Page 260 of Power Play

“I’m trying.”

“I know.”

“Your father is trying too.”

“Even if he looks like he’s being held hostage?”

A watery laugh came through the phone. “Especially then.”

I closed my eyes. “Promise me you won’t humiliate Ryan.”

“I promise I won’t.”

“Or ask how long hockey is going to last like it’s some hobby?”

“I won’t.”

“Or stare at his tattoos?”

“I cannot promise your father won’t look at them.”

“Mom.”

“He will attempt discretion.”

I laughed again, and for the first time since the dinner, the sound didn’t feel forced. “I missed you.”

Her breath caught. “Oh, Charmagne. I missed you too.”

“I’m still angry.”

“You’re allowed to be.”

“I’m not ready to pretend that dinner didn’t happen.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

“If either of you says something like that to him again, I will leave.”

“I understand.”

I looked toward Ryan’s room. “I have to go.”

“Is he there?”

“Yes.”

“Are you two okay?”

I almost laughed. “Ask me tomorrow.”

“That bad?”

“We’re working on it.”

A pause followed. “Tell him…”

I waited.