Page 3 of Daddy's Little Chaos Gremlin

“I’m Zephyr, Mr. Williams. How can I help you?”

I understand that you are a performance artist, an acrobat, is that correct?

“Yes, sir.”

I’m afraid I was unable to witness your show during the charity event hosted by The Lactin Brotherhood last week, but I was told that it was quite the amazing feat of showmanship and versatility.

“Thank you so much, I’m sorry you missed it, too, it’s the last one I’ll be performing in for a while, I’m afraid. My troupe disbanded that night and it’s hard to draw much of a crowd as a one-man show.”

I knew because I’d tried and while several people had paused and tossed a few bucks in the hat I’d set out, without any advertisement, I’d only been able to garner the attention of those who’d been in the city park at the time. Still, it had been enough to cover half the nightly rate for my room, which had helped pad my dwindling account. If meals weren’t included, I’d have truly been struggling to keep my warm, comfy bed.

Then it’s a good thing I’m not interested in a crowd, or other performers to detract from what you can do.He explained,I’d like to set up a private performance for myself and my partner.I assure you that we would simply like to see what you are capable of and if you would be a suitable muse for several upcoming projects he has slated to undertake. Curtis Hanson here at the Brotherhood explained that you’d gotten stranded and were in search of employment and a permanent living situation as you were currently housed at Honey Hearth Bed and Breakfast. If you prove to be as enthralling as he claims, my partner and I may be able to offer a solution to your dilemma. We will, of course, pay for your time tomorrow regardless. Would a thousand dollars be sufficient?

For a moment, my words froze in my throat as my thoughts ping-ponged between the temptation to sayhell yeahand the warning bells of caution that went off at the idea of meeting with a strange man and his partner alone without any way of knowing if he was being honest about his intentions.

I can understand your reluctance to accept,he said when several seconds passed and I still hadn’t said anything.But Curtis can vouch for me and if it would make you feel more comfortable, I can arrange for him to be present for the duration of the audition process.

“That, um, that would make me feel a lot more comfortable,” I blurted, hoping he wouldn’t take it as an insult. It wouldn’t be the first time someone had made me an offer like that only to act resentful when I’d taken them up on it.

And the price? I’m not sure of the going rate for a performer of your caliber, if it is too low of an offer, please don’t fear offending me by telling me so.

“It’s more than enough, thank you.”

Then allow me a moment to ascertain his availability.

I could hear voices in the background, but not all the words. One thing that did ring through clearly was that his tone didn’t change. It was just as warm and pleasant as when he’d been speaking with me. While his manner of speaking to me had been a hell of a lot more formal than I was used to hearing from people, there was nothing stuffy or pretentious about it. The low, rumbling cadence had helped calm the anxiety I usually felt when I had to talk to people I didn’t know. I’d even detected a hint of amusement in it, like he wasn’t afraid to laugh when the moment called for it.

Are you available tomorrow afternoon at three?

“Yes, sir.”

Good, then I will text you the address. We look forward to meeting you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see if you will be the muse Tristan has been searching for.

“You’re welcome. Thank you so much for reaching out. I’ll see you at three tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.”

I wish the same for you, Zephyr,he replied before ending the call.

Why him saying my name sent a shiver down my spine I couldn’t say, I just knew I’d better not get ahead of myself counting on a job I didn’t have yet. The day was still young and there had to be places where I hadn’t put in an application yet. Determined not to waste a moment of time, I continued my hunt, filling out five more before I returned to Honey Hearthfor supper.

As always, it was served as a homestyle meal at a round table where everyone was encouraged to participate in the conversation, unlike the table in the home I’d grown up in, where silence was the best way to not invite criticism.

Aside from Bruce and Brenner, Alicia, her husband, Josh, and their adorable little boy, Grayson, were also at the table, Grayson babbling up a storm as he waited for his papa to fix his plate.

“Did you find the children’s museum?” I asked them as I took my seat.

The place had sounded positively amazing when I’d listened to them planning their outing this morning and low key, I’d been a little jealous, because it had been at the top of my list of places to visit while we’d been in town. After my job situation had fallen apart, I hadn’t dared spend the admission fee to see it.

“After Brenner told us about the art space and all the hands-on activities they offered for the children to try, we headed straight over the moment we left and spent most of the afternoon watching Grayson giggle as he decorated his own rainbow fish and made an octopus out of yarn and a tennis ball,” Josh explained as he cut up a banana and a small portion of the roastbeef with roasted carrots and potatoes that made up the main course.

“You’ll all have to pop up and see them after supper,” Alica offered.

“Heck yeah,” I replied.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Brenner said as he passed the steaming bowl my way.

“That smells so good,” I moaned, feeling my face heat up a little when Bruce chuckled and shook his head at me.

“Now those are the kind of compliments a cook always appreciates,” he replied, before the edges of his smile turned down a little as he watched me scoop a single spoonful of vegetables onto my plate before I passed it on. “There’s plenty, really, don’t be afraid to take more than that. You’re already such a skinny little thing. I promise there’s more in the kitchen.”

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