Carlton

After the late lunch, we went back to study for a few more hours. Surprisingly, even with the close proximity, we were both able to focus and we made some headway. With the terrible timing, I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to help her, but if I could do anything for her at all, then I was going to do it.

We broke off late and made dinner. I was starting to wonder when Mom would be coming back with Sam, when she called.

“Hello?”

“Sorry, Carlton. It’s late, but I just forgot to call. I’ll be keeping Sam with us for the night, okay. I’ll bring him back tomorrow night after you leave work, okay?”

I glanced at Lexi, not as against the idea as I probably should have been.

“It’s fine, Mom. I’ll see you and Sam tomorrow. Give him a kiss for me.”

I rejoined Lexi at the table.

“Who was it?”

“Mom saying she’s keeping Sam for the night,” I said.

“Oh.”

Her voice had gone quiet, and she ducked her head as a blush spread on her face. I couldn’t help but smirk.

Since Mom was retired, she’d helped m