Page 82 of King of Pain

He screws his face up in horror. “Hand it over.”

“What?”

“Your Italian heritage card. Give it.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Sorry, but ham and pineapple? Salty and sweet willalwayshit.”

Chance groans. “You’re hopeless.”

After finishing the last bite, he leans back, stretching. “Hey, we should video call Ma while we’re by the water. She’d love it.”

Excitement and fondness stir in my chest. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

We venture over to the beach and grab a seat on the low wall lining the boardwalk. Chance pulls up her contact, and within two rings, Mary’s face appears on the screen. Her expression shifts to one of pure joy.

“My boys! What a surprise!”

Chance and I laugh and say hi in unison. She squints at the waves crashing onto the beach in the background. “Wait, where are you?”

Chance grins. “Newport Beach. We took a little road trip.”

“Oh, how wonderful. It looks gorgeous there.”

“It is,” I chime in. “But can we please talk about the convertible your son rented…inJanuary.”

Mary laughs. “Yep, that sounds about right.”

Her expression softens and she quietly studies Chance for a moment. Then, with a tender tone, she says, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen your smile that big, Chance.”

She shifts her gaze to me, her eyes warm and knowing. “Anthony, you don’t have to say anything, but I need you to know that I thank you from the depths of my heart. I know that smile is because of you.”

My chest cracks wide open and moisture pools in my eyes. Chance looks at me, grinning even bigger. “It’s true. It’s all your fault.”

I clear my throat, and with confidence, I reply, “I mean, Iambeautiful, and I keep you well fed.”

Chance barks a laugh and shoves my shoulder.

Mary watches the exchange, eyes gleaming. “Chance, I’m so glad you’re living your life. I wouldn’t change a thing; do you understand what I mean?”

Chance exhales softly. “Yeah, Ma, I think I do now. I still miss you, though.”

“I miss you too, my baby boy. But just know—after seeing your smile today—my heart is whole.”

My stomach flips.

What have they been through?

“So, Chance,” Ma says, her tone lightening, “was this your birthday trip?”

I startle and snap my head toward him. “It’s your birthday?” I ask, a little annoyed he didn’t tell me.

He shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “Not until the Saturday after we get back.”

I look back at Ma on the phone. “We’re going to do something special for his birthday, Ma. Thanks for the heads-up.”

She winks. “Happy to be of assistance.”

Chance groans, tilting his head back. “Oh no. There’s two of you.”