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in college he had co-eds and professors alike swooning over him. And now, as a successful, handsome bachelor with a good job at a prestigious law firm, he was a highly sought-after commodity.
    Charlene smiled when she saw Phillip’s rental car parked in the driveway. “I’m home now,” she said as she drove around the side of her Tudor-style home and pushed the button on her garage door opener. “I’ll see you in a sec.”
    When Charlene walked through her back door and into her large eat-in kitchen, she smiled widely at the site of Phillip standing in front of the sink, washing off an apple.
    â€œHere, eat this. It’ll give you a little boost.”
    Charlene shook her head. “Son, after the day I’ve had, I need that apple to be sitting inside a martini glass.” Her joke made both of them laugh.
    â€œYou might be tired, but you look great, Mom,” Phillip said. He reached for her briefcase, set it on the kitchen counter, and gave Charlene a hug.
    For the first time in hours, Charlene felt a semblance of calm return to her mind. “I’ll take that compliment any day. Especially from a good-looking, good-smelling man. What are you wearing, son?”
    Phillip smiled. “It’s the Versace cologne you got me for my birthday.”
    â€œI have good taste.”
    They both laughed again and walked into the family room. Charlene sank her tired body into the comfort of her custom-made, oversized couch and kicked off her designer heels as Phillip took a seat beside her. “How was your flight?”
    â€œIt was full to capacity. I’m glad I was able to get out of DC early because the airport was a zoo, and it’s probably a madhouse right now. You know how it is during the holidays.”
    â€œYes, I’m just glad you made it here safely. I hope Lauren won’t have problems tomorrow.”
    â€œMe too. I talked to her this afternoon, and she’s still scheduled to get here in the morning. I told her I’d pick her up from the airport.”
    Charlene sighed with relief. She’d forgotten what it was like to have someone around to help her with things. “Thank you, baby. I appreciate you going to pick up your sister because that will free me up to start cooking early in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner.”
    â€œAnd speaking of food, like I said, I’d planned to make dinner tonight, but now I can do one better; I can get dinner for us from our favorite place.”
    â€œSebastian’s!”
    â€œYou got it.”
    â€œI haven’t been there in a few months.”
    â€œWell you’re in luck tonight.” Phillip stood to his feet. “You want your usual?”
    Charlene nodded. “Yes, chicken marsala with extra wine sauce on the side. And ask them to put the sauce in a medium container, not those tiny condiment cups that only hold a teaspoon.”
    Phillip shook his head and laughed. “I know the drill.”
    â€œAt least I’m consistent,” Charlene said with a laugh. “And after the day I’ve had, I need something steady like my favorite dish. Food truly is comfort for the soul.”
    â€œSure is. I’ll place our order on my way there. Text me the grocery list and I’ll pick up what we need on my way back.”
    â€œGrocery list?”
    Phillip nodded. “While I’m out I might as well pick up groceries for Thanksgiving dinner, that way you won’t have to leave the house tomorrow unless you just want to. You need the rest.”
    Once again, Charlene was grateful to have a child as thoughtful and unselfish as Phillip. Unlike a lot of men she knew, including her ex-husband Reginald, Phillip didn’t go overboard with fancy words or expensive gifts to show his love. Instead, he demonstrated it through the little things he did that added up in big ways. Getting her dinner and picking up groceries meant more to Charlene than any holiday gift he could