“Honey, you aren’t exactly an open book, you know. You keep everything inside. If you want him to be open, you have to do it too.”

“I could tell he was hurting. I didn’t want to make it worse. Instead, I caused a problem.”

“I don’t think either one of you caused it. It just grew from each of you trying to protect the other. Luke was never any good at asking for what he needed. I blame his dad. After Diana died, Chuck closed himself off, and Luke was pretty much alone in that house. Jed and I tried to get him to let Luke live here or move in with Jed. But Chuck wouldn’t hear of it. What would people think?”

I looked up at her, surprised. I never knew she tried to get Luke away from his dad.

“I know,” she exclaimed. “You need to seduce him.”

My head shot back at that odd change of topic. What?

“What?” I said, shocked.

“I’m not kidding myself. I know you guys have had sex before. Obviously. You have a child. But, just—jump him. Shock him. Get off that pedestal, Lily. You need to be on equal footing,” she suggested.

I was still agape. “What?” I repeated.

“Normally, I wouldn’t tell one of my daughters such a thing. But it’s Luke. He loves you, and he always has. He needs to see you as an equal, not as a fragile angel he needs to protect. So, yeah, seduce him. Wear something red and sexy and jump his bones.”

“Oh my God, so you’re telling me to use sex to get what I want?” I laughed.

“Normally, that would be terrible advice. But in this case, I think it might work. I love you both; you belong together. Sex muddles men’s brains. Get his mind good and muddled and make your point.”

She’s nuts, but she might be right. “I’ll think about it, but we’re not talking about this ever again.”

I felt her nod against the top of my head. “Okay, we won’t. But I’m not crazy. Get him alone, get him—um, happy. Then, after he’s happy and feeling close to you, start talking. But you must talk to him too. It won’t work if you expect him to bare all his deepest feelings and you keep yours to yourself. Now, I’m done, and I won’t bring it up again.”

“Thanks, Mom, for the insane advice, and for checking on me.”

She laughed. “You’re welcome, honey. Thanks for letting me be here with you. I missed you, Lily.” She kissed my cheek, then got up. “Sleep tight. Love you, baby.”

“Love you too. Good night.” She closed the door behind her. When the dark hit, I shut my eyes and fell asleep.

19

Lily