Page 51 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

She smiled, brushing his hair back, soft and fond. “Whatever my boy wants. Let’s go.”

They walked to the car together, her hand on his shoulder. “How many scoops do you want?” she asked, starting the engine.

“Three!”

She laughed, glancing at him through the mirror. “Three? Your stomach’s going to hurt.”

“No, I want three.”

“We’ll get two, and if you still want more, I’ll get you another one later. Deal?”

He crossed his arms, pouting. “Fine.”

They stopped at a small sweet shop and she reached for his hand as they walked in.

“I’m a grown man,” he protested, pulling away.

She crouched in front of him, smiling. “Oh really?” She pinched his cheek. “A grown man who still wants ice cream?”

“Men eat ice cream too,” he said, completely serious.

That made her laugh. “What flavors do you want?”

“Biscuit and chocolate.”

“Hello,” the woman behind the counter greeted. She ordered his ice cream, smiling as she spoke.

A moment later, Mano was licking his cone as they walked through a park lined with tall trees.

“Where do you want to go now?” she asked.

Mano glanced up at her, then back at the path ahead, his ice cream melting over his fingers. “Aren’t you tired?”

“I want to spend time with you. We can go see Nick after.”

Mano made a face. “But he’s at soccer. I want to see dad.”

Her steps slowed just a little. “Dad’s working right now.”

“He’s always working,” Mano muttered, then looked up at her, more eager now. “I want to tell him I got an A on my English test.”

She hesitated. “He’ll be busy. We might not get much time with him.”

Mano stopped walking altogether, turning to face her. “Please, Mom.” He switched to English, more careful with his words now. “I promise I’ll brush my teeth for five minutes tonight.”

She let out a soft laugh. “You’re unbelievable,” she said, tapping his nose.

He grinned, eyes bright, waiting.

She sighed, but her smile gave her away. “Alright. But just for a little while, okay?”

His whole face lit up. “You’re the best!”

They pulled up outside the bank and stepped inside. Mano stayed close to her side, watching the people in suits, listening to the quiet hum of voices and the sharp click of keyboards. “Where’s Dad?” he whispered.

“In the back. In his office.”

Mano frowned. “I don’t get why he’s in the back. He’s the manager.”