“Mom, you won’t believe what I just did,” Luke said on the phone as he walked out of the store.
“I don’t know, Son. Tell me?”
“I have to keep it a surprise for now, but you’re going to be very proud of me.”
“Did you get a promotion?”
“No, much, much better than that. Although I wouldn’t turn down a raise, considering how much I just spent.”
“Did you get a new car?”
“No, and no more guesses! You’ll find out in due course, but I just wanted to call and thank you for pushing me in the right direction.”
“Luke O’Brien, you can’t just tease your poor old mom like that.”
“Sorry, but I promise it’s for a good cause.”
“Okay then. I made something special for dinner tonight. I think you’ll like it.”
“What is it?” Luke asked.
“My turn to keep secrets from you.” The doorbell echoed on her end. “Someone’s at the door, but I haven’t made it in well over a decade. Give me a second.”
Luke waited, listening to the faint noise of the front lock opening, half-dreading that reporters had once again reappeared. They hadn’t been by in a few days. Then he overheard his mother and her guest. “Candidate Anderson! What a surprise!”
Suddenly his mom’s voice got louder, “See you soon, Luke. Gotta go.”
“Bye, Mom,” Luke said.
He checked the time on his watch and decided he had time to check in with Kate. He wouldn’t spoil his big surprise on the phone, but he couldn’t wait for her to come home tonight.