ey. I don’t need it. And it’s such a
worthy cause.”
He smiles down at me, and I seize the opportunity for
some innocent inquiries. Carpe diem, my subconscious
hisses from behind her hand.
“Christian told me a little about his past, so I think it’s
appropriate to support your work,” I add, hoping that this
might encourage Carrick to give me a small insight into the
mystery that is his son.
Carrick is surprised. “Did he? That’s unusual. You
certainly ha一ve had a very positive effect on him, Anastasia.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so, so . . . buoyant.”
I flush.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“Well, in my limited experience, he’s a very unusual
man,” I murmur.
“He is,” Carrick agrees quietly.
“Christian’s early childhood sounds hideously
traumatic, from what he’s told me.”
Carrick frowns, and I worry if I’ve overstepped the
mark.
“My wife was the doctor on duty when the police
brought him in. He was skin and bones, and badly
brought him in. He was skin and bones, and badly
dehydrated. He wouldn’t speak.” Carrick frowns again,
lost in the awful memory, despite the up-tempo music
surrounding us. “In fact, he didn’t speak for nearly two
years. It was playing the piano that eventually brought him
out of himself. Oh, and Mia’s arrival, of course.” He smiles
down at me fondly.
“He plays beautifully. And he’s accomplished so much,
you must be very proud of him.” I sound distracted. Holy
Shit. Didn’t speak for two years.
“Immensely so. He’s a very determined, very capable,
very bright young man. But between you and me,
Anastasia, it’s seeing him like he is this evening—carefree,
acting his age—that’s the real thrill for his mother and me.
We were both commenting on it today. I believe we ha一ve
you to thank for that.”
I think I blush to my roots. What am I supposed to say
to this?
“He’s always been such a loner. We never thought
we’d see him with anyone. Whatever you’re doing, please
don’t stop. We’d like to see him happy.” He stops
suddenly as if he’s overstepped
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