Chapter 19

I wrap my arm around him. “Your mother needs you right now more than ever.”

He looks up at me with red-rimmed eyes. “I wish you were my dad.”

My gut tightens. I say nothing. Force a smile.

Seconds tick by, and he says, “Thanks for listening to me.”

“Any time. By the way, how do you and Victor get along?”

“Fine. He’s cool. He treats my mother kindly. Brings her flowers often. He makes us dinner, or takes us out to eat when my mother doesn’t feel like cooking.”

“He sounds like a nice guy.”

Bret nods. “So far, so good.”

“Be patient with him—and your mother. Remember, this is a new time for everyone. It will take time to readjust.” I ruffle his thatch of hair. “You’re a good kid, Bret. I am proud of you. Go out into the world and do good things for somebody—or something—or both.” I smile.

I lean back in my seat, and I watch him grasp his purchase from Antiques & Lore. “My mother would really like it if you came in for a cup of coffee one day.”