Nick's POV
I barely slept last night. I worked my ass off until every corner of my penthouse gleamed, spotless, just the way Mom likes it.
Vicky told me she's been worried sick ever since she found out what I did. Who could blame her? Jumping into the sea in the middle of a storm for a woman who fought me tooth and nail the whole damn time. I'd worry, too.
The last thing I ever want is to make Mom worry again. She's already carried more burdens because of me and Vicky than she should've, and yet she still smiles through her imperfect life. Seeing that smile every day… that's one of my goals. One of my reasons.
She said she'd be here early, with Vicky picking her up. So I did what any good son should do. I cooked.
Not just anything, but lamb chops. The new recipe I'd picked up from the Chief Cook on my ship. Yeah, I know it's too early in the day for that, but I was too damn excited for her to taste it.
