Page 82 of Crown of Death
“What do you do for work?” Dad asks, clearly interested in how Cyrus can afford anassistant.
And for a moment, Ipanic.
But I should have known Cyrus would be quick on hisfeet.
“I’m in politics,” he says easily. “An ambassador, of sorts. My work takes me all around the world. It’s what brought mehere.”
“So, you’ll likely have to leave at somepoint?”
I hate that that’s a hint of hope in Dad’svoice.
“Actually,” I pipe up. But my heart rate has tripled. Sweat breaks out onto my upper lip, my skin feels itchy. “I…I needed to talk to you all about something that’s comeup.”
All at once, their eyes rise up and fix on me. Dad instantly goes ghost white. Mom looks worried. Eshan gives me a look with narrowedeyes.
“I’ve finished my school work,” I say. I sit a little straighter, and push a little smile onto my lips. “But I’ve been wanting to learn more. I found this apprenticeship online. It teaches you all kinds of different embalming techniques. Mummification, desiccation, immersion. Things not commonly practiced anymore. Stuff I’ve been dying tolearn.”
Mom’s expression sours. She hates it when I talk about mywork.
“I applied,” I say, making myself smile a little wider, “and I wasaccepted.”
“Logan,” Dad says, raising his glass to me. “That’s great.Congratulations.”
“It’s just…” I hesitate. “It’s in Austria. The apprenticeship lasts ayear.”
Cyrus’ hand goes to my knee under the table and squeezes. I’m not exactly sure how to interpretit.
“Austria?” Mom chokes. “As inEurope?”
I nod, once more making myself smile. “And they’ve already got an apartment for me there and everything. I’ll be studying under some really incrediblepeople.”
“Wow,” Dad says, setting his glass down. “This sounds like an amazing opportunity for you,Logan.”
I nod. Smile bigger. “It’s really amazing. But…” I trail off, and everyone looks at me expectantly. “But I have to leave for it this comingweekend.”
“What?” Mom gapes. “Sosoon?”
I nod. “I know it’s sudden, and I’m sure going to miss everyone. But I’ll never get another opportunity like this. And it’s only a year. And then I’ll be back, and there will be so many more opportunities for methen.”
Dad smiles. It’s sad. Doesn’t quite reach his eyes. But still, he reaches across the table. “Good for you. I’m proud ofyou.”
“Thanks,” Ismile.
Lies. All lies spewing from mymouth.
“And what does that mean for you two?” Mom asks, looking from me to Cyrus. “Surely the both of you know how difficult long distanceis?”
“As it so happens,” Cyrus says, looking in my direction. “My work is taking me to Austria for a time. And from there, we’ll see whathappens.”
He leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to myforehead.
And my body rips with confusion andexcitement.
“Gross,” Eshan says, shaking his head. “That’s mysister.”
And it was just what we needed. Cyrus laughs. Dad laughs. Momlaughs.
And so I do,too.