Jane Rizzoli
The next few days passed without incident, and Casey seemed to brighten. When I returned from work, we'd have dinner and watched movies, and I introduced Casey to the world of board games.
By Friday night, Casey's back felt much better. I marveled at the rate in which he healed. After dinner, we were together in the kitchen making an oil and vinegar potato salad for Saturday's Rizzoli family picnic when the doorbell sounded. Not expecting anyone, I looked at Casey and shrugged my shoulders.
When he realized who it was, Casey opened the door and welcomed the woman inside.
"Hi! I'm sorry I didn't call before stopping by, but I just want to see how you were doing."
"I'm fine Angela. My girls have been taking pretty good care of me."
"Well you look good,"she smiled. "Janie."
"Hey Ma. Can I get you anything?"
"No, no, thank you. I just want to see how my two favorite kiddos are doing before the big picnic tomorrow." Ma noticed how adorable we looked clad in our pajamas and comfortably navigating the kitchen together like we belonged to one another.
Ma pointed toward us, "Now don't be late tomorrow."
"No ma, we won't be."
The older woman walked toward us and simultaneously pulled the two of us to her chest in a tight hug. "Goodnight!"
Angela let herself out and paused just outside of earshot. "Oh yeah, they REALLY like each other."
Inside, I said to Casey, "What the hell was that all about?"
"I think your mom just wants to make sure you're in good hands."
"Well, I am."
When we were done making the salad, we sat down on the couch together.
"Casey, I hope you're not going to this picnic because you feel obligated. I mean—"
He laughed, "No. I'm honored to be asked."
"Well, let me give you the low down on what you're going to encounter. My Uncle Vinny is obsessed with football, he'll talk your ear off, and my cousin Gina, she's a shameless flirt. My aunt Louise will probably try and pinch your cheeks."
"Jane stop. There's no need to apologize for your family."
"Oh yeah, see if you feel that way after you've met them."
The next day Isa nearly dragged Casey and I out the door a half hour before the picnic was to start. When we arrived, there were balloons tied to the fence post, Frank was wearing a grilling apron. About fifteen guests had arrived ahead of us. Isa ran into her Uncle Frankie's arms. I smiled, leaving my little girl in good hands before heading out into the back yard with the tray of potato salad.
I introduced Casey to various family members, and suddenly cringed as I saw my cousin Gina approach. "Here we go," I thought.
Gina was a tall woman of about thirty-eight. She had dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She was curvy, and carried herself as confidently as I carried myself.
"Jane, how are you? You must introduce me to your lovely friend."
"Must I? Gina, this is Casey Jones. Casey, this is my cousin Gina."
They shook hands, and Gina hung on longer than necessary. I interrupted the exchange.
"Casey, have I ever given you the tour of my house? I can show you the infamous pink canopy bed that my mother wishes I would come home to."
