Chapter 77

“I tried talking to him today, but he was with his friends, the new neighbors, and didn’t wanna stay on the phone with his boring old man.”

“He’s going through some changes…At that age, friends become everything.”

“No, you’re right.” I really didn’t want to talk about this. The guilt was too sharp. It wasn’t about Spencer’s age or his new friends. It was about my son and I. All the mistakes I’d made.

Derek must have read the tension on my face because he let the matter go. We were silent for a while, listening to the music.

“So, uh, did you speak with Myles today?” I asked, after a moment, putting my fork down.

Across the table, candles flickered, the light dancing in Derek’s enchanting eyes. “Yes, we had a good talk. But I think maybe he believes you and I want some time alone together.”

“Do we?”

“You tell me, Nick.”

“No, no, no. Youtell me.”

He gave me a stern look. “I wanna know…Do you like it when he’s here with us?”