“Cardiology?” Savannah asked.
Cat shrugged a shoulder. “I’m considering medical school - thanks to Muriel. Not that nursing school will be a breeze or anything, but after what happened to Mom, it’d be nice to be able to keep other women from suffering the same way.”
“Yeah,” Savannah whispered. After a deep breath she said, “Guess I don’t have to ask if it went well. Sounds like it was quite the experience.”
Cat’s eyes lit up. “Yeah. Muriel really knows how to work a room, as she puts it. Told me it was a by-product of being a head surgeon’s wife for so many years.”
“Do you have band camp tomorrow?” Savannah asked.
Cat shook her head and grabbed her phone. “No, Bella and I are thinking of hitting the beach in the morning, though.”
“Just the two of you?” Punc asked.
Cat’s expression became guarded. “Yeah, I think so.”
“Why don’t you sound sure?” Savannah asked.
Cat sighed. “I think Bella’s boyfriend is going to be there, but that’s only if the waves are good. And if he can drag himself out of bed. He’s not known for being an early riser.”
Punc nodded. “I don’t really care, but don’t let any of those high school boys pull any shit with you.”
Cat stood and edged toward the hall to her bedroom. “I promise I won’t. Otherwise, they’ll answer to my soon-to-be brother-in-law who’s a biker.”
Punc chuckled. “Or just a biker who won’t hesitate to kick their ass.”
“Good night, you two,” Cat said.
Savannah gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m going to get ready for bed since I have work in the morning.”
He nodded. “You do that, babe. I’ll be right behind you.”
While Savannah did her thing in the bathroom, his phone vibrated against his hip with a text.
I know you’re busy, but we’d love to see you sometime soon. Maybe dinner? -xoxo Mom
His lips tipped up. He couldn’t wait to take Savannah to his parents’ house. She’d been there before, but always as his sister’s best friend.
He pulled up his mom’s contact and called her.
“Hello, Ted. I didn’t expect you to call me so soon after that text.”
He exhaled on a smile. “Yeah, but I’ve got news. I should have called earlier today.”
“This sounds exciting!”
“I’ve been seeing someone, and it’s serious.”
“Really, well, I hope we can meet her soon.”
Punc paused. “That’s the thing. You’ve already met her, Mom.”
She gasped. “Is it Savannah?”
“How… did you know that?” he asked.
He could hear the smile in her voice. “Honey, even if I hadn’t noticed how she looked at you, I heard her and Alanis talking about you years ago. She had quite the crush on you.”
He chuckled. “I get the feeling you shouldn’t tell me this.”
