Page 65 of The Boss Problem

“That’s why you’re so comfortable in such a setting,” I said, fixing the position of the spoon on my table before uncrossing my legs to look at him. “I don’t think I could ever stop looking awed by a place like this.”

He inclined his head. “Though your appreciation for this kind of restaurant reminds me that I take this for granted.”

I took a bite of my burger and chewed, wondering. “Are you close to your parents?”

Sean twirled his glass of wine with his fingers. “I wasn’t. My dad worked a lot, and my mom wasn’t around, so as a consequence, I never spent much time with them. And they aren’t around to fix things now.”

My lips parted. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, feeling a swell of regret for bringing it up. I usually hated discussing my dad, too, and avoided those conversations at all costs, and here I was, doing the same thing to others.

“Don’t be,” he said with a curt nod. “But if you’re looking for an answer for why it’s been so hard for me to bond with my son, it’s there.”

“I’m not analyzing you,” I corrected. “I was just curious—that’s all.”

We took a few bites before he spoke.

“I’ve often wondered about this and never had the right moment to ask you. How have you been after the fallout with your ex?” he asked gruffly.

I groaned. “Are we really discussing him? Today, of all days?”

He didn’t budge. “Well, I can’t escape the fact that I was reminded of that day today. When I wanted to tell off another man for the way he was treating you.”

“You were certainly gallant that day.”

“Only that day?” Sean cocked an eyebrow.

I laughed. “I’ve stopped keeping count. How about that for an answer?”

He grinned. “Good save.”

“You were very supportive the night of the gala too. I haven’t forgotten that.”

“You mean, when we almost lost Lucas?”

My mouth went dry as I thought about it. I nodded.

He took a contemplative sip of his drink before he spoke, his voice brusque. “The last time I asked, your answer was very vague, so I’ll ask again. Can you tell me why losing Lucas was so scary for you?”

“Wouldn’t it be for any caregiver or adult in charge of a kid?” I asked.

“Chloe, you were trembling in my arms within minutes of thinking he was lost.”

I thought back to that night. Had I been trembling? The only time I did remember trembling was the night of Henry’s accident, and I never revisited those memories. I didn’t want to recount those early days in the hospital with Henry and my increasingly distant dad.

“If I had been trembling, it’s because my brother is the only person I’ve got as family. Losing people is one of my many illogical fears.” I tried to keep my voice light.

Sean reached out and put his hand on mine on the table. The touch was gentle and supportive, and when I looked at him, his eyes were steady as they looked back at me.

“Chloe, it’s my turn to ask about your parents now. And it’s time you answer me honestly.”

I nodded. He’d seen me vulnerable enough times already. What was one more time?

“My mom died when I was eight,” I said, wishing I could get through this part quickly. “And my dad left us some years later.”

Sean cursed under his breath. “Really?”

I nodded. “It’s just been Henry and me since I was eighteen and he was thirteen. Losing Henry, especially after I lost contact with my dad, is my single greatest fear. And Lucas, even though he isn’t Henry, reminds me of Henry, with all his simplicity and innocence.”

Sean drew his hand away, and I could feel him glowering. “If anyone deserves to have a personal life now, it’s you,” he muttered. “How is Henry now?”

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