the way I feel about you changes that when I’m with you?” I could tell these were thoughts she’d been going over all day.
“Victoria, I know you’re younger than I am. That’s important to me. I understand you may look a lot older, but you’re still a girl in some ways. Ways I don’t want to change too quickly.
“I want to give you what you need. Anything you need. If you need shelter, then I can do that. If you need food, I have that covered. If you need someone to listen, you know I’ll do that.
“But please do understand…those are things you need, not things I want. I’ve been taught to be a man. I know how to control myself, and I will wait as long as necessary, until pleasing you becomes a need and not a want. Be it yours or mine,” I promised with authority.
When I said, all I had to say I saw Chris staring at me with his mouth open. Victoria was quiet on the other end of the phone. I just sat confident that I made my point.
I gave Victoria a minute to absorb what I said. Suddenly, I could hear her crying on the other end. I panicked. I thought about what I said and wondered what I said wrong.
“Victoria, did I say something wrong? Baby, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“I just …I umm…I didn’t expect you to say that. It makes me love you even more. I love you so much. You’ve made me so happy. I’m not afraid of what is going on because you made things so much better,” she whimpered.
“Please stop crying, Beautiful. I want to make it better. Maybe I can get Chris to drive me to your house…” I was beyond caring what my father would do.
She cut me off right away. “Are you crazy? I’m fine, you can’t come here. My father would kill me,” she screeched anxiously.
“No, he won’t, Victoria, relax. I won’t stay long, I just want to see you,” I spoke impatiently.
“I will see you Thursday,” she demanded.
“Shit, it is Tuesday, Victoria. I want to see you now.”
I was becoming irritated. I wanted to see her to know for sure she was okay. I didn’t care about her father. I had to find a way to see her.
She sighed. “I know, but it’s what I need. I need you to wait.”
I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t believe she was using my words on me. This girl had me wrapped around her finger already.
“That’s not fair, you know,” I hissed at the phone. Victoria sighed, causing me to feel bad for talking to her so harshly. “Baby, I’m sorry. If it’s what you need, I will do what you ask.” I eased my voice.
Victoria sensing my mood change, changed the subject. Purring softly in Italian. “What are your plans tomorrow?”
I was hers in a matter of seconds. I lost my focus on trying to plan a trip to her house. Chris had gone back to pretending he was not listening.
It didn’t matter though. He couldn’t understand a word I spoke anyway. All these years, you would think he would understand something.
Victoria and I continued our conversation in Italian for another hour. That’s when Maria appeared outside her door, telling her to get ready for dinner. I have to say I was a bit disappointed.
“I promise to call you in the morning,” she whispered. “My dad wants to watch movies tonight when he gets home. I don’t know what time we’ll be done.”
“I love you.” I said wanting her to hear the words from my lips and needed to hear them from hers.
“I love you too,” she said in the sweetest voice ever.