Page 42 of Mayhem
Since Cruz went through and collected the places and attractions to do at each one, Paetyn figured the least he could do was book their accommodations.
He looked for something with three bedrooms. Paetyn never made assumptions, so he figured it would be safer to find something they would all be comfortable in. When he found one close to the center that he thought Erin would like, he booked it.
Looking at the time, Paetyn decided he’d cook a late lunch. He was heading into the kitchen when his phone rang. He took it from his pocket, checking the screen before answering.
“Hey, Spark.”
“Hey, Uncle Paetyn. How are you?”
Paetyn opened the refrigerator. “I’m good. What are you up to?”
“Nothing. Would you happen to know where my uncle is?”
Paetyn didn’t need her to tell him who she was talking about. Though Emberly referred to them all as uncle, she would refer to them by name if she were talking about him, Cruz, or Kieran.
“I don’t, Spark. I haven’t talked to him today.”
“So, I guess that means you don’t know where Auntie Chayse is either.”
That Paetyn did know. “She and Erin were supposed to help Alijah rearrange and put up new paintings at her gallery today.”
“But she and Uncle Nik are supposed to take me to Este Park. We’re going to Rocky Mountain National Park for my birthday.”
Paetyn set the ingredients he’d pulled out on the countertop. “Are you sure he said today?”
“Yes, I’m pretty sure. Let me double-check.”It was silent for a moment before she spoke again. “Crap. It says five-thirty, not three-thirty like I thought. I brought my bag to school, so I’ll text him, let him know where I am, and hang out until he can pick me up.”
“Call Cruz or Kieran and have one of them pick you up so you’re not there for the next two hours.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll call Uncle Cruz. His office is closest. Thanks, Uncle Paetyn. I’ll talk to you later. Oh, and thank you for the birthday card.”
“You’re welcome. Bye, Spark.”
Paetyn hung up the phone, shaking his head. It never failed that when she couldn’t find Nik, she called him. Hell, when she couldn’t find any of them for whatever reason, she called him as if he knew where they were at all times. Though, Paetyn was sure it had more to do with the fact that he was more accessible than Cruz and Kieran, and better than Nik about answering his phone.
After washing his hands, Paetyn began making his lunch. He’d make enough in case Cruz wanted some for dinner when he returned home that evening.
“What, Brat?”Cruz questioned as he answered his phone.
“I’m stuck at school. Can you pick me up, please?”
Cruz glanced at the time on his computer. He had a meeting in less than fifteen minutes and knew it would take him at least twenty-five to get to her school and back.
“Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute.”Cruz hung up, placing his phone in his pocket before exiting his office. “I need to step out. When my three forty-five arrives, ask them to wait,”he informed his assistant on his way.
Once in his car, he headed for Emberly’s school. He didn’t know why she was stuck at school but assumed Naidlyn was called in at the last minute or something. It wouldn’t be the first time Cruz picked her up because of something like that.
When he pulled into the school pickup lane, it took him a moment to spot her sitting on what looked like a small suitcase. Putting the car in park, Cruz got out, grabbed the bag when she stood, and placed it in the backseat.
“What’s with the suitcase?”Cruz questioned when they were both in the car.
“I misread a time in a text Uncle Nik sent me.”
Cruz nodded as they continued through the pickup lane. “I’m taking you to work with me. I have a meeting. Then I’ll take you home.”
“That’s okay. I’ll text Uncle Nik and tell him where I will be. He can pick me up from there.”
They spent the ride with Emberly switching back and forth between the radio stations. She would listen to one song for a bit and then change to another, never listening to the end of a song.
