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“Anyway,” she continued, “we didn’t want to influence you. Of course, we’d love to have you close to us, but not at the cost of you giving up your dream. If your goal is to live in Paris, we support that. If you want to come home, we’ll be the first to help you move.” There was still some lingering unease in her voice.

“I don’t want you to think that I’m not reaching my full potential. If I worked in a bigger kitchen, I could pay off my student loan faster.”

“But Ruben, did we give you the impression that this is what matters most to us? Your potential is more than just making money. You’re a wonderful, caring person who has turned his passion into a career. Whether that’s in a soup kitchen or a hotel in New York, it doesn’t determine whether you’re making the most of your life. Only you can decide that. Only you know where you belong.”

I chewed on my lower lip. Slowly, a weight lifted from my shoulders, and I was able to breathe much more freely. “Wow, Mom. I think I needed to hear that!”

“Of course. Call me more often, and I’ll be happy to share all my wisdom with you.”

Relieved, I laughed. “How’s Dad, by the way?”

“Pfft,” she made a dismissive sound. “Unfortunately, you can’t talk to him on the phone right now. Football . . . that man.”

“It’s okay. We’ll see each other soon, anyway.”

She sighed. “How are you otherwise? Are you going to Ocean View because of us, or for old friends, or is there someone else?”

“Mom!” I snorted indignantly. “I’ve thought long and hard about this decision. I’m not basing it on a man.” Not just any man. If the two coincided, I certainly wouldn’t resist.

As if she hadn’t heard a word I said, she continued. “Is there someone?”

“Mom!” I groaned impatiently.

“All right,” she conceded. “I want to say that I’d be happy for you. You’ve been under pressure for years. And I admire that. Your ambition. And if that’s what you want, if you prefer a life without someone by your side, I’m happy for you too. But sometimes I wonder if this loneliness is a free choice.”

“I’m not alone, Mom. Never. I have plenty of people around me, colleagues and friends, and you.” I chewed my lip again. I didn’t want to share Shane with others yet. As soon as we were in Ocean View, I would introduce him to them. Until then, I wanted to enjoy our newfound relationship with Shane’s family, who would be here in a week. This time, I refrained from sighing.

“I want you to be happy, Ruben. No matter where that is or with whom. Or without whom. You know what I mean.”

I grinned again. “I am, Mom. Very happy. More than I’ve been in a long time.”

I could hear her beaming through the phone. “Then I’ll shut up now and wait until you want to tell us where all your happiness comes from.”

“Thanks, Mom. Maybe I’ll tell you sooner than I think.”

“I’ll be happy whenever that is.”

Until then, I would have to take care of Shane’s parents in my mind.