Mom's shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry, Tori. She’s been taking it out on everybody. But maybe because you’re so sweet, we thought it’d be easier for all of us to deal with her outbursts for the time being.”
“I am sweet. That doesn’t mean I’m spineless.”
“Good.” Mom smiled warmly, a faint line of tears in her eyes. “You and Kat could probably teach me a thing or two about handling her outbursts. How about I treat you both to lunch for a little catch-up and coaching session after this?”
“Oh, that might be tricky.” I’d already made plans with Angel. Plus, I wasn’t sure we were ready to sit down again as a family—evenwithout Jen present.
Mom looked stricken. “I don’t expect to fix everything in one evening. I know it’ll take a lot of hard work to earn back your trust. But I’d like to start trying.”
I grabbed her stuff and headed to the checkout. “We’re both working today, so it’s kind of tough to coordinate our break.”
“You can’t spare a few minutes? Not even for a piece of cake?”
I whirled around, my heartbeat rapidly increasing. “You’re going to Cake Warehouse?”
She brightened at the prospect. “Yes. You seemed to like it so much the other day.”
“I-I did. I do.” I loved the man who worked there.
“Great. Kat laughed when I suggested it, but she assured me it was probably your new favorite place. I’ll see if she can join us. If not, I don’t mind waiting at a table until the two of you are free. It’ll give me more time for people-watching.” She handed me her credit card and smiled brightly. “Sound good?”
“Sounds…amazing,” I said, my cheeks frozen in customer service-mode.
I couldn’t think of a single reason not to go there. Free cake. No time limit. There was only one problem.
My mother was going to meet my boyfriend before I even told her I had one.
Chapter twenty-five
Ladies' Lunch
As soon as I clocked out for break, I texted Angel to warn him about my family luncheon. But the little ‘Read’ notification never appeared. Was he too busy working?
I rushed ahead of Kat and my mom to warn him in person. “I have to wash my hands,” I called over my shoulder.
Kat chuckled and tugged Mom over to the dessert case. “Let’s pick our slices before we sit.”
The hostess side-eyed me as I blew past her desk. “Hello, girlfriend,” she said.
“Hello…Hostess.” We didn’t have time for pleasantries.
I spotted Angel from behind as he strode down an aisle. His ass was extra perfect in those slacks. Hopefully, that wasn’t my mother’s first impression of him.
“Angel,” I called.
He turned and smirked. “Hey, pidge. Did you come to get your cake?”
I yanked him into the hallway leading to the restrooms.
He chuckled and leaned against the wall, dragging me closer. “I love your enthusiasm, but the only place we could be alone here is the walk-in freezer, and even then, we might get locked in and have to use our body heat.” He nipped at my jaw.
I gasped and eased back, placing my hand on his chest. “My mom’s here.”
He straightened his spine and glanced around, his brows furrowed. “Your mom?”
“She showed up at The Closette and wanted to take me and Kat here to make amends. I tried texting to warn you. I’m so sorry.” I covered my heated face.
He eased my arms aside. “Nothing to be sorry about. I haven’t been able to check my phone all day. How’re you feeling?”
