I’d made good on my vow. I gave Kate and Layla full partnerships, restructured the team, and gave them more responsibility, announcing my intention to pull back. I was still involved in the bigger accounts and took the lead when I felt it was important, but I was getting better at not needing to run the entire show. I had even tried to get Anthony’s account back, but he’d informed me it was too late.

By now I didn’t even care. I had things in my life that were more important.

On cue, my phone vibrated, but this time it wasn’t work, and I picked up without a pause. “Hey. I’m here with Mom.”

“How’s she doing?”

“Better. She’s feisty and doesn’t want to talk about her poop.”

“Francesca!” she screeched. “Who are you talking to?”

“Just Enzo. Here, say hello.” I pressed the phone to her ear, laughing at her red cheeks.

“I’m going to kill my daughter,” she gritted out. “When am I going to see you?”

She nodded, and I enjoyed watching them have a little chat before I pulled the phone back. “When are you coming to see me?” I asked.

His laugh was low and sexy, and my whole body sighed with longing. “Christmas, just like we spoke about. I can stay for two weeks if you can stand me.”

“I’m sure I can put up with you.”

“Good. Did you get the Ackerman account?”

“Not yet, but I’m close. I’m about to dazzle him with an Instagram video to increase his followers and get his views up.”

“Did Allegra have her race Thursday? Or was it canceled for rain? She never texted me back.”

“No, it rained, and she didn’t text you back because her phone dropped and shattered, and we spent half a day at Verizon getting her a new one. I’m sure she’ll text tonight.”

“Good. I had lunch with my sisters today and they’re driving me crazy. They want to FaceTime you, but I’m afraid if you agree, you’ll never take my calls again. My family is nuts.”

“I’d love that, been dying to meet them. And I happen to love nuts.”

“Thank God. I’ll let you go spend time with your mama. Love you, cara.”

Goose bumps shivered on my skin. “Love you too,” I said softly.

When I clicked off, Mom was grinning with pride. I groaned. “Don’t say it,” I grumbled. “I sound ridiculous. Cheesy. Pathetic.”

“No, sweetheart. You sound like you’re in love. I’m so happy you decided to pursue this with Enzo.”

“Me too. I miss him, but I feel good about us. We decided to take it slow and see what works and what doesn’t.”