Page 118 of Cherry on Top

“Thanks, Mom.” He hadn’t expected this phone call. Hadn’t even imagined that he’d get it. But getting it meant more than he could put into words.

It was You were right. And You’re right where you need to be. Where you should be. But most importantly he heard what else she wasn’t saying: And we’re proud of you.

“Of course.” Carla cleared her throat. “It’s a great life you’re building for yourself there, Will. Don’t forget to live it.”

“Is that an admonition to not work too much?” he joked.

“You know it is. You have that handsome man in your life now, you need to enjoy him.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. Even if I was very stupid and forgot, I think he’d be first in line to remind me.”

“He would. It’s one of the reasons both me and your father liked him so much. He’s going to be so good for you.” She paused. “Whether you get married or not.”

“About that, Mom—”

“No,” she interrupted. “We don’t have to talk about it. I know you and Enzo were only trying to do the right thing. We were just a little slow on the uptake.”

“And I wasn’t very good at telling you the truth,” Will said wryly. He’d gotten better at the end, but there’d been so many years when he’d avoided the truth or not wanted to address anything directly. By the time he’d finally started, it had almost been too late, and his parents were so entrenched in the normal way of doing things that they hadn’t known to really listen to what he was trying to say.

But now, hopefully, they were listening again.

Will wanted to believe that this phone call was his mom’s way of saying they were.

“Maybe. Maybe not. In any case, we’re aware now. You’ve got your own life. Your own business. And we’re so proud of you for both, Will.”

Will smiled. She hadn’t need to say the words—he’d felt them nonetheless—but it sure helped to hear them.

“Thanks, Mom. Enzo was telling me today they’re gonna have a big dedication of the mural next year, during the Sweethearts Festival. I’ll text you the dates so you can pencil them into your calendar.”

“Pencil? I’ll be writing them in with pen,” she said firmly. “Though I’m sure we’ll see you before that.”

“I’m sure,” Will said. He’d never wanted to be a stranger from his family; he’d only wanted his own corner of his own life.

And now he did.

“Take care of yourself, honey.”

“Good luck at the store opening.”

“And you too, during the Fourth. I’m sure you’ll be slammed.”

“That’s the hope and the worry,” Will joked weakly.

“You’ve got this,” she said confidently.

There was a brisk knock on the door. Sounded just like Kate. And yeah, Will really needed to help her with the prep, or else they’d never get done. “Hey, I gotta go. But, Mom? Thanks for calling.”

“Of course, honey. Anytime.”

When he opened the door though, it wasn’t Kate standing on the other side, but Enzo, grinning madly.

“Do you have a minute?” he asked.

Will raised an eyebrow. He tossed the empty takeout container in the trash. “I’ve got at least one. Maybe a few, for you.”

“What about for your building?”

“What do you mean?”

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