Page 91 of Loving the CEO

I started to laugh. Mom and Gran weren't what I'd call friends, but they had a mutual respect. As far as I knew, Gran had been supportive of Mom since she found out about our existence. She'd been careful, of course, not to hurt my half brothers’ mom. That poor woman had the shittiest luck on the planet. I mean, first she discovered her husband was a cheating bastard, then became terminally ill.

"She said you took Tory to your brothers’ brunch.”

"So, you've been sitting on this news for a while."

"No. I don't chat with Jeannie that often. But once in a while, we catch up, and she tells me what you boys won't."

"I just offered to help a friend, Mom." It was true, but then I realized I wanted Mom to know everything. It didn't feel right to drop it all on her over the phone, though.

"First time I visited you in college, I couldn't understand why you and Tory weren't an item."

For the second time in this conversation, I nearly crashed into the car in front of me. Mom had a penchant for catching me off guard.

"And why is that?" I was genuinely curious.

“It's the way you were around each other. You two were so easy, so comfortable together. I thought for sure that something would come of it. But then, well..."

“She was in relationships, and I continued to whore around.” And yeah, I wanted to ask her out, but there was never a good time... and then our friendship grew, and I didn’t want to risk that.

Now in hindsight, I should have just asked her out. Had I been given a second chance? Was that what her moving to Boston was all about?

She gasped. "Leo! When did you hear me say that?"

"You were visiting once and were talking with Gran. She was telling you her matchmaking ideas. You flatly told her that your boys like to whore around too much for that."

"I didn't say that, or if I did, I certainly didn’t mean it like that."

"It soundeda lotlike you did." My tone was serious, but I was just teasing her.

“But I was wrong. Just look at Maddox. I never thought he’d settle down. Actually, I figured you were the most likely to."

I was shocked for the third time, but at least I managed to pay attention to the road. "My nonexistent relationships somehow led you to believe that I could have one?"

"No, it was just a feeling. It's hard to explain."

I decided it was high time to change the topic. "So, when do you plan to come?"

"Soon. In about two weeks.”

"Mom, what's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing. I found a good deal, so I bought a ticket."

"All right. How long are you staying?"

"Probably a week. I didn't check Airbnb, but I'll get on it."

"If only you had a son who worked in real estate,” I joked. “I can get you a really good place."

"You're determined to spoil me, aren't you?"

"Yes!"

"Fine. Thank you. I'll let you get back to your day. Actually, what are you doing this evening?"

That was a weird question coming from Mom.

"I'll take Tory out," I said vaguely. "See if she needs anything for her new apartment."

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