Page 10 of Higher Notes

“Gabe, can you at least say hi?” Jason shook his head at his brother.

“Hey,” he said without turning around. Didn’t have to know the kid to sense the familiar disconnect. If they didn’t nip that in the bud soon there’d be no turning back when the rebellious teen years hit, if they hadn’t already.

“Gabriel, why don’t you show me where the plates are?” This was the one time I hoped my size to a child was enough to shake the attitude from him. Reluctantly, he shut the game off and got up. When he did his eyes widened as they took us in. “Let’s go, bud.” Dana mouthedthank youas we walked past her.

Gabriel said nothing as we pulled plates and silverware out and sat them on the table. Sikes stayed in the living room whichwasn’t far away given the small apartment but when I turned around, he had Nicole and Nolan curled up on his lap chatting away like they’d been best friends forever. Before he could protest, I snapped a picture.

“You have got to text that to me,” Jason kissed my cheek. “Thank you, for everything.”

I knew he spoke of Gabriel who was currently getting juice boxes out of the fridge for the kids. While neither Sikes nor I wanted kids of our own, we were adaptable and assessed every situation and need. From there, we jumped in. End of story.

When the knock came, I moved ahead of Jason to answer the door. Yes, it was his home, but it was our job to protect him, and Sikes was currently being used as a human jungle gym.

“Um, pizza for Wyatt?” the nervous pizza guy rattled off.

“Yes,” I took the boxes from him. Sikes already tipped him through the app. “Thanks.”

“Pizza!” the twins yelled and bolted for the kitchen.

“What do you say, kids,” Dana reminded them of their manners.

“Thank you for dinner,” the twins said in unison.

“Thanks,” Gabriel muttered.

“I take it this is a favorite?” Sikes asked.

“Yes, but not one they get often.” No explanation was needed, we understood the difficult challenges the family faced having finally had insight into their lives. “Hoping to change our glamorous life soon,” Jason whispered. It was clear he held the weight of this family on his shoulders. I got the impression he’d been a key financial player and caregiver for most of his life.

And if things went well, Sikes and I would be a part of that change.

The kids sat at the table with Dana while Sikes, Jason and I took our plates into the living room. We were nowhere near alone but had a small bit of privacy.

“What time do we need to leave for the show?” I asked. No clue how close or far we were to the venue.

Jason glanced at his phone. “Pretty soon. It’s not too far from here, close to the airport but if word gets out about Joey and Stoli attending it’ll be packed. Plus, Josh and I still have to get set up.”

“Let us know what needs to be loaded and we’ll grab it.”

“Reagan has cordless mics he keeps charged for the bands. Nothing for me to grab but my backpack.”

“If this is none my business, just say so,” Sikes began, and I seriously hoped this wasn’t bad. “But where do you sleep?”

“You’re sitting on my bed.”

Sikes didn’t bother to look my way. It was far too hard to school our features. Jason was bright, though, and didn’t miss that.

“Happiness is what you make of it. We’ve had times far harder than this and somehow still managed to keep a roof over our heads and food in the fridge. I’m thankful for what we have.”

What a world this would be if everyone saw life through Jason’s eyes.

“Gentlemen, may I borrow my son for a moment?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

“And they’re polite, too. The kids could learn a thing or two from them. We’ll be back in just a moment.” Jason and his mom walked down the hall and into another room I assumed was her bedroom while Sikes and I cleaned up. By the time they came back out everything was put away and the kids were playing.

“Gabriel,” Dana addressed the boy who did his best to ignore her. “Gabriel, I know you can hear me. You know the rules. I’ll be home by ten. Wyatt, Hayden, it was wonderful to meet you and thank you again for dinner.”

---