141
After Ericka disappeared into her office, Amanda sat at her desk for a long moment, still smiling to herself. The hum of the office buzzed faintly in the background, but her mind had already drifted elsewhere toward the people who'd helped her get here. Toward one person, in particular.
She reached for her phone, hesitating only a second before tapping her mom's name. The call connected after two rings.
"Hey, baby girl!" her mom's warm, familiar voice filled her ear. "You at work? You sound like you're smiling."
Amanda laughed softly, leaning back in her chair. "You can hear that, huh?"
"Of course I can. You've had that same smile since you were little. Usually meant you had some big news."
Amanda's grin widened. "You're not wrong about that. My campaign launched this morning the one I've been working on for months. And Mom..." Her voice cracked slightly as she exhaled. "It's blowing up. It's trending online, people are sharing it everywhere it's... surreal."
Her mom gasped. "Amanda, are you serious? Oh my God, baby, that's amazing! I knew this would happen for you."
Amanda could practically hear her mom pacing around the kitchen, that proud energy radiating through the phone. "Do you remember when you called me from that little apartment, crying because you didn't know if this job was the right move?"
Amanda laughed, a bit tearfully. "Yeah. I remember."
"And I told you to stick it out, because I could feel something special about this opportunity. Working for Ericka has been exactly what you needed. Look at you now living your dream, changing the game, and probably wearing that boss-face you used to practice in the mirror."
Amanda covered her face with her hand, laughing. "Mom, don't bring that up!"
Her mom chuckled. "I can't help it. You used to stand in the mirror, pretending to give motivational speeches about changing the world. And look at you doing exactly that. I'm so proud of you, Amanda. You've worked so hard for this."
Amanda blinked back the emotion burning behind her eyes. "Thank you, Mom. That means everything coming from you."
There was a pause a comfortable silence filled with love, history, and unspoken pride.
Then her mom said softly, "I'm just so happy you took that leap, baby. Working with Ericka it's opened doors for you. It's brought out the best in you. You sound so... alive."
Amanda's heart swelled. She thought about everything the late nights, the laughter, the partnership, the love that had grown quietly between her and Ericka until it became undeniable.
"Yeah," Amanda said, her voice warm and steady. "Ericka's definitely changed my life for the better."
Her mom smiled through the phone; Amanda could hear it. "She sounds like she's been good for you. I hope she knows what kind of daughter I raised."
"She knows," Amanda said softly, glancing through the glass wall toward Ericka's office. Their eyes met briefly; Ericka gave a small smile and a knowing nod before returning to her work.
Amanda's lips curved. "Actually, Mom... I was wondering if you could come by this weekend. I have something important to tell you."
Her mom's voice brightened instantly. "Of course! You know I'm always down for a visit. Should I bring your favorite pie?"
Amanda chuckled. "Only if you want to make me cry again."
Her mom laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. What's this important thing, though? You sound... nervous."
Amanda hesitated, biting her bottom lip as she looked at Ericka's office again. "It's something personal," she said carefully. "But I promise, it's good news. You'll understand when you get here."
Her mom's tone softened. "Okay, sweetheart. Whatever it is, I'll be there. I'm proud of you, no matter what."
Amanda smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek she quickly wiped away. "Thanks, Mom. I love you."
"Love you too, baby girl. And congratulations again. Your grandma's probably looking down bragging about you already."
Amanda laughed, her heart full. "She probably is."
They said their goodbyes, and Amanda sat for a long moment after hanging up, staring at her phone screen. The reflection in it caught her smiling that same quiet, proud smile her mother had heard in her voice.
The rest of the afternoon moved in a blur of congratulations and follow-up calls. Every few minutes, Amanda's phone buzzed with new mentions of the campaign, new messages from clients and collaborators but even through the noise, one thought kept circling in her mind.
Tonight.
She was finally ready to tell her mom everything.
As the day began to wind down, Amanda sat at her desk, staring at her phone screen. Her heart beat a little faster as she opened her messages with Ericka. She typed, paused, deleted, then started again trying to find that balance between casual and meaningful.
Amanda: Hey, baby. Just a heads-up... I invited my mom over tonight.
She hesitated, then added another line.
Amanda: I want her to meet you.
She stared at the message for a long moment before pressing send.
The typing bubbles appeared almost immediately.
Ericka: Tonight?
Amanda smiled softly, picturing Ericka's face as she read it that mix of calm professionalism and the little flicker of surprise that showed only when she was caught off guard.
Amanda: Yeah. I know it's short notice, but I want her to see who's been such a big part of my life.
A pause. Then another text appeared.
Ericka: So... this is the meeting.
Amanda chuckled under her breath, fingers tapping quickly.
Amanda: Yup. The mom meeting. Don't worry she already adores you and doesn't even know you yet.
Ericka: Adoration sounds good. Terrified sounds more accurate.
Amanda bit back a laugh, her heart fluttering a little.
Amanda: You? Terrified? That's new.
Ericka: I've handled investors, boardrooms, billion-dollar deals. But meeting your mom? That's different. She raised the woman I'm in love with. That's not a small thing.
Amanda's chest tightened, warmth spreading through her. She read the message twice before responding, her fingers trembling slightly.
Amanda: You have no idea how much that means to me.
Ericka: What time should I expect her?
Amanda: Around 7. I'll grab something nice for dinner on the way home.
Ericka: No need. I'll handle it. Consider it my contribution to impressing your mother.
Amanda grinned, shaking her head.
Amanda: Just be yourself. That's all you have to do. She'll love you probably more than me once she realizes you're feeding her.
Ericka: Then I'd better make it memorable.
Amanda read the last message again, a soft smile curving her lips. She tucked her phone away and leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting between pride, nerves, and excitement.
Amanda's phone buzzed again just as she was gathering her things for the day. It was Ericka.
Ericka: Go on home, baby. I'll finish a few calls here. You can tidy up and relax a bit.
Ericka: I'll handle dinner. Food, wine — everything. I'll be home before your mom gets there so I can help set up.
Amanda smiled at the screen, warmth blooming in her chest.
Amanda: You sure? You've already had a long day.
Ericka: I'm sure. You did enough today — you deserve to just breathe for a bit before she arrives.
Amanda: You're perfect, you know that?
Ericka: I try. Now go home before I change my mind and kidnap you for another "meeting. "
Amanda laughed quietly to herself, glancing around the office to make sure no one caught her blushing. She texted back one final heart emoji and slipped her phone into her bag.