“You haven’t been returning my calls,” I complained.
“This is one of those times where an urgent text is in order,” she barked. “I mean, Cason has a long-lost son and he islivingwith you? How are you even dealing with this?”
I curled up under my blanket. “I don’t know if I’ve really wrapped my head around it yet. He’s only been here for one night.”
“What is he doing right now?”
“Cason and Jacob are still sleeping.”
Cierra yawned. “Which is what I should be doing.”
“Hey, you’re the one who answered your phone at six in the morning. I didn’t have anyone else to call about this.”
“I have to be up soon anyway. Work is crazy.”
“Isn’t it better to wake up to shocking news than a squawking alarm?”
“When the news is this juicy, of course.”
“What do you think? Are we insane for doing this?” I needed her opinion; Cierra was always a needed source of reason for me.
“Honestly, you two are fucking cracked out of your skulls for doing this, but what other choice did you have? It’s not like you can just turn your back on this kid.”
“You’re right.”
“I always am, sis. Okay, I have to hop in the shower or I’m going to be so late.”
I yawned quickly. “Fine. I love you.”
“Love you, too. Keep me posted.”
“Will do.”
I shoved my phone into my jacket pocket as I looked out onto the bustling city streets. I didn’t care how crazy we were being; we were doing the right thing, and that was all that truly mattered.
Chapter 8
Cason
A week later
First week down.
We had fallen into a decent routine. Even with Stormi being away for a few days, everything seemed to be going smoothly.
I met Jacob out front at his school to walk him home like I had done every day that week. He rushed up to me, excitement radiating from him.
“What’s up, bud?” I asked as I took his heavy book bag from him.
“I aced my history test!” He beamed with pride as he showed me the page with a giant red100%scrawled across the top.
“Way to go!” We high-fived before making the short trek to the apartment.
“Cason?” Jacob sheepishly bowed his head.
“Yes?”
“Why do you limp?” The query took me by surprise. I knew it was noticeable, but it wasn’t something I really thought about anymore.