Page 29 of Losing the Rhythm

“That’d be an expensive trip. And we have midterms soon. I know everyone’s been stressing out about it. I don’t want to put this on anyone.”

“Then afterward. We can treat ourselves for making it through tests with a trip.”

“Maybe,” I said, not wanting to commit to it. The idea of going to see my dad myself scared the shit out of me. A letter was one thing. But to just go there? It made me want to throw up.

“Think about it. I don’t think it’s a bad idea.” Paxon sighed. “And I’ll talk to my dad too. I guess the both of us have a lot to talk about with our dads.”

I reached over and rested my hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. He put his hand on mine, holding it there. It was intimate enough that I was about to start overthinking it, but not yet. Not with Paxon needing me. And me needing him a little bit.

Forcing myself through the awkwardness, I said, “I hope talking with him helps.”

“Me too.”

He finally let me go and got out of the car.

“Meet up at Seth’s after your dinner for some studying? After he’s done swimming, Justin is going to pick me up with my car and then we’re going to be over there.”

“Sure,” I replied.

“Good.” Paxon closed my car door and jogged to the front door.

I pulled out slowly and even waved at Paxon before driving off. I didn’t bother filling the car with music like I normally did when I was driving. Instead, I just focused on getting to Micah’s house. And getting stuck on the idea of what it’d be like if I went to see my dad. His expression when he saw me. The first thing he’d say to me. How he looked after so long.

Would he even recognize me?

Chapter Eight

Micah was on the porch when I came out. It was decorated now that Bayley had more time to unpack and find a home for everything. The signs of future plants were dug into the earth, and huge pots were placed carefully on the porch. Once spring came, this place was going to literally be blooming.

“Took you long enough,” Micah teased, grabbing my present. He peeked into the gift bag, snorted, and then opened the front door for me.

As soon as I stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was the warmth. And then my senses took over as my mouth filled with saliva. Whatever Bayley was cooking smelled absolutely warm and delicious.

“Garlic and…” I slowly savored the scents. “Soy sauce. Sesame seed?”

“Something she calls oyster sauce.”

“Homemade Chinese food?”

“She even made egg rolls.” He shook his hand. “She actually hit me when I tried to steal one.”

I laughed. “You deserved it.”

“Mom’s on an Asian food kick. Been digging through recipes and trying out different things.” Micah grimaced.

“Not always good?”

“Nope.”

I laughed as we went into their kitchen. I never cared much about kitchens. They served a purpose and that was it. But Bayley had transformed hers into something captivating and obviously loved. It was warm in tone and well used. Bayley was currently at the counter, whisking something up in a bowl.

“Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence,” Micah said.

She turned with a bright smile. I only really knew Bayley as a woman who smiled beautifully. Life hadn’t dealt her a fair hand, but she was an extremely strong and optimistic woman. And she was a real life fairy. I’d never told her that to her face before, but she always made me think of delicate fairies with her thin frame, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. She looked even better now than a couple weeks ago, when I’d last seen her.

“Cadence, I thought you forgot about us,” she said as she put the bowl down and wiped her hands. Then she was wrapping me in a warm hug.

“Never,” I said. “I even brought a gift.” I motioned to Micah.

---