Page 54 of With a Cherry On Top

She nods, snuggling closer, then pops her thumb in her mouth.

“I’ll talk to her,” I murmur.

And just like that, she finally drifts off while I stare at the ceiling, wondering how the hell I’m supposed to keep my promise.

CHAPTER 11

Sicilian Sake Roll

The fridge hums as I close it, the dim kitchen light casting long shadows across the floor. I was going to drink some water, but I might brew some coffee instead—it’s not like I’m going to sleep tonight.

It’d been such a good night. Sadie had the best time with Charlotte, who even agreed to stay throughWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.Once she insisted she’d get an Uber back and left, I really thought Sadie’s joy over having her over would translate into a full night of sleep.

I obviously didn’t factor in Mother’s Day.

My phone screen lights up on the counter with an email from Amelie. At this hour?

I scoff, swiping it open, but instead of reading, I hit call. She picks up after two rings.

“Hello?”

“What the hell are you doing awake?” I ask as I lean back against the counter.

She lets out a breathy chuckle. “I could ask you the same thing.”

I walk to the couch, sinking into the cushions. “You first.”

“Ugh...can’t sleep. New pillow, new mattress. Remember being young and able to sleep anywhere, even on a park bench?”

“Can’t say I slept on a lot of park benches, actually.”

She giggles again, the sound familiar. I’ve missed this—missed her. Cooking together in quiet understanding, chatting about nothing, Ian glaring at me every time I made her laugh.

“Is Ian staring ugly at the phone right now?”

“Ian’s asleep,” she replies, her voice tired. “He’s still young on the inside.”

“Ah, yes. Good for him.”

“You didn’t tell me why you’re awake at...what is it, four twenty in the morning?”

“Uh...” I tilt my head back, staring at the ceiling. “Did you know Mother’s Day is in three weeks?”

“I didn’t know that, no.”

“Well, Sadie does.”

“Oh.” Her voice loses its teasing edge. “Had a bad night, then, did you?”

A bad night? My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I’m reminded of the feeling of Charlotte’s mouth around my finger. Not exactly.

“Yeah,” I lie, rubbing my eyes. “Apparently, they’re putting together a show for the moms at school.”

She clicks her tongue. “That doesn’t sound very inclusive.”

“It’s not. I mean, there are two kids from gay couples in her class. And I’m pretty sure one of her classmates lost his mom last year. And Sadie...well, you know.”

“Yeah.” A pause. “I know.”