“I got the job at Harris’s store,” I say, and the grin that spreads across my face makes me feel like I’m about to explode. “He’s giving me a shot. Told me if I show up and work hard, it could turn into something permanent.”
She stares at me for a second, her eyes going wide. Then, without another word, she’s across the room and wrapping me in a tight hug. “Oh my gosh, Cole, that’s incredible!” Her voice cracks, and I can feel the emotion in her grip. “I’m so proud of you.”
I squeeze her back, swallowing the lump in my throat. It’s the pride I’ve been missing for years. The support I’ve longed for. I didn’t think I’d ever hear her say that again, but here we are.
Jeremiah and Isla come rushing in from the living room, and I can see the excitement in their eyes. I try to keep my cool, but I’m just as pumped to see them as they are to see me.
Jeremiah claps me on the back with a grin. “You’re really getting back in your life, huh?” He laughs. “That’s huge, man. I’m proud of you.”
Isla bounces up and down, her smile lighting up her face. “You’re gonna work in the store, Cole? That’s so cool!”
I laugh, ruffling her hair as I look down at her. “Yeah, I guess I am. But I’ve still got a lot of work ahead of me.”
Mom steps back, wiping her eyes as she smiles at me. “You’ve come so far, Cole. I’m so glad to see you on the right path again.” She looks around at all of us, her expression glowing with pride.
“I wouldn’t be here without you, Mom,” I say, my voice thick. “You’ve always had my back.”
We stand there for a minute, letting the moment sink in, when Mom suddenly claps her hands together, breaking the silence. “Alright, let’s go out to celebrate. I’ll take you guys to The Grilled Plate. We could all use a night out, and I think this calls for it.”
I nod, still floating on a cloud. “Yeah, sounds perfect.”
The drive to The Grilled Plate is quick, the excitement buzzing in the car as we all chatter about the news. The Grilled Plate is Kenna’s brother Reuben’s restaurant, and I can’t help but feel a little nervous. The last time I saw Reuben was at the bar, and we didn’t exactly hit it off. He wasn’t exactly thrilled to see me, to say the least. But maybe things are different now, especially since Kenna and I are talking again. Maybe he’s softened up.
When we walk in, the place has the usual warm vibe—dark wood tables, cozy lighting, the smell of grilled food hanging in the air. And then I see Reuben. He’s behind the counter, talking to someone, but when he spots us walking in, he straightens up and gives a small nod.
The tension in my chest loosens a little. His greeting is warmer than the last time, which I wasn’t expecting. Maybe Kenna told him that we’ve been hanging out more. Maybe she mentioned how things are changing between us.
“Cole,” Reuben says, his voice firm but not unfriendly. “Good to see you again.” He doesn’t seem as guarded as before, which is a relief.
“Yeah,” I say, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. “Good to see you too, Reuben.”
Mom gives him a smile. “We’re here to celebrate. Cole’s got some good news.”
Reuben’s eyebrows raise, curiosity piqued. “Oh yeah? What’s the news?”
Before I can speak up, Mom jumps in. “Old Man Harris is offered Cole a job. He starts tomorrow.”
Reuben nods thoughtfully, then gives me a small smile. “Nice. That’s a solid place. Congrats, man.”
There’s a sincerity in his voice that makes me think maybe, just maybe, he’s come around.
I smile back, relieved. “Thanks.”
We take a table, and the conversation eventually drifts into laughter and small talk. My mom’s practically glowing, and Islawon’t stop grinning at me. For once, it feels like I’m not just surviving—I’m moving forward.
The server comes by, a teenager with a nose ring and half-dyed hair, and takes our order. Reuben sends over a round of fries on the house, and Mom acts like it’s Christmas morning.
It should feel easy. Comfortable. Familiar. But the whole time, there’s this dull thrum in the back of my head—like something I forgot to do, or something I don’t want to remember.
But somewhere in the middle of all the noise and comfort, my mind drifts back to a night not that long ago. Just a few weeks, maybe.
I’d come here for dinner by myself—just a quick bite. I was heading out when the door opened and in came Kenna. I remember being caught off guard, frozen mid-step. She looked just as surprised.
And then a kid came running out from the back. A boy—probably six or seven—full of energy and confidence. He was holding a bag of pretzels and a water bottle, and the first word out of his mouth was “Mom.”
I remember that moment like a pin dropping in a silent room.
She didn’t correct him.
