Page 4 of Merry Mayhem
“Isn't that what family does?” When he squints up at me, I sigh. “I have a good friend. So good he's almost like my brother. He worries about me.”
“Even now that you're old?”
It's such an innocent question that I have to laugh. “Yep. Even though we're both old.”
“Do you worry about him?” His eyes are so earnest as he asks the question, I wonder if I ever looked that way at anyone. Like I could trust them to tell me the truth.
“Well, honestly. Not so much anymore. See, he found someone he loves a lot, and she loves him back just as much. Since he's not alone anymore, I don't have to worry like I did before. He has someone I know will take care of him no matter what.”
He looks at me suspiciously for a moment, then gives a decisive tip of his chin. “That makes sense, I guess.”
“Good. I'm glad.” I lean out into the morning light and look around. “Is your sister with you?”
Disappointment tightens my chest when he shakes his head. “No. She had to work.”
“Shouldn't she know what you're up to? If you don't want her to worry?”
His eyes shift nervously from mine. It's so easy to remember what it was like at his age. Wanting to do things, to be independent, even though maybe you weren't entirely prepared for all it entailed.
“So what's your plan, Gavin?” When he meets my gaze, I smile. “Every smart businessman has a plan. What's yours?”
“I still need to make money to buy that present. I thought you might help me again today?”
The question hangs between us and I feel the urge to tell him no. To go back to the work that's calling me, the deals that could be made, and leave yesterday where it belongs. A fun moment that happened. Get my life back to normal.
But it hits me that my normal life isn't what I want. At least, not today. Instead, the idea of spending the day scooping snow with this kid makes me want to smile. To laugh. To enjoy the little moments, and the hard work, and the idle chatter, all over again.
“How about this? I'll help you, but we have to send a message to your sister. So she knows where you are and that you're okay.” He bites his lip and I can see him thinking my offer through. Which is good.
Never accept a deal immediately.
Make them sweat it out and wonder if you'll agree.
Finally, though, he smiles and holds out his hand. “Deal.”
And I wonder if I'm the one who just got snowed.
4
GRETCHEN
My phone alertsand I glance at it quickly. A message from an unknown number appears.
Unknown: This is Cooke. We met last night.
Gretchen How did you get this number?
Even as I hit send, I'm pretty sure I know the answer.
Cooke: Gavin came to my house. He wants my help with his project.
Cooke: But I told him I'd only do it if you knew what was going on.
Cooke: I'll have him home by 8. If that's okay with you?
More typing bubbles appear, and then a text comes through. One I feel sure is direct from Gavin.
Cooke: PPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE!
