“Of course,” she responded, giving him a happy, motherly smile.
“My application was approved by DHHS, and I’ve been given the link to take their online classes. Depending on how difficult it is,” Vince wasn’t expecting rocket science, “I’ll probably be able to complete everything this week, then we’re on to home visits by an assigned social worker.”
Ellen clapped her hands. “Thatisgreatnews, Vince. I’m so happy for you. Have you told Lace, yet?”
“Nope. She’s working today, so I’ll try to touch base with her tonight when she gets home.”
“Working?” Ellen’s brow wrinkled. “It’s raining buckets out there,” she pointed out the window unnecessarily.
Vince laughed. “I get that. But youdoknow boats go out in all kinds of weather, Mom,” he reminded her. She’d lived in Maine all her life, so she wasn’t clueless.
“Yes,” she replied tartly. “But on the emergency radio channel I always listen to, they said that gale warnings have been posted.”
His mother monitored all local weather and emergency updates, knowing that her boys—police and divers—were more often than not involved with whatever rescue operations were taking place.
Vince’s gut tightened a bit at the mention of gales, but he reminded himself that Lace was with a seasoned crew, even if the captain was an asshole. “I’m sure they’re already headed in,” he told his mother.
He hoped that was true.
“If you?—”
Whatever his mother had been about to say, was cut off when Vince’s phone chimed in his pocket.
He took it out, excited to see that he had a text message from Lace.
“This is her, now,” he told his mother, elated. Getting Lace’s text meant she was within a short distance of shore, since her phone had picked up a cell tower.
Lousy weather, her text read.Any chance you’re free this afternoon?
“You’re smiling,” Ellen pointed out unnecessarily.
“Yeah. Lace has got the afternoon off, and wants to know if I’m around.”
His fingers flew over his screen.
There’s nothing on my agenda, he tapped in.Meet at your house in an hour?
Nope. But I’ll meet you at“our”house in an hour,” she texted back cheekily.
He laughed, causing his mother to sit back and beam.
You got it, he replied.Food?
Yes, please. Any takeout will be good, but no onions on anything. I can’t stand them.
Not a deal breaker, he let her know.
He saw the bubbles dancing for her reply.
I knew I liked you for a reason. See you soon.
Vince sent a smiley face, then turned to his mother. “Gotta go.”
“Of course you do,” she said, standing and sweeping up his empty plate from the table. “Tell Lace I said hi. And bring her around for a visit sometime soon.”
“Will do, Mom. And thanks for lunch.”
She laughed. “You mean thanks for the snack. I’m assuming you’re picking up food for Lace which you will then be sharing.”