Page 70 of Quiet Chaos

Seth steps into the living room, Sky following behind us. He holds his hand out, and says, “Hello, Sky. I’m Seth.”

She cocks her head to the side, struggling to figure out the name, and then her eyes widen when she remembers.

Sky takes his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Water would be nice.”

“No, he was leaving.”

We respond simultaneously. Sky stands there, wondering what she should do.

She turns to me with a painful expression, and softly states, “How about you go in the living room, and I’ll bring some refreshments?”

Damn her!I don’t budge because he’s not getting comfortable here. She’ll do anything to hold on to a family because she’s never had one. Unfortunately, she’s oblivious to the kind of family she’s allowing in. Aside from rumors, I’m unaware of what Seth’s club is into and it’s best I don’t. The less I know, the better.

Sky is overstepping, and it’s pissing me off. Still groggy from sleep doesn’t help either. I give her a stern look. She takes Armstrong’s leash, kisses my cheek, and disappears into the kitchen, knowing I’m mad.

I look at Seth when he says, “She’s sweet. Your mom…” He holds up his hands. “Julia told me she’s a real nice girl.”

My hand scrubs my face to wake up and calm myself.

“Cade, I didn’t come her to aggravate you. I just want to talk, that’s all. Can’t you show me the same courtesy you showed Julia?”

“Julia isn’t in an outlaw club.”

He pushes air through his teeth. “You know nothing about me other than rumors. I think I deserve more than that.”

“Oh, you deserve. What about what I deserve? You and Julia have been out of my life, and now, when Christine and Charlie are gone, you two decide to slither in.” I shake my head to release the cobwebs. “I mean, I want to learn more about Julia, but you’re bad news.”

“Hey!” His shout echoes in the hallway, and Sky jumps as she comes in with a tray of crackers and cheese. “Don’t you dare.”

I run my hand through my hair, giving Sky an angered expression, and then let out a sigh.

She takes the tray into the living room, returns to where we’re standing, and ask, “Cade?”

“What?” I say it louder than I mean to.

“Um, Seth, could you excuse us for a minute? You may go into the living room.”

Seth tips his head, saying, “Thanks, Sky.”

She waits until he’s gone to turn to me. “Cade, I get you’re tired, and this was unexpected, but love…” She wraps herself around my stomach, chin on my chest, and says, “Just hear him out.”

My hands grip and remove her arms. I walk toward the living room, and I stop to look back at her. “This isn’t the end of our conversation.” I use my finger to indicate me and her.

Seth is sitting on the couch, his right ankle over his left knee. It’s the middle of the afternoon, a perfect time for a drink. I pour a bourbon without asking him if he wants one, and fall into the chair, coaxing a cigarette out of the pack and light it.

I say, “Talk.”

“Okay. I want to be a part of your life.”

“Tough shit.” I blow smoke out.

He shifts on the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose, and sighing. Aside from his gray hair and receding hairline, our hair is similar with small waves, but his goes past his shoulders.

“Cade, I get it. You’re pissed we didn’t come for you. But you even admitted it yourself that Charlie and Christine were great parents.”

“Exactly. And my parents are dead.”

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