Page 56 of Hooked on a Feeling

“Yeah, you’re going to have all of us lined up with our proposals.”

“Fine by me. You know I have all of your backs. The proposals just need to make sense for the company. But know that I have an open mind and am happy to hear you out. I think we can take this to the next level.”

“I agree.”

“Johnny.” His mother stood at the door with a large smile on her face. She raised her eyebrows and pointed to Jersey. “Belle is milling around downstairs. Tell me you did not leave her waiting for you.”

Jersey checked his phone. “Crap. I better go. Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Meeting on Thursday. Nine a.m.,” John yelled after his brother.

Jersey popped his head back into the office. “See, Mom? He’s been here for less than eight hours, and he’s already letting it go to his head.” Jersey winked and took off.

“What can I do for you?” John waved his mother inside and pointed to the chair Jersey had vacated.

“You’re not going to believe this.”

“Oh, I might. Try me.” Their Africa trip. “You’re on cloud nine.”

“I sure am. I’m so happy he’s finally done.”

“Done done?”

She shrugged. “Mostly done. He has some things to tidy up and his office to clean out. But he promised me that he isn’t going to be coming in every day all day anymore. That ended today.”

John was relieved to hear that as well. “Excellent to hear.” Nothing worse than having someone look over his shoulder while he worked, and that would be exactly what his dad would do. “But that’s not all?”

“No.” She leaned forward in her seat and steepled her hands together. “We’re going to Africa.” She let out a squeal. “For two months.”

“What? That’s crazy.”

“He booked us a trip for a month—just like I did—with the help of Ruby. It’s always the quiet ones that surprise us. Anyway, it so happens that his trip lines up after the one I booked. There are a few days’ time between, but we decided last night that we’re going to stay and enjoy the time.”

“Africa for two months, huh?” The reality of being in charge of Blue set in. It was exciting, for sure. Perhaps a little terrifying. But he was born for this. “I’m very happy for you, Ma.”

“I can’t wait. We leave in a week. I have to pack.” She stood and went to the door. “Don’t do anything crazy while I’m gone like get married or go to jail. Nothing foolish, Johnny.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be fine. I haven’t even asked Starr to marry me yet, so you’re good there.” He couldn’t believe his parents would be gone for two whole months. There went Sunday dinner. He would miss it, but he would also have a little more free time to be with Starr.

She raised her brows. “Yet? So there’s a chance?”

“Oh, hell yes, there is a chance.”

“Good. Oh, and John?”

“Yes, Mother?”

“Don’t think just because we won’t be here for two months that Sunday dinner is cancelled. I fully expect all of you to still be there.”

What was it with mothers? “I would never think of missing Sundays.”

She winked. “Great. It will be the perfect time for your father and me to check in with everyone. We plan to FaceTime.”

“Wonderful.”

“Talk to you soon.”

John leaned back in his chair and gazed out the window. His life was at a turning point, and it felt damn good. His phone vibrated with an incoming text.

---