Chapter 22
Lara: What’s Captain Cuddles up to?
Luca: I’m sure he’s having a lovely afternoon with Maleek. I’m taking a long break; visited my parents today.
Lara: You taking a chance on your theater career after all?
Luca: Not quite that desperate yet, but ask me again in three days. After today, it’s a clear no on the theater career front.
Lara: Everything all right?
Luca: There was lasagna, so not a complete loss. But it felt more like an intervention than a regular conversation. They led with “You work too much.”
Lara: A classic. Sorry to hear it.
Luca: It’s fine. I know they worry about me. I told them about GameChanger, and they were honestly so happy for me. Which would have been great if they hadn’t, in the same breath, suggested I could work on a different game if I lose.
Lara: Do they have a problem with Desolate Dread?
Luca: A problem? I think they have a list.
Lara: Because of what happened?
Luca: Yeah. I think they’d prefer it if I could just get over it.
Lara: But this is your way of processing the whole thing.
Luca: Yep . . . My mum thinks it keeps opening up old wounds, which is bollocks—they were never closed. Doesn’t matter if it’s a passing ambulance that takes me back or just myself.
Lara: Have you ever told them?
Luca: No, they worry too much as it is.
Luca: Anyway, change of subject. I’m going back to Captain Cuddles now, and I’ll send you an update.
Lara: OK . . . But I’m here if you want to talk, all right?
Luca: