“And you let me know if you ever want to talk.”

She nods. “Will do.”

“Thanks for coming to get me.” I gesture to my wrinkled ensemble. “I look like a walking one-night stand.”

“That’s why they call it the walk of shame.” Becca winks and pulls away.

Staring up at the house I spent my childhood in, I square my shoulders. “Today is a new day. It’s the first day of the rest of my life.”

My mom swings open the door before my feet hit the porch. “I was worried when you didn’t come home last night. Was that Becca who dropped you off?”

“Yes, it was. Sorry I didn’t call. I drank a little too much and it was late. Didn’t want to wake you.”

Mom wraps her arms around me. “It’s all right. I was hoping you met a nice guy and went home with him.”

My face contorts into a disgusted expression. “What mother hopes her daughter had sex with a random stranger?”

“A mother who cares about her daughter. That’s who.” She ushers me into the kitchen and pulls out a chair at the table. The table is filled with pancakes, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and a bowl of fresh berries.

“Wow, Mom. This looks amazing.”

“I know you said you wanted to get back in shape, so think of this as your last supper. I cleaned out the house last night. Fridge too. There isn’t an ounce of junk food left.”

My eyebrows lift. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

She waves a hand and takes the seat next to me. “I’ve let myself go since your father passed. Now that you’re living here, you and I can do this together and help each other.”

“I guess we both like to eat when we feel stressed, huh?”

“You got that from me, unfortunately.” She cups my face and smiles. “But you’re young and beautiful, and I want you to be healthy.”

Dad died three years ago from a massive heart attack that no one saw coming. I always hated thinking about Mom in this big house all by herself. As strange as it is to be back home, there’s a part of me that’s glad to be here. Both our hearts need mending, and no one can mend your heart quite like your mother can.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” she asks as we dig into breakfast.

“I feel like death. I wanted to start working out today, but my new smokin’ hot bod might have to wait until tomorrow.”

“You should replenish your fluids and rest. Maybe later we can go food shopping and stock up on fruits and veggies.”

“Sure. Why don’t we go to the movies tonight? I know you’ve been dying to see that new JLo movie.”