Page 21 of With a Cherry On Top

“Don’t even think about it. You guys are leaving tonight, aren’t you?”

“Yes. And I’m already trying as hard as I can not to call Barbara and check on Daisy. My husband says I’m not being helpful at all with packing.”

I lock the car and walk toward the front door. “You said Barbara is the best chef you’ve ever worked with.”

“I did.”

“And La Brasserie is one of the most successful restaurants in the country.”

“Uh-huh.”

“But if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll keep an eye out, okay? Maybe stop there for some takeout.”

“Would you? I really need all my best people on this.”

“You got it. Now, focus on The Silver Spoon. And try to keep the cameras on your right—Ian says it’s your best side.”

She gasps, then I hear a smacking noise and Ian’s voice says, “Ow—what the hell?”

With a chuckle, I rush out a “Bye!” and hang up.

I slip my phone into my pocket and step up to the front door, the familiar scent of rosemary and garlic wafting from the kitchen before I even knock. My mom has always been big on home-cooked meals, and if there’s one thing that never changes, it’s the fact that dinner at the Colemans’ will always smell incredible.

The door is already open a crack and as I step inside, I call, “Sadie?”

“In here with Grandpa!” her small voice chimes from the living room.

I find her perched on Darren’s recliner, legs swinging as she listens intently to whatever story he’s telling her. He glances up when he sees me. “There he is,” he says, giving Sadie’s back a light pat. “Sadie was just telling me about school. Is Miss Nieves a new teacher?”

Well, fuck. I barely stepped inside. “Uh . . . no. No, she’s a . . .”

Sadie perks up. “Acounselor.”

Darren tilts his head in question, but I give him a look that I hope he reads asNot nowand duck away to the kitchen.

I find Ma stirring her Marinara sauce on the stove. Logan’s favorite. The wooden spoon in her hands trembles slightly, clinking against the pot as she looks up at me, but before I can ask if she’s okay, she squeezes my hand. “You two eat yet?”

“No. Figured I’d mooch off you.”

She huffs, waving the wooden spoon at me. “Moochmy ass. You barely come by, so sit down and eat.”

I smirk, grabbing a chair. “Good to see you too, Ma.”

“Yeah, yeah. Smart-mouth.” She huffs, joining me at the table. “How are you—really?”

“I’m...” I’m okay, I guess. Since my meltdown on TOP a week ago, I decided it was time to stopwaiting. It’s what I’ve been doing since Josie left and I think it’s hurting Sadie. Living in this sort of limbo. “Fine. I’m done wallowing.”

She begins slicing a loaf of bread. “I wasn’t aware you werewallowing. Does that mean you’re ready to try again?”

“Try?”

“With love, Aaron. You know, sharing your life with someone? Not growing old alone? You’re not a kid anymore.”

From the other room, Darren says, “You gotta give me and your ma more grandkids to fuss over.”

Yeah, right.I’m glad Darren’s around for my kid even though we’re not related by blood. Hell, he’s so important to me I took his last name when he formally adopted me. But one thing’s for sure: I’m not planning to give them any more grandchildren.

“I already have my plate full with Sadie.” I lower my voice and throw a look at the living room to make sure she’s where I left her. “Her teacher at school wants her to see a counselor. And I said I’d think about it, but what I meant was I need Josie to make this decision with me.”

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