Page 44 of Mic Drop

“I will. Especially if our PR campaign keeps going as it has.” Hayden has done a bang-up job. With Ma’s health taking up more of my attention, having her has been a UC godsend. One I now admit was more than needed.

Ma reaches into the pocket of her chair and pulls out the book she’s reading, flips it open, and removes the bookmark, which is actually one of the bumper stickers Hayden created. Holding it in the air, she reads the slogan, “We’ll Fix All Your Limbs.” The At Your Service PT logo is set next to a cartoon depiction of a spider with therapists working on all eight legs.

“This is brilliant. You got back at that Michelle without calling her out by name. As Don Vito Corleone said, ‘revenge is a dish that tastes best when it’s cold.’”

I lower my fork to my empty plate. “Actually, that was from a deleted scene in Part Two ofThe Godfather.”

She smiles. “I stand corrected by myGodfatherbuff.”

“If only Bennett would see it your way.” Our ongoingGodfatherdebates take up a good part of our texts. The rest are general information about our days, Ma, and, well, sexting. Heat stains my cheeks as I think about some of the racier ones. I check on my phone, which is sitting by my plate. Better not let this out of my sight.

“I’m happy for you, Sweet Pea. Bennett is a good man. He loves you and the feeling is obviously reciprocated.”

“Totally.”

“I can tell by the way you blush whenever you think about him. And that ring! Bring it over here so I can gawk at it again.”

Rising, I take the few steps to her chair and kneel next to her, my left hand outstretched. “The man sure has mighty fine taste.”

“He had help. He told me when he was in New Orleans, he and his manager, Luke, scoured the city for the right jewelry store. When they found this one, they knew it was perfect for me.”

“He has some good friends.”

I sigh, “He does. I think he’s starting to realize it, too.”

She twists my left hand from side to side. “This is so big; you better be careful. You don’t want to poke someone’s eye out with it.”

“I will be careful, I promise.”

She squeezes my hand, and I try not to notice how light her touch is compared with a year ago. Or even last month. “I know you will.” She yawns. “I’m a bit tired. I think I’ll take a nap. Would you help me into my bedroom?”

“Of course.” I pop up and move the tray, then allow her to use my body as her makeshift cane. We get into her bedroom. “I only need to rest for a little bit. Don’t eat all the pizza.”

I kiss her cheek. “I’ll leave you a slice, Ma.”

Once her door is closed and the living room is righted, I clean up the kitchen and check the time. Only a couple more hours. Kara said she’d stop by soon so I can surprise Bennett at the airstrip. My two realities hit hard. On one hand, I’m my mother’s caretaker. On the other, I’m Bennett’s fiancée. I’ve learned to put these two things into separate buckets and not dwell too much on one when I’m living in the other. It’s not easy, but it’s my reality.

I’m checking my phone to see if Bennett’s sent me another text when Kara breezes into the house. “How many flowers is this man going to send you?” I’d take offense but for the smile across her face. “Lucky duck.”

“Feel free to take a vase or two to your place. I’m sure Ma won’t miss them.”

“She probably can’t keep track of all of them.”

My shoulders lower. “You’re not wrong. She’s seeming weaker to me. I just helped her get into bed for a nap after we had pizza.”

“From where?”

I smirk. “Chicago.”

Her mouth falls open. “Bennett?”

“Don’t you know it.” I take a step toward the kitchen. “Want me to heat you up a slice? It’s deep dish and delicious.”

“When you put it that way, how can I say no?” She follows me into the kitchen, and we sit at the counter while it heats. “Other than the sleeping, how is she doing?”

I give her Ma’s medical updates, which we discuss while my sister devours her slice. “How long is she napping?”

“It’s been getting longer every day. My guess is she’s out about an hour or more in the afternoons.”

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