Page 65 of A Hard Sell

It’s okay. It’s important family time for you. You don’t need me in the way.

Of course Thomas would be kind and forgiving about it.

Are you kidding? I’m sure my mom would prefer you. She would have thrown a parade in your honor.

Well, maybe I can meet her another time.

Are you free for Easter? She’s already booked you in.

Luka fired off another message.

I’m kidding. We’ll have to ‘break up’ before then.

Thomas’ response came in just as Luka hit ‘send.’

I could come with you for Easter. If you want.

Luka’s heart thudded.

You say that now. You’ll regret it when my mom makes you hunt for Easter eggs wearing bunny ears.

She wouldn’t really do that?

In reply Luka sent a picture of himself from last Easter, holding a basket and wearing the damn ears. He was not smiling.

Show anyone and I kill you.

You make a cute bunny.

Luka’s heart pounded harder.That’s the second time he’s called me cute this week.He wiggled his fingers.

Well, I’m sure you’ll be cuter.

Guess we’ll see… Thanks for checking in. Enjoy the rest of your day.

You too.

He left his phone on his bedside table and went down to join the family.

* * * *

“Uncle Luka!”

He was reclined on the couch, willing his stomach to digest the twelve pounds of sugar cookies and butter tarts he had consumed since lunch. He swallowed a grumble when his nieces called his name from the back door. Then they were in front of him, two almost unrecognizable winter-gear sausages.

“Come play with us!” Zara demanded, reaching a stubby mittened hand for Luka’s. She was a very wise, very opinionated six-year-old.

“Please,” added Jade, the quieter nine-year-old.

Luka let Zara haul him up to a seated position. “I couldn’t possibly.”

“Why?” whined Zara. “Mom said you would.”

“Did she now?” Luka asked.

Then Yasmin appeared around the corner. “Your boots! You’re getting snow everywhere. Out!” She shooed them back into the kitchen. “Sorry, girls. Your Uncle Luka would rather lie here like a blob than play with his nieces.” She gave him a pointed look before she disappeared back into the kitchen with them.

“Of course I’d rather play with them.” He clambered to his feet, fighting against the sugar cookie mass in his stomach. “Uncle Luka is coming.”

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