The Imperfection of Swans Read Free

cold or stark, but only served to draw attention to the true beauty of the space—the two walls of the office that didn’t lead to other rooms of the penthouse were nothing but windows. In spite of the day being cloudy and gray, the light dusting of snow from the previous night covered Boston in a nearly magical layer.
    Motioning toward one of the red leather swivel chairs across from her desk, Sylvie raised her voice to catch Kevin’s attention once more. “Sit. Please.”
    Crossing the room, Kevin observed his boss more keenly than he had in a while. She was beautiful, her dark skin flawless and not even beginning to hint at her actual years. In many ways, she reminded him of his mom. Renata was always perfect. Gorgeous. Poised. Every hair in place. Every item of clothing and jewelry impeccable and chosen with intention. Maybe that was why Kevin was never afraid of Sylvie like all the others seemed to be. Every time he’d gotten a promotion, he’d almost felt guilty, like he was receiving a gift from his mom, an unfair advantage somehow.
    “Do you still want this office, Mr. Bivanti?” Sylvie left her perfectly manicured mother-of-pearl-tipped fingers folded on top of her desk.
    Kevin’s voice caught in his throat. He knew she didn’t mean the question as any sort of challenge. It was an ongoing blunt conversation between them. Sylvie had made it clear to him over a year ago that she was grooming him to be her successor.
    Her tone softened. “You were quiet in that meeting. You disappeared halfway through. Like you gave up. And for you not to keep fighting about that ridiculous formula campaign….” She paused, giving him time to answer.
    In all honesty, she was rather hard to hear. Kevin’s heart was beating so fast, and the pounding blood in his ears drummed out all other sounds.
    Sylvie reached forward, stretching out one of her hands to place over his left forearm. “Kevin, honey, are you okay?”
    Kevin nodded, then shook his head. “No. No, I’m not.” He lifted his gaze from her hand to her warm hazel eyes. “I’m sorry, Sylvie. I have to quit.”

 
     
    KEVIN
     
    THE FOLLOWING day at work was nearly as much of a blur as the formula meeting had been. No aspect seemed real or familiar. Things Kevin had done a billion times in the past as easily as second nature were suddenly foreign. Breathing was enough of a challenge, let alone trying to function at his normal breakneck pace.
    Kevin had texted Noelle after he’d left Sylvie’s office the night before. She’d called instantly, but he hadn’t answered, instead texting her back that he needed time. Even nearly three hours at the gym hadn’t brought him back to normal. It had helped him fall asleep quicker. His stomach, growling from the solitary apple he’d eaten for dinner, had tried to keep him awake, but a glass of Malbec formed a winning team with his exhaustion.
    By the time lunch rolled around, which involved an avocado and a few slices of turkey, Noelle had texted him, telling him to come to dinner that evening. He couldn’t say he was surprised. They had family dinner every Sunday evening, but there was no way she would be able to wait until then. Considering he hadn’t heard from his mother, Noelle had yet to break the news. And Kevin was in no mood to rush into that. However, by two in the afternoon, and at no less than fifteen text messages from Noelle, he caved and said he’d be at dinner by seven.
    Typically, driving the twenty minutes to his moms’ house in Jamaica Plain was a relaxing experience. He would have just showered and shaved, and though dressed casually, he would be nearly as flawlessly put together as his mother. This evening, though, having come straight from the office, there’d not been time. His suit was crumpled and his nerves had brought on an unusual case of sweating. He had left half an hour early to stop in for an emergency manicure, but it wasn’t enough.
    Kevin couldn’t recall a time before living