“It’s been a long time, that’s for certain.” She blushes. “I don’t know, Xavier.”

I can see Mom’s knees turning into Jell-O from here. I purse my lips, considering. Maybe she did hook up with him.

“Come on, leave the Senate building for just one afternoon. I am Ambassador after all. We can talk about nothing but work, if you like.”

Their gazes meet for a long moment. Mom licks her lips. “Alright.”

I smile. Ice cream and a walk. That’s so cute, I want to pinch their cheeks.

The pair head toward back door of the Senate chamber. Mom waves to Tim. “I’m so glad you’re here. Can you clear my schedule for this afternoon? The Ambassador and I are going out.”

Tim nods. “Yes, Senator Lewis.” A muscle twitches along his neck. He watches them leave, his irises flaring demon red.

So, Tim definitely had jealousy issues. I consider asking Mom about that, and then rule against it. With my luck, I’ll find out he went berserk and shot up the Senate chamber over her.

Before me, the scene in the Gray Sea turns back into grains of sand. The figures of Mom, Xavier, and Tim disintegrate into the ground.

I awake to the sound of Mom humming a nonsense tune. I stretch and yawn, then slip out of bed and pad into the kitchen. Mom stands by the stove, clicking on the gas burner below a frying pan. She smiles. “What do you want in your omelet?”

“I’ll eat cereal, thanks.”

“Let’s take a break from Frankenberry. How about peppers and onions?”

“Yum.” I slide into my favorite seat at the kitchen table. “I had another dreamscape last night.”

Mom whisks some egg whites in a small bowl. “Do you have any questions for me?”

I squeeze my eyes tight. I won’t ask the question, I won’t ask the question, I won’t ask the question.

I open them. Eh, I’ll ask the question.

“Did you hook up with that Xavier guy?”

Mom holds still for a moment, then pokes at the omelet with her spatula. “Yes.”

“Xavier’s not my real—”

“No.” Her tone says this is not up for discussion without a fight. And this morning, I’m not in a fighting mood.

I sigh. Oh well, it was worth a try.

“Why don’t we see Tim ever?”

I wince. Here comes the bad news. He’s dead or berserk or joined Hell’s evil clown pavilion.

Mom hums and pours the egg mixture into the pan. “He and I had a falling out. He wanted more from our relationship. I told him it was a one-time thing.”

“That’s it? He doesn’t want to see his awesome daughter?”

“No, I’m sorry Myla.”