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“Yeah,” I mutter quietly.
“Hey,” he says from where he’s leaning against his desk. When I look up at him, his expression softens. “I’m proud of you, kid.”
I force myself to swallow. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Don’t stress. It’s going to be fine.”
With a sigh, I nod as I throw the rest of the whiskey down, feeling the burn and praying it eases my nerves.
Then my dad opens the office door and ushers me out. “Just get it over with. She hates secrets, and this has been killing me and Jade since you told us last week.”
“Fine.” I groan as I hand him the empty glass and walk down the long hall to where my mom’s office is.
The door is open, and I hear her on the phone before I reach the room.
“Yeah, let’s discuss this again after the new year. Don’t forget the franchise meeting at two.”
When I spot my mom standing in her office, I stop and wait for her to see me. Her hair is still long and has been for as long as I can remember. The only thing that’s really changed about her over the years is a few smile lines on her face and some crow’s-feet around her eyes—proof that she’s spent the last twenty-five years happy.
And I’m about to fuck that up.
I figured out what my mom did for a living long before she finally told me, well before I turned eighteen. I don’t know how she managed to hide it for so long, but I had internet access and a teenage boy’s curiosity. It wasn’t hard to figure it out from there.
But I also never cared much where my mom worked. She was just…my mom.
She turns and spots me in the doorway, giving me a bright smile.
“Emerson, Jack just got home for Christmas. I’ve gotta go. Yeah, happy holidays to you and Charlie too. Bye.”
Her smile is wide as she opens her outstretched arms for me. I feel that inane sense of comfort as soon as she wraps them around me.
“Hey, Mama,” I mumble softly before she pulls away.
“How was your drive?” she asks.
My jaw clenches. I don’t want small talk right now. I don’t know if I can take another second.
“It was good,” I reply, scratching the back of my neck.
“And work?” she asks.
“Mama, I have something to tell you.”
Her mouth closes, and her brow furrows. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Deep breath, Jack. You can do this.
“Yeah, everything is fine. It’s just…”
I look into her eyes and try to remember what my dad said. She just wants me to be happy.
“I’m moving to Paris.”
She doesn’t move. Her eyes stay glued on my face as her lips part like she’s waiting for me to continue.
“Is that the secret everyone’s been keeping from me?” she asks quietly.
“I’m sorry,” I reply with a wince.
