Page 163 of Eight Years Gone

“So, the guy’s a black belt, was a member of Delta Force, and he flies off to do stuff for some mysterious security company?”

She nodded as she grinned. “He’s also incredibly smart—probably technically a genius.” She shrugged. “Like I said, badass.”

He nodded as he set the pictures back in the box.

The silence grew heavy between them as the props that had given them an opportunity to talk were put away. “So, tomorrow’s your first day of school. How do you feel about it?”

Colton jerked his shoulders. “It’s fine.”

And now they were heading back to the two-word answers he seemed to be so fond of.

“Um, I was going to put these towels in the bedroom. Then I was going to get some dinner ready. Macaroni and cheese. It’s one of Jagger’s favorites. He says it’s killer. Hopefully, you’ll like it too.”

Colton shrugged again. “I like macaroni and cheese.”

She glanced at the clock on the desk. “I’ve been stalling for as long as possible, hoping Jagger would be back from the gym to help me grate the cheese. It’s a bit of a process.”

“I can help, I guess.”

“That would be great. I’ll meet you in the kitchen in just a second.”

Colton headed for the door. “Sure.”

Grace sat in the silence, staring at the pictures as she snagged her lip and smiled. They’d officially achieved their first conversation that hadn’t been the forced, awkward interactions they endured during meals. Eager for another, she put the laundry basket on her bed and headed for the kitchen.

Forty-One

Jagger gave his fifteen middle school students the usual end-of-class high fives before they headed for their socks, shoes, jackets, and waiting parents.

“I’ll see everyone on Saturday.” He raised his voice to be heard over the chatter and commotion as the kids got ready to go. “Make sure you’re practicing your poomsaes. Belt tests are coming up.”

He glanced toward the corner of the mats where Colton had already gotten to work with the disinfecting process at the far end of the room, liberally spraying the nontoxic cleaner on the surfaces.

Colton had turned into a lifesaver, helping with the evening classes for the last three days after Todd had come down with a nasty flu bug.

Jagger appreciated that Colton was sharp—that he’d only had to show him how to do things once. It had been a bonus that he’d been willing to jump right in and assist with several of the exercises and drills.

Jagger moved to grab his water bottle, watching as the pretty brunette that Grace had just hired walked Colton’s way as several of the families filed out.

It was no surprise. There was no denying that Colton was a damn good-looking kid. Between his decent basketball player’s build, broody vibe, and the remnants of a black eye, the girls had to be paying attention.

Colton stopped what he was doing.

“Colton, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’m Amanda Riley. We’re in English together.”

He nodded again. “You’re middle row, third seat back.”

She beamed, flashing him a look at her straight white teeth. “That’s me. I didn’t realize you worked here.”

Colton shrugged. “I’m just helping out while Todd’s sick.”

“That’s nice of you. I’m picking up my brother, Tommy.” She gestured to the annoyed eighth grader waiting by the door.

Colton adjusted his stance. “Cool.”

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