Don’t you have to go to work or something?” He feigned a teasing tone he didn’t feel, shook out the morning paper, and leaned back in the kitchen chair, pretending to read.“Cut it out, Luc. You don’t have to pretend with me. You surely know that by now. Now what’s going on? Did you hurt yourself?”“Nothing, Ma. I’m fine. I … tripped and bit the dust last night. … Made a fool of myself in front of a beautiful woman. It ticked me off, that’s all.”Her eyebrows shot up. “You were out with a woman last night?” She slid into the chair across from him. “Who?”“Well, hey, don’t worry about me too much, Ma. I’m sure my leg will heal up in no time.”She laughed and reached across the table to pick up his hand and plant a kiss on his knuckles. “Poor baby. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”He rewarded her with a genuine smile. “I’ll live. Nothing bruised but my ego.”“Okay, now let’s hear about this woman.”He rolled his eyes. “Real subtle, Ma.”
