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The apartment was quiet after Amanda left that kind of peaceful silence that seemed to hum with the echo of her laughter. The faint smell of her perfume still lingered in the air, mingling with the coffee she'd brewed that morning.
Ericka leaned against the door after it closed, her fingers tracing the wood, smiling to herself. Amanda always had that effect she could fill a room even after she was gone.
Her phone buzzed across the counter: 10:00 a.m. PR Strategy Call.
She sighed, grabbed her tablet, and sank onto the couch, straight-backed and composed by habit even in her own home.
When she joined the call, a grid of faces filled her screen PR leads, communications specialists, branding partners. Each one already mid-sentence.
"—the clip's hit a hundred thousand views across multiple platforms," one said.
"Comments are mixed," another added. "Half of them ship you two, half are speculating about professionalism."
Ericka exhaled slowly, rubbing her temple. "Alright. Give it to me straight what are people saying?"
They broke it down: "Mathews Co. power couple," "CEO dating her assistant," "love in the workplace," "brand chemistry unmatched." Some were critical. Some were swooning. Most couldn't look away.
When they finished, she took a quiet breath.
"So the narrative is emotional," she said finally. "Human."
"Yes," one replied. "We recommend holding the line no statements, no comment. Keep the focus on the campaign's success. Let curiosity work for us, not against us."
Ericka nodded once, firm. "Agreed. No flinching, no feeding the fire. We redirect to the work."
There were collective nods on screen relief, respect, trust.
The call wrapped, and one by one, faces blinked out until the screen went black.
Ericka set the tablet aside and leaned back against the cushions. For a few seconds, the composure slipped.
She wasn't worried about the brand that, she could always protect. What tugged at her chest now was something else entirely.
She was getting married in two days.
And she couldn't stop thinking about how right it felt and how fast it was all happening.
Her phone rang again this time, she didn't even have to check the name. Her mom's smiling face filled the screen as soon as she answered.
"Hi, baby girl," her mother said, her voice warm and full of that knowing tone only moms had. "I saw the internet trying to tell me about my daughter's love life before I even had coffee."
Ericka laughed softly, shaking her head. "I should've known you'd see it."
"Oh, please," her mom said. "Your aunt sent it to the whole family group chat within five minutes. Half of them think you two are adorable, the other half are ready to fight your PR team for privacy."
Ericka groaned lightly. "Of course they are."
Her mom smiled knowingly. "You and Amanda looked beautiful, though. The way you were looking at each other? Anyone can see it."
Ericka's lips curved, a quiet warmth softening her voice. "Yeah... she's easy to look at."
Her mom's laughter filled the line. "You don't have to convince me. I already adore her. That FaceTime call didn't do her justice, but I can tell she's good for you. You're lighter now, Ericka softer in the best way."
Ericka leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "She keeps me grounded. When everything feels like it's spinning, she just... steadies me."
"I can hear it in your voice," her mom said gently. "You've been so focused for so long, I was starting to think love was something you managed like a meeting."
Ericka laughed quietly. "I probably did at first. But with her... I don't have to control it."
There was a pause the kind of silence only mothers could fill with emotion without saying anything.
There was a pause then her mom's voice gentled. "What's going on, sweetheart?"
"I just needed to hear your voice," Ericka admitted. "I don't even know what I want to talk about. Just... everything's been loud."
Her mom hummed softly. "Then don't talk, just breathe with me for a second."
They sat like that for a few quiet beats two steady heartbeats syncing through the line.
After a moment, Ericka's voice softened. "I sent the flight details this morning. You, Dad, and Danielle should have the itinerary in your email."
Her mom perked up. "We did! And, sweetheart, I still can't believe you booked us that condo."
Ericka smiled, some of her tension easing. "It's in the same building. Two floors down. It'll make things easier no hotels, no rushing. It's yours to use whenever you visit. Actually... it's yours, period. I bought it for you."
Her mom's breath caught. "Ericka... you didn't."
"I did," Ericka said softly. "You and Dad have spent years taking care of me it's my turn. Think of it as your city getaway."
Her mom's voice broke just a little. "You've always been too generous for your own good. We don't need"
"I want to," Ericka said simply. "You've earned it."
A quiet moment passed before her mom exhaled shakily. "You make me so proud, baby. Even when you're tired, you're still thinking about everyone else."
Ericka chuckled softly. "Occupational hazard."
Her mom's tone softened again. "How's Amanda?"
Ericka leaned her head against the couch, eyes wandering toward the bedroom where Amanda's jacket still hung over a chair. "She's good. She went out with Sam this morning. I think they're having brunch probably talking me into something I'll find out about later."
Her mom laughed knowingly. "That one has fire. You two balance each other perfectly. She brings out the light in you."
Ericka's smile deepened, her chest warming. "Yeah. She does."
"Well," her mom said, voice laced with affection, "we can't wait to see you both next week. Your father's already talking about cooking when we get there, and Danielle wants to shop."
Ericka laughed softly. "Sounds about right. I'll make sure everything's ready for you all."
Her mom's tone gentled once more. "And you, sweetheart... remember to rest. You don't have to be strong every hour of the day."
"I'll try," Ericka said quietly. "Promise."
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too, Mom."