Baiting Him (How to Catch an Alpha #2)(14)

“I have some paperwork to do tonight,” I lie. “I need the kick if I’m going to make it through that.” After our conversation last night, I’m not sure how she’d react to Gaston, and really, I don’t think I want to find out.

“You’re always working too hard.” She says the same thing she always does when I’m talking about work, then shakes her head and holds out her hand. “All right, hand over your phone so I can see how beautiful Leah looked.”

“You know, if you got a better phone, you could have seen all the pictures over text while I was away.”

“Like I’ve told you and your brother, I don’t need a new phone. The one I have does exactly what I need it to do—make calls. I don’t want to become one of those people who’s constantly looking at their phone.”

“Whatever. I’ll talk to Chris. Your birthday is coming up, so maybe we will just buy you one.”

“Give me your phone,” she orders. I click my photo icon, then hand my phone over, and I watch as her expression changes while she slides through each photo. “I wish I could have been there,” she tells me, studying the screen.

“Me too.”

She was, of course, invited to the ceremony, but she also knew that if she went, no one would have been able to take care of the shop while I was away. Yes, I love Aubrey and Rachelle and know they are more than capable of handling things in my absence, but they are also just kids who are still in high school. This is just one more reason I need to hire someone. My mom should have been able to go with me to Tennessee instead of covering for me in my absence.

“I think I need to really start looking for someone to hire full time at the shop to help me out,” I say, and my mom instantly drops my phone on the table and pins me in place with her gaze.

“I think that would be smart,” she agrees, then continues with an understanding look in her eyes. “I know you love what you do, but you need a life, honey—something that doesn’t involve cookies, cakes, and getting up early every day.”

“It’s my dream,” I reply, feeling a little defensive. My friends and family are always complaining that I work too much, that I never have time for them. And they’re right, but I want my shop to be successful. I want my mom and even my dad to know the money they invested in my future and the sacrifices they made were worth it.

“Yes, but . . .” She pauses, pressing her lips together, and a sad light fills her eyes. “The Sweet Spot was never your only dream. You used to talk about wanting a family—a husband and kids.” Before I can tell her I’m okay, that having even one part of my dream come true gives me contentment and happiness, she continues, and I brace. “I’m so sorry about last night.”

“Mom, it’s okay.”

“It isn’t. I shouldn’t have called you. I really shouldn’t have asked you to make me that stupid promise.” She looks away. “That’s not what I want for you. I want you to find someone to fall in love with.” She meets my gaze once more. “I want to see you happy, and one day, I want to chase my grandchildren—who are sure to be hellions—all over the place when they come to visit. I know I haven’t been acting like it, but I do still believe in love. And I know in my heart you’ll find it.” She pulls in a breath. “Heck, maybe even I’ll find it again.” Relief and hope fill me at once.

I take a deep breath as we look each other in the eye. I can’t imagine what she’s going through or the pain she’s felt since my dad walked away from her. I feel a little of it myself every time I think about him, but I will never understand the true depth of her despair. It wasn’t me who planned my entire future around him. It wasn’t me who was counting on him being there to spend the rest of my life with after my brother and I grew up and moved out. And I for sure didn’t experience him saying he was in love with someone else before having to endure the humiliation of him marrying someone else before the ink was even dry on the divorce papers.

“You’ll find happiness again, Mom. Whether it’s with a man or just yourself, you’ll find it again.”

“I know.” She looks away briefly to hide the tears I see forming in her eyes. Once she’s pulled herself together, she turns her head toward me, and her gaze is now filled with hope. “After our conversation last night, I realized I need to start focusing on me and the things I’ve always wanted to do—things that will make me happy.” She smiles, but I can tell it’s forced. “I can go to Hawaii, on a cruise, or around the world alone. I don’t need someone with me to do those things.”

“You don’t,” I agree.

“I don’t.” She lifts her chin. “But if I happen to stumble across someone in Hawaii or on a cruise, I might just take him along for my next adventure.”

I laugh, and soon she’s laughing with me. I can’t remember the last time we laughed together. It’s been too long. “I hope you find that man, Mom,” I tell her.

“Me too, honey, but even if I don’t, I’ll find a way to be happy again. I’m determined.”

“Good,” I whisper through the tightness in my throat.

“I want the same for you, you know.”

“What?” I ask, a little caught off guard by her suddenly serious tone.