Page 34 of Bone Dust

I switch on the radio and my Bluetooth connects, filling the car with soft jazz.

“Miles Davis?” Ian asks, surprise evident in his tone.

I nod with a smile. “Yeah. He’s one of my favorites. Whenever Gigi’s in the car, I have to play him.” I jut my thumb toward the backseat and glance in the rearview mirror. “She’s out right now but, you know what they say about music soothing savage beasts? It works on my little girl.”

He laughs, his deep voice mingling with the smooth sounds of a saxophone. “I hardly think she’s a savage.”

I furrow my brow and feel the familiar pinch that forms ruts across my forehead. “You might have a different opinion if you knew her better. Her temper tantrums are beastly.” I laugh.

“Seriously?” The humor in his tone is unmistakable.

“When a temperamental three-year-old’s unpredictable moods take you hostage in the middle of a crowded grocery store you fervently pray for survival until you can escape and get home with your sanity.”

“Was that what happened at Cora’s house?”

I jab an accusing finger toward him. “See? She’s got you fooled. That wasn’t even a bad one. There’s a reason why they say ‘sugar and spice’ when describing little girls but don’t be fooled, that ‘spice’ part is cayenne pepper. And, as far as the music, it chills her out.”

“It does for most people.”

“When she was a baby, and had a crying jag, there were few things that soothed her. Rides in the car and, you know that acapella group, Pentatonix? When Gigi started pulling herself up, she would hold onto the coffee table and wiggle to the music.”

Ian looks over his shoulder and smiles. “She’s completely out, isn’t she? —and she’s sucking her thumb. Cute. And Miles Davis does all that, huh?”

“Works like a charm. Miles Davis. John Coltrane. Lee Morgan. They all work.”

“She’s got good taste.”

I toss him a skeptical glance. “I would have pegged you more for a Nine Inch Nails or Dream Theatre fan.”

“I like them too. I guess I have a pretty eclectic taste in music.”

“I think I’m guilty of pigeonholing you. I would have thought all heavy metal.”

He shrugs. “Most people thought that about Dash, too but his parents had an amazing vinyl collection and a kick-ass stereo system. They all played instruments too. His dad the guitar, his mom the keyboard, and his two sisters played too. I loved being around them. I ate so good when I was over at his house. His mom was Italian and the food … man, I miss it. They always included me. Game nights. Holidays. Would you believe they even gave me Christmas presents? I wasn’t a relative and they gave me presents.” His voice trembles. “They didn’t love me, but it felt like they did.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. It sounds to me like they love you.” I insist.

“Nah. I’m not blood.”

“Not all family is blood, Ian.”

A comfortable silence settles in as we continue down the highway, buildings and cars becoming scarcer the farther we go. I look at the clock. It’s been nearly half an hour since we left Cora’s house.

“We’re almost there. Sorry. Maybe you should have looked at your GPS. You might have changed your mind.”

“I wouldn’t have. I’ve not been this far out in the country. The drive’s been nice, though.” I glance at him.

He gives me a sideways appraising glance as a sly smile plays at the corners of his lips. “Yeah, you look pretty chill.” His tone changes to a more serious one. “Savannah, I know you don’t have a high opinion of me, so I don’t blame you for being skeptical, but I have no reason not to be transparent. It’s just, judge me for who I am, and not who I used to be,” he says softly, his voice laced with sincerity. He points to a spot ahead of us and I follow with my eyes. “See that red mailbox? That’s the driveway. Turn right there.”

I make the turn and am met with an expanse of darkness that seems to swallow everything in its path. “Wow, it’s dark. How far back is your house?”

“Not far. It’s in the middle of the property. Once we’re close a motion light should trigger.”

The trek through the pitch-black night has all the remnants of a horror movie and, when the first light pops on, I jump.

“You okay?” Ian laughs. “It’s just two of them.”

“I’m okay,” I respond with a shaky laugh. “Just got spooked for a second.”

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