Chapter 43

“Hey, I’ll come by your room to see about your homewo—” but he was already shut in. Dejectedly, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and answered it, turning away from Myles. Why couldn’t I get it through my thick skull that my son needed quality time with me? I always promised myself I’d change and really focus on him, but then I’d get carried away with work and go back to my old ways. “Nick, here,” I said, knowing I sounded wired.

It was Ed calling to remind me of my annual tour of the Blue Dinner’s plant and meeting with the executive board. He’d booked me solid for two days. “Of course I’ll be there on Wednesday, as agreed,” I said, lifting the lid on the pot sitting on the stove. “No, Derek won’t be with me. He’s on sick leave, remember?”

We discussed a few more points and then my phone beeped in my ear. It was my mother.

Myles walked into the kitchen, turned on the burner, and got a plate out.