Page 142 of Coveted

A long pause follows. I hear shuffling, like she’s moving to another room.

“Lucan, have you spoken to your father about this?” she asks, her voice clearer.

“Not really,” I say. “We spoke about how to deal with the police after⁠—”

I beat a man to death in his home.

“But that’s it,” I finish.

Mom clears her throat. “I see.”

“Did you leave because of me?”

Her response is instant and emphatic.

“Honey, no. Of course not. You had grown into a man fully capable of taking care of yourself. You proved that, although I admit I was shocked at the time by how far you went. That’s my Lucan though. Always going above and beyond.”

“Too much,” I say dully. “I’m too much to bear.”

“I don’t know about that.” She clicks her tongue. “These days I find myself wondering if perhaps the rest of us are not enough. You exist so wholly, Lucan. Passion is infused in every cell in your body.”

“Then why did you go?”

“Your father and I wanted to separate.” She clears her throat delicately. “Divorce would look bad to our shareholders.”

“So you moved across the ocean? You could’ve told me.”

I feel dense for missing the depth of the rift between my parents. They hardly saw each other, but they were busy with work and philanthropy. I thought things were normal. Business as usual.

“Your father said he would talk to you,” she replies, “once the situation with your little escapade had settled.”

“He didn’t.”

“Oh, dear. He’s held out hope that we’ll reunite. Perhaps he wished to go on believing it.”

My eyes find the family photos on Parker’s wall. “Can you visit more often? Christmas is coming up.”

“There’s nothing I’d like more.”

“Good.”

“I’ll book flights.” I hear the smile in her voice. “I’d like to meet that beautiful girlfriend of yours.”

“How do you know about her?”

“You’re my only child, Lucan. I keep up with your activities, even from afar. Please tell me about her.”

My chest burns. “She’s perfect, Mom.”

“For her to catch your eye? I’m certain she is.”

“She’s the one who suggested I talk to you. Really talk.”

“I like her already. But why do you sound so down?”

I hesitate. “I did too much. Scared her.”

“Give her time.”