Chelle Bliss - Hook Me

My ma loved Mia as much as I did.

Mia’s cheeks flushed. “Thanks, Mrs. G. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Mia hugged my ma, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Come on, ladies. Let’s cut this ribbon and get the party started,” I said, ready to let everyone in to see the amazing work we did the last two months.

My parents, Mia, and myself all stood in front of the red ribbon with the largest pair of scissors I’d ever seen in my life being held up by Anthony and Izzy. Suzy stood next to Joseph, holding him by the arm as he leaned on his cane. The only person missing was my brother, Thomas.

Flashes from the crowd blinded me as Mia fidgeted at my side. I squeezed her hand hoping to calm her.

My father held his hands up, motioning for quiet. He turned to Mia and nodded.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming. The Gallo family has been kind enough to help give the clinic a new life. They helped raise funds to rehab and bring the facility up-to-date. We’re proud to offer the community the best medical care possible.” Her voice was strong as she spoke.

She was meant for this, meant to be in the spotlight.

“Without their generosity, none of this would be possible. We will have a full-time on staff doctor, a nurse, and a receptionist along with the volunteer physicians that will work in the clinic to meet the needs of all patients. Thank you for coming today and making this moment even more special.” With a beaming smile, she looked at me and winked.

Fuck, I loved her.

The crowd clapped and cheered as we held up the scissors before cutting the ribbon. Flashes illuminated around us as I grabbed her, kissing her as the people in the crowd cheered louder.

“Come on, Doc. Show the people around,” I said.

She smiled at me before turning her attention back to the people. “Come on everybody, I can’t wait to show you all the changes.”

The people entered the clinic with the same shocked expression. Their mouths hung open, their eyes looked around as they turned their head taking in every inch.

Mia showed people round the new exam rooms as I stayed in the waiting room. I watched her walk in and out of the rooms with small groups of people that hung on her every word.

“Is my baby in love?” my mother asked, standing at my side.

I jumped, grabbing my chest. “Ma, you about gave me a heart attack.”

She laughed before resting her head on my bicep. “I see the way you look at her, Michael. You wouldn’t do all this, if you weren’t in love with Mia.”

Heat crept up my chest to my face. “I do love her, Ma.”

“Well then,” she said, clearing her throat, “someone better give me a damn grandchild already. I know I taught you boys about birth control, but for the love of God, you or Joseph better make it happen, and I mean quick.”

“I’ve been practicing,” I smirked as I looked down at her beautiful smile.

“You’ve had enough time for that, you’re getting older, don’t wait too long, Michael.”

“Ma, Joe and Suzy have been together longer and they live together. Put a little pressure on them first, will ya?” I turned, getting a glimpse of Mia before looking back to my mother.

“Oh, don’t worry about that, I am.” She laughed. ”They’re practicing too, plenty from what I hear from your sister. Is Mia coming to the party at the house after this?”

My family was filled with gossips. Nothing stayed a secret for very long.

I swear sometimes my ma used any excuse to have a party. She loved to cook and have everyone over to talk. She hated how quiet the house had become since we moved out. “Yeah, she’s coming. You didn’t invite too many people, did you?”

“Baby, do I ever invite too many people?” She smiled at me, but it was a bullshit smile.

Sighing, I said, “Always.” I kissed the top of her head.

Her body shook against my arm with her silent laughter. “Never you mind that. I’m going to head home and start getting things ready with your father. Gather the troops when everyone is gone and come over. Don’t dilly dally.” She patted my stomach and walked toward my father. He nodded at her and shook the man’s hand he’d been talking with before they walked to the door hand in hand.

“You did real good, Mikey,” Izzy said, as she crept up next to me.

“Does everyone feel the need to sneak up on me today?” I crossed my arms over my chest but didn’t turn to face her.

“Cranky ass, aren’t ya? I didn’t sneak up anywhere. If you weren’t so hypnotized by Mia you would’ve heard me.”

I guess I was that obvious. I thought I hung out and blended in with the crowd, but I guess I didn’t. “Am I staring at her like a creep?”

Izzy smacked my arm. “Nah, like a love sick puppy is all.”

“Great,” I muttered, scrubbing my hands across my face.

“I’m going to go. I have a stop to make before I head to the party,” Izzy said and stood on her tiptoes, grabbing my arm and kissed my cheek.

“Don’t be long, Izzy. Ma will have a cow.”

“No worries. I’ll be there in plenty of time.” She winked and waved as I turned my attention back to Mia.

I shook hands with the people as they left. They thanked me for my family’s generous gift to the clinic. I told them that none of it would be possible without Dr. Greco and they’d nod and smiled.

When the crowd thinned, I sat down, resting my head against the wall. I could hear Mia talking in the back as she continued to walk room to room with the few people left. I closed my eyes and listened to her voice.

Soft warm lips pressed against mine. As I opened my eyes, I hoped they were Mia’s. “Everyone’s gone. Are you ready?” she asked as she pulled away.

“Yeah, we better go before Mama Gallo puts out an APB.”

She giggled, climbing in my lap. “You make her sound so horrible, but your mom is a sweetheart,” she said, resting her forehead against mine.

“You’ve never seen her other side, Mia. She’s Italian and has a temper. No mild mannered woman can raise four boys.”

“I’ll remember that,” she said, caressing my cheek.

“If we sit here any long I’m going to christen the waiting room and maybe one of the exam rooms. How do those stirrup things work again?” I smirked against her lips.

Mia smacked me, shaking her head. “Oh, no you don’t. Not today at least.” She jumped off my lap and held her hand out.

“You’re lucky my ma is waiting or else I’d say fuck it, and take you right here, right now.” I grabbed her hand.

“Yeah, just my luck.” She rolled her eyes and giggled.

To see Mia so happy and full of laughter made everything worth it. The long hours at the clinic and shop, busting my ass to get it done right.

She completed me.

Jesus, now I’m quoting Jerry McGuire.

Dick check. It’s still there. Whew.

I may not be a pussy, although I’d never it admit, I was pussy whipped.

Mia did that to me and I couldn’t be fucking happier.

“All women are crazy,” I said, as we walked to my parents’ front door.

“Let’s qualify crazy.” She coughed.

I called Tammy crazy, but my ma wasn’t. Ma was more excessive than crazy. There wasn’t an open spot in the driveway or on their block for that matter.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

“I told my ma to have a small get together. There has to be at least fifty people in that house based on all these cars.”

“Leave her alone. It makes her happy, right?” Mia asked, rubbing my arm.

“Yeah,” I said, grabbing her hand and placing a kiss in her palm.

“Everyone is waiting to see you.”

“To see us, Mia, not just me.” I pushed opened the door and shook my head.