“Tell us about your family, Stone,” Dad asked and I grimaced.
“Not much to tell, really, sir. I never knew my parents, the people who adopted me were killed in a wreck when I was four and after that I was raised in foster care.”
“Well,” Mom patted Daddy’s hand. “We’re your family now.”
Dad nodded. “Thinking of going back on the road with a new band?”
“No sir. That wasn’t the life for me. Kinda feels like I was searching for something the entire time, something I couldn’t quite grab hold of.”
“Stability,” Dad said.
“Yeah, I think you’re right. I’d still like to work in the industry. Music is all I know but the road isn’t for me.” I was happy to hear Daddy say that. I didn’t want to be the cause of him not doing it, but I’d be super sad if he was gone for long periods of time.
“Well, you’ve got a home, you’ve got a family. Now, what truly lies within your heart?” Dad never spoke this much to anyone I ever brought home. Had new me finally chosen well?
“Besides Payden?” Daddy kissed the top of my head. “I’m tossing around a couple of ideas, one of which is giving guitar lessons.”
“With the name you’ve built for yourself, I bet that would take right off for you.” Dad actually smiled. Was Stone the kind of friend he’d longed for? I don’t remember my dad ever having buddies to hang out with and having a father figure who was also a friend may be what Stone needs too.
“Thank you, sir, I appreciate that.”
“None of that sir crap, call me Callen.”
Daddy cleared his throat. “Callen. Another idea was working in a music store. I’d still write songs and maybe even sell some. Heck, I have a notebook full of them. Just need to get settled in and reach out to a few contacts I still have. They may’ve written me off already though.”
“But you won’t know until you try.” I’d be Daddy’s number one cheerleader.
“That’s right, sweetheart, and I will succeed. I’ll make you proud to call me your partner.”
“You already do.”
Mom’s eyes watered and she fanned herself. “No making this old lady all mushy.”
“Let me show you the yard, Stone,” Dad stood, Stone side eyed me right as mom winked. This was a big step for both of them. Dad was proud of the outdoor oasis he’d created. Many a family meal was had out on his immaculate deck. Any chance Dad got to grill, he jumped on it. He’d seen it while we ate, obviously, but this was Dad’s way of getting his private talk in with stone as they walked around.
Mom stood and gathered the plates. “This is good for him, your Dad, I mean,” she said as soon as the slider door closed behind us.
“I have a feeling it’s equally as important for Stone. Doesn’t sound like he had it too easy growing up.”
“I like him, I think you’re good for each other,” Mom’s words surprised me. “He’s very attentive and not all hoity-toity like the others were.” Mom’s euphemisms and antiquated comments never failed to entertain me.
“It bothers him that I’m the so-called bread winner.” I hated that he felt that way. I know if it was the other way around he’d tell me it’s a Daddy’s job to take care of his boy. But sometimes the boy needs to step up and help their family out too.
“I have a feeling it won’t be that way for long, not with a name like his reaching out to folks for employment. He’ll have a job, likely same day, just you wait and see. I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much in a long time, Payden. Makes my heart happy.”
“Mine is finally happy too, Mom.” I’d never hide it from her if it wasn’t.
Dad and Stone came in a few minutes later, both smiling. We stayed for another hour and had dessert. Before we left, Mom and Dad made sure Daddy had their phone numbers. They hugged us goodbye then Mom hollered, “Text us when you get home, boys.” It wasn’t that long of a drive to the apartment but if I didn’t text she’d call and I’d get an earful.
“That went well, don’t you think?” Daddy said a few minutes after we left.
“It really did. Kind of exciting. It’s like we have the whole world within reach now all we have to do is tell it what we want. And no matter what, my parents are there to cheer us on.”
“They really are great. I can see why you’re so close to them. Can I really be this lucky? I mean, is this for real?”
I held my free hand out and he linked his fingers with mine. “Yes, it’s real. Our paths crossed for a reason and the draw is undeniable. We may never know why fate had a hand in all this, but it did. I for one have chosen to take it as a sign, to not look back and only focus on the future—together.”
Daddy raised our hands and pressed his lips to the back of mine. “Whatever the reason may be I’m thankful, I hope you believe that? I know right now I’m not much, have even less to offer than that, but I promise to always do right by you.”
