Page 107 of The Taste of Deceit

Her voice brightens instantly.

“Oh, sweetheart.”

“I still can’t believe it.”

“You worked hard for it.”

A smile finds its way back onto my face.

“I start in January.”

“And you’re going to make one wonderful counselor.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so.”

The front door opens.

“I’ve gotta go,” I say. “Luca’s home.”

“Tell him we love him.”

“I will.”

“And, Sarah?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m proud of you.”

The lump in my throat returns.

“I love you, Mama.”

“I love you too.”

We hang up just as Luca walks into the kitchen. He loosens his tie as he crosses the room before slipping out of his suit jacket and draping it over one of the barstools. The second he reaches me, he cups my face and kisses me slowly.

“Hi, Baby Girl.”

“Hi.”

“How was your day?”

“Pretty good.”

A grin spreads across his face.

“I have a surprise for you.”

I narrow my eyes.

“What did you do?”

He chuckles.

“Come here.”