"Mom, you're going to make yourself sick. Slow down!" Daniel cried, but couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face.
He had never seen his mother acting this way. She was like a different person, the type of person he wanted to get to know.
Victoria was practically shoveling spoonfuls of pasta in her mouth. She had been pretending to still be sick in what she knew was a pathetic attempt to keep him by her side. She had bribed Charlotte into taking her dad on a few errands, claiming that he was preventing her from resting. Once they left she had to bribe Daniel into bringing her pasta.
"You're acting like you've been held captive. Slow down, Mom!" Daniel repeated, although he was clearly amused by her antics.
"I've survived on broth and tea for almost a week. I'm starving." She said, suddenly feeling embarrassed at how quickly she ate the pasta. She hadn't even gotten halfway through it before she was full.
"I didn't mean you had to stop. If you're hungry keep eating."
"No, I'm full. Thank you for bringing me something to eat."
"I don't get it, Mom. Why don't you just tell Dad-"
"Promise me you won't tell him, Daniel." She said, her voice getting harsh.
"I won't. I just don't understand why..."
"Marriage is complicated-"
"It isn't complicated. He loves you, he's taking care of you. And you love him. That's why you don't want him to stop taking care of you."
"It's not that simple." Victoria wished it were that simple. She wished she could be honest with Conrad and know that he'd go on holding her and caring for her, but she knew better. He'd probably use it against her or ignore her now that she was feeling better. She didn't know which would hurt her more and that scared her more than anything.
"You really should tell him. Emily and I are always honest with one another. It's made our relationship stronger than ever."
Victoria resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but only out of gratitude for the pasta. Daniel excused himself, kissing his mother's head before heading back to the office.
Victoria made herself comfortable back in bed, wondering if there was any truth to what Daniel had suggested. Conrad wouldn't treat her the same if he knew she wasn't as fragile as she had been, right?
Daniel had just slid the leftover pasta in the fridge when Conrad and Charlotte returned.
"What's that?" Charlotte asked.
"Pasta from Luigi's."
"You hate that place. Why did you go there?" Charlotte asked, raising Conrad's attention.
"I had a business lunch, Char. If you're so inquisitive why don't you join the school paper?" Daniel nudged her before heading out.
"Not so fast, son." Conrad said before Daniel could get through the front door. Daniel turned around, knowing he was caught.
"What client insisted on Luigi's? The only person I know who insists on that place is your mother."
"I didn't even know she liked that place."
"Strange, considering you took her to lunch there for her birthday last year. It's also strange that she's never gotten anything except the pasta. Drop the act, Daniel."
Daniel sighed. It was just like his father to remember every detail of his mom's life. He wondered if deep down, she was the same. Maybe deep down she loved his dad as much as he loved her. Only one way to find out.
"Dad, she's feeling better but doesn't want to tell you."
"Why would she pretend to still be sick? She hates being sick."
"Maybe she doesn't hate you taking care of her." Daniel said, putting a hand on his fathers shoulder.
Daniel cancelled the rest of his appointments. He always loved a good show.