“Hello, mom,” Marino said when his telephone call was answered.
“Tony?”
“Yes, it’s me. How are you?”
“It’s Wednesday.”
“I know.”
“What are you calling me on Wednesday for?” she asked. “Is something wrong?”
Marino rolled his eyes. “No, everything is fine,” he assured her. “Why would you think something’s wrong?”
“Because you call on Sunday.”
“I called on Thursday a few weeks ago.”
“And something was wrong,” she insisted. “That’s when you told me about your girlfriend.”
He laughed lightly, missing her more than he’d admit. “Everything is fine.”
“Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?”
“I’m not sure yet,” he said. “But I’m trying to.”
“Why wouldn’t you come?” she asked. “I promised your aunt you would be here. And you’re a famous author now. The whole neighborhood is waiting to se
