“Dead,” I said through my hand, then winced at my poor choice of words considering the topic of discussion. I spilled the story as fast as possible, ending with, “So, you can see why we’re all shocked and confused. You know, all the things.”

“Now I’m just shocked you’re not totally drunk,” he said. “I would be.”

Yeah, well, Constantine had a few after the “Rebecca’s wake” revelation. I kept that to myself.

“Where’d I go wrong with Colin?” This wasn’t the time to address that, but the words came out anyway. “He has a girlfriend I didn’t know about. He was hanging out with criminals. Stealing.” I shook my head. “He promises he’ll change now that his dad is in his life, but I feel like such a failure.”

“Don’t start with that. You’ve done the best you could. Do not feel bad, you hear me? He’s a teenage boy. It’s normal for him to act up.”

“Not like this.”

“And if anyone should feel bad, it’s me.” He shook his head. “I’m the one who accidentally taught Colin to steal.”

“You played hide-and-seek with objects and taught him magic tricks as a kid. How would you know he’d turn those skills into a life of crime?” I shivered. “Of course, had he not stolen Constantine’s wallet, his father wouldn’t be in his life.”

He groaned.

I did as well.

“I need another drink,” I mumbled.

“Maybe that’s not a good idea when you’re shacked up with Colin’s dad.” Of course, Easton would worry about that.

“Constantine would never take advantage of me.” I couldn’t help but defend the man.

“He better not,” he shot out. “Is he single? He has to be, right? Or he wouldn’t just move y’all in.”

“Single, yes.”

“And does he know about your, uh, decision to . . .?”

I smirked, knowing exactly why he had left his sentence hanging. I didn’t blame him. “It didn’t exactly come up in conversation.” I felt the flames of heat move up into my cheeks. “We just need to focus on what’s best for Colin.”

“Maybe what’s best for Colin is that his mom finally stops putting herself second and lets herself be happy.”

“Stop third-personing me.” I rolled my eyes. “And are you actually suggesting what I think you are? That I should give it a shot with his father?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if anyone deserves a shot, it’s him, yeah?” Before I could respond, he held up his hand. “Sorry. Give me a second.”

He stood, left the desk, and hushed voices filled the background before he returned.

“That was Gwen.” He shuddered, gripping the arms of the chair. “That woman drives me fuckin’ nuts, I swear.”