Page 278 of Come Back to Me

“These are different.Youare different since you came back.”

Aware of where this is going, I wrinkle my nose at Nonna. “I wonder why.”

Her glower is unamused. “I think you’ve found your muse.”

Gnawing on my bottom lip, I mutter, “Maybe. I’m glad you like my music, Mom.”

That earns me another tsk from Nonna.

“They’re truly beautiful,” Mom praises me. “I recognized that song from the musical you were in when you were a child, but it was… like your nonna said,different.”

“Well, I was a kid and now I’m not,” I tease. “My skill set has improved.”

“I heard you tell your father you want to pitch them to a movie director?” she asks hesitantly, fingers squeezing mine in an encouraging way.

“Yes. Cody Korhonen flew with the son of Jerry Majors?—”

Nonna isn’t surprised because she’s heard about this already, but Mom’s eyes widen. “Wow! And he doesn’t mind networking for you?”

“No.”

“I wonder why,” Nonna ponders, but she’s back to glaring at me.

I ignore her. “He’s very kind.”

“Thatiskind of him,” Mom cheers. “The Korhonens have always been generous though, haven’t they? Aside from Clyde, I mean.”

“Yeah.” I glance at my phone. “I need to go. We’re flying out soon.”

My plan to escape is voided by Nonna, who tugs on my hand. “It is time.”

“It isn’t!” I squeak.

Mom stares between us. “What’s going on?”

If this were twenty-four hours ago and I hadn’t just spent the night alone, I’d have burst with the truth, but…

No.

No buts.

I need to have faith in myself and what Cody’sshownme he feels.

(Plus, I’m awesome. Why would he lie about loving me?)

I cease squirming on my seat. “Nonna knows I’m in a relationship, Mom.”

She blinks. “You are?”

I nod.

“Tell her with whom, child!”

“Why does Nonna know and not me?”

I bite my lip. “Because I didn’t feel like being pressured into marriage.”

Mom pouts. “I wouldn’t do that.”

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