Page 77 of Wild Mistake
“You know my nephew pretty well?” I ask as we continue walking to the restaurant.
“Yeah, we have a few classes together and we’re both into video games.”
“That’s cool. What kind of games do you like?”
“Everything. Honestly. But one of my all-time favorites isThe Last of Us. I like the action and adventure, especially when there’s epic storytelling involved.”
“Nice.” We reach the burger joint and I step ahead to hold the door open for everyone. Once we’re seated and our drinks are ordered, I turn to Gabe. “What about you? What kind of things are you into? Do you like video games? Sports? Music?”
“I’m into music.” He shrugs. “I actually started playing guitar last year and some of my friends were gonna start a band. At least we were before I had to move.”
“What?” The smile on Sarah’s face is replaced by a look of hurt. “I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, well, we weren’t that good.” He leans back in his seat.
“That’s cool. I’ve always had mad respect for someone who could pick up an instrument. It takes a lot of patience to learn a new skill. My oldest brother was in a band. They were actually good. He moved out of Wilder Valley and traveled all over playing shows.”
“Cool.”
“So, have you found anyone around here to play with?”
“Not really.” Gabe shrugs as if it doesn’t bother him, but I have a suspicion that’s far from the truth. This kid refuses to show one ounce of vulnerability. “Besides, I left my guitar at my dad’s.”
“I’m pretty sure my brother left a few of his guitars behind. They’re kinda old and probably need new strings, but if you ever want to look through them, they’re yours to borrow if you want.”
“Cool. Thanks.” It’s the smallest of wins, but I’ll take it.
“You sure Tim won’t mind?” Sarah asks.
“Nah. They’re just collecting dust in the attic. If he wants them, he’ll have to come back.” I wish he would, too. Maybe if I tell him I lent his precious Gibson to some punk ass kid, he’ll finally return my calls.
28
SARAH
Last night went surprisingly well.Was there awkward silence from time to time? Sure, but less than I expected. I should have known Aiden would be good with my boys. The way he spoke to Gabe and Parker made him more attractive to me, and I already find him insanely hot.
I don’t have to work until ten, so I take advantage and sleep in a little before waking up to get ready. I’m applying my makeup in front of the small mirror affixed to the wall opposite the kitchen counter when Parker shuffles over to the fridge, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He pulls out the milk and begins pouring a bowl of cereal.
“Sleep good?” I ask him.
“Yeah.” He glances over at Gabe, who is sipping coffee and ignoring us both. “I would have fallen asleep faster ifsomeonewould turn the brightness down on their phone.”
“It’s too early for bickering,” I say, capping my mascara, then checking to make sure nothing needs retouching.
Parker leans his back against the counter. “What time do you get off work?” he asks through a mouthful of cereal.
“Not until four.” I reach for my lipstick and apply the natural tone.
“Bring me back food?” He’s eating while asking for his next meal.
“Me too,” Gabe says without looking up from his phone.
“Of course.” I almost laugh, but realize I can use their incessant hunger to my advantage. “But I want this place cleaned up and laundry put away. Then make sure you check in with your grandparents to see if anything needs done.”
“Okay,” Parker says.
“So”—placing my makeup back in its storage bag, I ask the question I’ve been dying to since getting back last night—“What did you think of Aiden?”
