Chapter 43 Madonna Saint Elise Meets Cullen Russo

Thursday . . .

I hate Thursdays.

Four days with my son isn’t enough.

He’s had me serving him ice cream well after bedtime and jumping in puddles because who cares about expensive shoes when I can ruin them with Cullen. Watching him go-kart at an indoor track in Jersey was the highlight. He’s going to be better than I’ve ever been.

I wish he could see me race, at least once, in person. I can already hear Terry arguing that it’s too disruptive to his schedule. I could challenge that argument, but that won’t change the fact that I need to respect her as his mother.

“Hop up, buddy.” My mom takes his backpack while I lower down so Cullen can jump onto my back. As much as I love his curiosity, I don’t think I can have another thirty minute conversation about the cracks in the sidewalk.

We start walking again. “We’re booking it today,” she says, eyeing me with a reserved smile.

“I can slow down.”

“You don’t need to do me any favors. I can keep up with you kids.”

I chuckle, knowing she’s the