Page 31 of Losing the Rhythm

“That’s fine because I believe that.”

“If that’s the case, then what about those guys? What are they exactly to you?”

“Is that why you want me over? To gossip about them?” I raised an eyebrow.

“I just want to make sure they’re treating you right. I’m just trying to understand all the pieces.”

I mulled that over for a moment. Even I felt like an odd man out with them often, so for Micah, it probably felt worse. He didn’t hang out with them unless he was with me and they happened to be there—which was often.

“Fair enough.”

We talked about how I met the guys and what had happened since then until Graham made us help Bayley set up for dinner. The talk seemed to help Micah. He looked happier and more lighthearted as we headed into the kitchen.

Setting the table for dinner was interesting. I spent more time watching Bayley and Graham interact than anything else.

“So, plates,” Bayley said. She turned to go toward a cupboard, but before she could even reach for it, Graham was there, nudging her gently to the side as he grabbed the plates.

The same happened for the glass cups. The water pitcher. The silverware.

“Should I just leave the kitchen?” Bayley asked with her hands on her hips, glaring at Graham.

“That’s actually not a bad idea. Go sit down and rest.”

She rolled her eyes and went to fuss over whatever was in the pot. “I’m not weak. I can pull things down from cupboards.”

Graham went over and kissed her temple. “And I love how strong you are. But I’m still going to take care of my girl. You could be the healthiest person in the world, running a marathon, and I’d be right beside you making sure you drink enough water. And if you trip, I’d help you up. Kiss your scraped knees to make them all better.”

She whacked his arm playfully. “Now you’re being silly.”

They kept talking back and forth like that.

“They’re so mushy, right?” Micah asked, coming to my side to grab the glass cups in front of us.

I only nodded, because frankly, I didn’t know what kind of scene I was looking at. Either way, it was way too warm, way too intimate, and seemed so special. Yet, I had a feeling it was an everyday occurrence. I wasn’t used to such displays of affection between family.

Even the way Graham teased Micah. Or pretended to mess his hair up. The way they all smiled at each other. It was almost too much for someone who didn’t really have a family.

I blinked through the burst of emotions that slammed into me, swallowed hard around the rock in my throat, and busied myself in finishing setting up the table as I tried to get myself under control. I thought I was okay. I was used to just taking care of myself, but seeing Micah and his parents reminded me of a past I no longer had. The days when my dad was home and how he’d spoil both Lindie and me.

The moment we sat down to eat, Bayley didn’t give me time to even lift up my fork before she threw questions at me.

“So, Cadence. How is school? Any troubles? Anyone bullying you? Do you need me to beat anyone up?”

Micah gaped at her. “Mom!”

“Jesus, woman,” Graham said. “Let the girl take a bite. She already looks like she’s starving.”

“Which is exactly why I’m asking. I know better than anyone else. She’s lost weight since the last time we saw her and that was only a couple weeks ago.” Her words were harder. “So who do I need to beat up?”

“The whole frickin school,” Micah muttered next to me.

“What was that?” Bayley asked.

“He’s just being rude,” I spoke up finally. “I’m fine. I promise. Just adjusting still.”

“Right. Emancipation.” Bayley pursed her lips and leaned back, glancing at Graham. “You know, we do have an extra room here. Say the word, and it’s yours.”

“Are you asking her to move in?” Micah asked, sounding as confused as I was.

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