He’d been up for at least two hours, having left Mercedes to sleep in a little longer. He knew she was usually an early riser, but he hoped she’d stay in bed. And unless she had snuck out of his condo without him knowing – which was damn near impossible – he figured she was still asleep. Considering it was only six, he hoped that was the case. Right on time, his phone rang and he snatched it up, even though he knew Mercedes couldn’t hear it. “Morning,” he greeted. “Why is it you’re always up so early?” his mother asked. “Me? What about you?” “It’s not early for me.” His mother was definitely a morning person. Maybe that’s where he got it from, he didn’t know. But, this was the same way they began pretty much every conversation they’d had for the last few months. “How’s Dad?” he asked, getting right to the point. “He’s doing better,” Stella told him. “Ok, spill it, Mom,” he ordered when she hesitated. There was a long sigh and then his mother’s voice once again filled his ear.
