Wild One

Forty-Nine

Manon

All I wanted was one evening. One! And I get stupid Nic reaching for the salt. I said Daddy. He knows better. I'm gonna kick his ass. I swear!

This is a mess. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. They're never gonna get along

They have nothing in common.

Everything about them is opposite. So what the hell am I gonna do. I'm gonna go back inside. That's what I'll do.

I walk into the living room, and stop when hear quiet conversation.

“This is a nightmare,” Niccoló grumbles.

“You're a nightmare,” Baba responds.

I roll my eyes.

“Yeah, well I wouldn't be here, if she hadn't given me those puppy dog eyes.”

“She got you too huh?”

“Without a doubt. I hate you more than you hate me. But I love her, and she asked me to come so I did.” He sighs.

“She's got you wrapped around her finger too, huh?” Niccoló says grumpily.

“She took my guns,” Baba laments.

“Mine too. I had a grenade. I should really take that from her, it's dangerous."

“You're dangerous. I want you away from her and that will never change.”

“I love her. And you're gonna have to get used to me. Dad."

“I told you, that's creepy, you pasta loving fuck.”

“How creative, for a pig.”

“I'll show you a pig, you criminal.”

“I'm criminally good looking and your daughter loves it!”

I palm my forehead. They were close. It was good for a little while.

I step into the room, and everyone stops talking.

“Baby, I'm sorry—” Niccoló starts, getting up.

“Honey, I didn't mean to ruin your evening."

Everyone looks at mom who shrugs. “I didn't do anything. You numbskulls did it."

Baba shoots a look of betrayal her way, to which she shrugged.

I love my Mom.

She's so savage.

“Baba, thank you for trying. We'll try again next week. I'll return your weaponry after Niccoló leaves.”

Niccoló frowns. “I'm not leaving without you.”

I shoot him a Stern look.

He sulks. “I'll wait for you outside. But only five minutes.”

He kisses my forehead, leaving with one parting shot to my Dad.

“See you next week, Dad.”

“I hate him,” Baba grits to me as Niccoló laughs out the door.

I carefully grab all the guns that belong to my Dad and place them on the table.

“How do you know which is whose?”

I say nothing. But Nic's has filed serial numbers.

“Here. Mama, I'll cook with you next week?”

She smiles. “Of course dear. Come early. We both know you can't cook.”

See? Savage.

“Right. Well, good night, Baba.”

“Good night, Honey. Be safe.”

He walks me to the door, where Niccoló is waiting.

Reluctantly, he hands me off to him. Nic puts his arms around me.

“You keep her safe, criminal.”

Nic rolls his eyes. “I will, Dad.”

Nic laughs, giving Baba his back as he curses him.

“I hate that guy!” Baba screams, as Niccoló helps me into the car.

Yeah, this might not be so bad at all.