Page 11 of Finding New Dreams

Thirteen-year-old Dominic shared his mother’s dark Italian good looks. But where she was curvy and vivacious, he was skinny and quiet. I’d loved them both since I’d met them upon moving here.

I sat on the barstool next to him to wait. He continued eating cereal and paging through a notebook filled with meticulous handwriting.

“Homework?” I said, gesturing at it.

“Yeah, we have our final tests this week. If I ace these, I’ll have all A’s for the year.”

I smiled at the quiet pride in his voice. “That’s amazing, Dom. You got any plans for the summer?”

He dropped his spoon in his bowl and gave me a quick glance. “I might go visit my dad for a few weeks. If he has time.”

My heart cracked at the thought of any child, especially Dom, being unwanted. I gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. “He’d be so lucky to have you. Just like we are.”

He flashed me a smile and a nod before turning back to his homework.

“Okay, okay, I’m ready!” Gina barreled into the kitchen where sat. She wore a gauzy, off-the-shoulder shirt in a flattering gold color belted over a wine-red maxi skirt and gold sandals. Her hair hung in long beach waves.

“Beautiful,” I pronounced. “Now let’s go before Chloe hunts us down. She’s sent me three texts already.”

“Yep, one second. Um, keys, keys…” Gina upended her purse then pawed through the clutter.

“Side table by the TV,” Dom said without looking up.

“Oh, right.” She ran over and plucked them up. “You’re going over to Uncle Romeo’s today, right? To hang out with your cousins?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Oh, don’t forget to bring him back that spatula I borrowed—”

“Already in my bag,” Dom said, patting it next to him.

Gina paused in throwing everything back into her duffel bag of a purse to give her son The Eye. “And you’re sure you don’t want to walk with us?”

He sighed. “I wanted to look over my homework one more time, then I’ll go. It’s two blocks, Mom.”

“Fine. Text me when you get there.” She kissed him on the forehead and ruffled his dark hair. “Love you, baby.”

“Love you, too,” he muttered, fixing his hair, but he still gave his mom a smile. “Later, Rose.”

I waved as I dragged Gina out of her apartment. We ignored our cars since Chloe lived only a ten-minute walk away.

The glorious golden sun warmed the air as we walked, and I admired the vibrant green of the new leaves decorating the trees that lined the sidewalks. I loved spring. The world felt like it was starting fresh with rainbows of colorful flowers, new woodland creatures, and the fresh scent of a thawed river not far away.

“What are you so smiley about?”

I glanced over at Gina, who was eyeing me much like she had her son. Smiling, I gave her a peck on the cheek. “It’s just a beautiful spring day in Tangled River!”

Her full lips pursed in skepticism. “You’re practically bouncing out of your skin with happiness. What happened? Did you accidentally have a sip of caffeine after your power smoothie this morning?”

I avoided caffeine on the basis that even a little bit tended to make me act like a hyperactive squirrel.

“Nope,” I said. “I just have a good feeling. Loving life. You know.” I grinned at her.

Her brown eyes widened. “You met someone! Last night? At the club? Tell me now!”

I laughed, waving to Louis Monreau on the other side of the street walking a few of his rescue dogs. “I’ll be by later to help out!” I called to him.

The shy, handsome vet nodded and smiled, pushing his glasses up his nose.

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