“Like a date date?” she clarifies, her enthusiasm bubbling just below the surface. When I nod, she rounds the table and pulls me into a giant hug that a linebacker would be jealous of. Hell, I didn’t know my mom was still this strong. When she releases me, she smacks the side of my head.
“Why the heck didn’t you bring her with you, you big oaf? Then we could’ve made a toast or something!”
Chuckling, I argue, “You said you wanted to talk. I figured you meant in private.”
“Well, yeah, but Charlie’s family. You know that.”
“Good point,” I concede before picking up a piece of bacon and shoving it into my mouth.
“So how did it go? Did you guys both reveal your true feelings? Am I gonna get any grandbabies anytime soon?”
Snorting, I try to let her down easy. “It was one date, Mom.”
“Yeah. One date with the love of your life. Although you should probably get married first. I know, I know. I’m old school but—”
“Mom!” I cut her off, though I’m still grinning from ear to ear. “You’re ridiculous. You know that?”
“I do. But I’m also really happy for you, Levi. You two are the real deal.”
“You think?” I murmur, glancing over at her as she sits back down and begins eating her breakfast.
“I know so. Now eat up and give me all the details. Well, the PG ones. I still look at her like a daughter, ya know.”
With a bark of laughter, I tell her everything she wants to know, making good ol’ Walt Disney proud with my kid’s-movie filter.
If only she knew the likelihood of her being a grandma is higher than it’s ever been.
She’d have a heart attack.
I left my mom’s in a rush when I saw the time and realized I needed to get home and shower before Alexandra fires my ass for not helping set up for the gala tonight. Then I need to pick up Charlie and––
My phone buzzes.
Charlie: Hey! How’s your mom doing?
A fresh wave of euphoria runs through me as I type my response while walking toward my apartment.
Me: Great, actually. She was keeping a secret from us.
Charlie: And what secret is that?
I make a point to let go of my bitterness in regards to the secret and focus on the positives that came out of it.
Me: She’s going to be okay. Had the surgery earlier this week, and the doc called with the results yesterday. It isn’t cancer. She’s totally fine.
My phone vibrates in my hand seconds later, notifying me that someone is calling. After sliding my thumb along the screen to answer it, I lift the phone to my ear. And squealing commences.
“Are you serious right now, Levi McCoy? She’s okay? Like for real? She’s seriously going to be alright? Why the hell didn’t she tell us she was getting it removed before the original date? I mean, I love that woman, but I kind of want to throttle her right now.” Her empty threat tugs my mouth into a smile as I cross the street toward my building.
“I kind of wanted to throttle her too, but it all worked out, and I understand why she was afraid to fill us in. She didn’t want us to worry.”
“Still,” she argues, not letting it go that easily. I knew she wouldn’t. Things have always been pretty black and white with that girl, and I knew this situation––and another one I’d rather not think about––wouldn’t be any different.
“I know. She’s okay, though. That’s all that matters. They’re going to keep a closer eye on her in the future, but she’s got a clean bill of health for now.”
“You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.” She sighs in relief before adding, “Although, I wasn’t kidding about the whole throttling part. I’m not cool with lies, and I’m not cool with skating around the truth, either, Levi. You know that, and so does she.”
The blood drains from my face, and I break out into a cold sweat before remembering she doesn’t know about my arrangement with Conner. Besides, I called it off. Everything is fine.