Page 73 of The Bro Pact
“Yeah. We’ve had a really great time, Mom, and we’ll tell you all about it when we get home. We’ve just been living in the moment, ya know?”
“I understand, honey. I just want to know that you’re both safe.”
“We’re being complete angels, Mama Carol. Promise.” Warren crosses his heart like we did when we were kids.
“Mhm. Not so sure I believe that coming from you, Renny.”
“Hey! We fostered a kitten last night.”
My mom gasps, clutching her heart. “Oh my. I hope you took pictures.”
“Of course,” Ren reassures her. “And we’ll show you everything when we get back.”
“Looking forward to it,” Mom says with a smile. “Now, I don’t mean to nag, but as your mother, I have to ask if you’ve been eating well. I’m sure the groceries I got you didn’t last long knowing you two,” she chuckles.
“Uhh . . .” I stammer. We’ve picked up a few staples like milk and bread from convenience stores along our way, but we could definitely try harder.
“Please tell me you’re eating healthy and not surviving on fast food and beer.”
“Do sandwiches and cereal count?”
“Kyle William Fitzpatrick!”
Ugh. I hate when she uses my full name.
Ren snickers next to me, but she gets him too.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook, Warren Alessio!”
“I lament the day you found out my middle name, Mama Carol.”
“I think I’ve dealt with your shenanigans enough to have earned the right to wield such power,” my mom says wisely.
“Fair point,” Ren admits, shrugging his shoulders.
“Now, before we get off track, I want you boys to find a nice little farmers’ market nearby and go shopping.” She lowers her voice, getting closer to the phone. “I’ll text you a few easy recipes and send you some money, but don’t tell your father. He already thought the first load of groceries was overkill, but he just doesn’t understand a mother’s worry for her children’s nutrition. So for God’s sake, go eat a salad.”
My parents have been together for twenty-five years, and even though my mom likes to sneak me and Ren extra help here and there, they have an amazing relationship. It’s the kind of love I’ve always wanted, and the future I’ve modeled my own after.
Ren and I both thank her profusely for her thoughtfulness, even though we don’t really want to deal with shopping for healthy food or cooking big meals while we’re on vacation.
We say our goodbyes, and I click on Safari, fully accepting that my afternoon is about to be filled with fresh produce as I search for a nearby market.
It turns out the closest farmers’ market that’s up to Ren’s Google standards is forty miles west. So, we’re on our way to an adorable little Hallmark town known for its award-winning produce.
“Man, your mom’s seriously the best,” Ren says out of the blue. “She’s always lookin’ out.”
I glance over, catching a fond little smile on his lips.
“Yeah. She is pretty awesome, huh?” I murmur before letting out a long yawn.
Warren hums his agreement as I drift off to sleep, memories from years ago seeping into my dreams.
Brightly-colored flyers dot the rows of tables when we walk into our sixth grade homeroom. Ren picks one up, reading the large words printed across the top out loud.
“Mom and Son Fun Night.”
He glances up at me, his gray eyes instantly welling up with tears that make my stomach hurt. “I—” His voice cracks. “I don’t have a mom!”
