"Dad told me." Lucas said. "About you two. The problems you've been having." Margaret looked at Richard.
He nodded. "I'm sorry we kept it from you." She said. "But we didn't want to burden you with our mess." "You're my parents.
Your mess is kind of my business." "You have enough on your plate with Mia. We didn't want to add to it." Lucas shook his head. "I'm not a kid anymore, Mom.
You don't have to protect me from the truth." Margaret studied him. "No, I suppose you're not." She glanced toward the kitchen, then back at him. What about you, Lucas?
Are you carrying any truths you'd like to share? His stomach clenched. What do you mean? You and Victoria. There's history there.
It wasn't a question. Lucas felt his father's eyes on him. Tried to think of a lie that would hold. Couldn't find one. We dated, he said finally, in college.
For about a year. Margaret didn't look surprised. I thought so. The way you two avoid each other, that's not strangers. That's people who know each other too well.
It was a long time ago. Not long enough, apparently. Richard shifted. Why didn't you tell us? Because it didn't matter.
We broke up. We moved on. End of story. Except it's not, Margaret said. Is it?
Lucas met his mother's eyes. She was sick and exhausted, but she still saw right through him. No, he admitted. It's not. Richard leaned forward.
What happened? Why did you end it? And there it was. The question Lucas had been dreading for 7 years. He could lie, could make up some story about growing apart, wanting different things, the usual reasons relationships ended.
They'd probably believe it, but he was so tired of lying. You and Eleanor, Lucas said quietly. We found out you were getting close, talking about maybe seeing each other. And we knew if we stayed together, it would complicate everything, make things weird. So, we decided to end it before it became a problem.
The silence that followed was deafening. Margaret closed her eyes. Oh, Lucas. We thought we were doing the right thing. You sacrificed your relationship for us?
Richard's voice was tight. For something that wasn't even We weren't even together then. We were just friends. We didn't know that. And by the time we would have known, it was too late.
The damage was done. Margaret was crying now, tears sliding down her pale cheeks. You should have told us. We would have What? Given up your friendship?
Your chance at happiness? No. Lucas shook his head. We made our choice. We live with it.
That's not fair, Richard said roughly. You don't get to sacrifice yourself for other people and then pretend it doesn't cost you anything. I'm not pretending. Aren't you? You're 32 years old, Lucas.
You should be building a life, finding someone, not just existing. I have Mia. That's enough. No, it's not. Margaret reached for his hand.
A child isn't a substitute for a partner, for love. She deserves a father who's whole, not one who's just going through the motions. Lucas pulled his hand back. I'm fine. You're not.
And neither is Victoria, from the looks of it. Margaret coughed again, harder this time. When she caught her breath, she looked at him with an expression that was equal parts sad and frustrated. You still love her. It wasn't a question, but Lucas answered anyway.
Yeah, I do. Richard stood abruptly. Then what the hell are you doing out here talking to us? Go tell her. Dad Don't dad me.
You think I don't see it? The way you look at her when you think no one's watching? The way she looks at you? You're both miserable. It's complicated.
Everything's complicated. That's life. But you don't get to use complicated as an excuse to give up. Lucas stared at his father. Richard Hayes, who never raised his voice, who kept his emotions locked down tight, was standing there practically shaking with frustration.
I have Mia. Lucas said again, like that explained everything. So what? You think having a child means you're not allowed to be happy? I think it means I have to be careful.
I can't just bring someone into her life because I want to. I have to think about what's best for her. And what makes you think Victoria isn't what's best? Margaret asked softly. Lucas didn't have an answer for that.
Before anyone could say more, Eleanor came down the stairs. She took one look at the scene, Margaret crying, Richard standing stiff and angry, Lucas sitting on the floor looking gutted, and stopped short. What's going on? Family conversation, Richard said. Nothing to worry about.
It doesn't look like nothing. Margaret wiped her eyes. We're fine, Eleanor, really. Just clearing the air. Eleanor didn't look convinced, but she nodded.
All right. Well, Victoria's asking for you, Lucas. She's upstairs with Mia. Said something about the girl having a nightmare. Lucas stood immediately.
I'll go check on her. He took the stairs two at a time, grateful for the escape. Mia was sitting on the loft bed, tear-stained and hiccuping. Victoria sat beside her, one arm around the girl's shoulders, murmuring something Lucas couldn't hear. Hey, sweetheart.
Lucas crossed to them quickly. What's wrong? Mia launched herself at him. He caught her, holding tight. I had a bad dream, she sobbed.
You were gone and I was alone and it was so cold. Shh. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. Promise?
Promise. He held her until the crying slowed to sniffles. Victoria watched them, her expression unreadable. Thank you, Lucas said to her, for staying with her. Of course.
Victoria stood. I should go. Let you two Don't leave. Mia reached for her. Please don't go.
Victoria hesitated. Mia, your dad's here now. You don't need me. But I like you. Mia's voice was small.
You're nice and you smell good. And you don't treat me like a baby. Victoria's expression softened. She sat back down. Okay, I'll stay for a little bit.