Orsen sagged in his chair, then hissed and reached up to rub his left shoulder. “I’m better.” Orsen glanced up at him, then back to the table. “Thanks.”
“Cody said the food is ready and we can…” Orsen jumped up and practically ran outside. “Eat outside.”
“Was that Orsen?” TJ came into the kitchen with a bag and put it on the side. “I have soda, water, and juice.”
Santino knew they rarely had alcohol in the house, but he didn’t know why. Though after seeing Cody’s back, he had to wonder if the two were linked. “Cody said the food is ready. That appears to have motivated Orsen to leave, or it could have been seeing an unfamiliar face.” Santino moved next to TJ. “I came around the back and surprised Cody.”
TJ stopped and nodded. “I see.”
“I apologized. I won’t come that way again.”
“Was he fine?” TJ turned and looked at Santino, his green eyes focused on him.
“He was Cody. I recognized his scars for what they were, and thought he should know.”
“Did he talk about how he got them?”
“No, and I didn’t ask. You’re still getting to know me, but I know when to ask questions and when to remain silent. It’s his story to tell, and if he doesn’t want me to know, then that’s the way it is.” Santino pointed to the sodas. “Want me to take these outside?”
“Please. I’ll grab the stuff out of the fridge and bring it out. And Santino?” Santino paused. “Thank you.”
With a nod, Santino carried the sodas outside and walked over to the table, placing them on it. “Need a hand?”
“Nah, I got this.” Cody placed a plate with several steaks on the table and another with baked potatoes, steaming hot and looking perfect. “TJ getting the salad?”
“I’m coming.” TJ brought over a large bowl of salad and several tubs filled with what looked like coleslaw and other dishes. “Tuck in everyone.”
Orsen dove in and Santino watched him take a small steak until Cody coughed, then Orsen put it back and picked up a larger one. If what he’d heard about Orsen’s background was correct, then it wasn’t a surprise that he’d chosen the smallest for himself.
As he ate and made small talk, Santino kept an eye on Orsen and noticed the other two did as well. He was small for his age, slim too, but if he knew TJ and Cody, then they would be working to put some weight on him. He’d heard about Crompton as well. An old ornery man who’d taken Orsen under his wing. That had surprised many in the town, and a few had made comments that TJ had shut down.
What startled Santino was Orsen’s eyes. They were a beautiful blue. An electric blue. Bright and captivating. Striking, but right now they appeared flat and dull. He barely looked up from his food, and Santino knew if he was to be of any help, he needed to be able to talk to him.
“Orsen, I hear you’ll be eighteen soon. Any plans for after high school?”
Orsen went rigid, glanced at TJ, who nodded. “I don’t go to high school.”
“Did you graduate early?”
Orsen threw his cutlery on the table and stood. “No! The bastard wouldn’t let me.” He ran off inside the house, and Cody stood, but Santino stopped him.
“I made the mistake. I’ll correct it. If I’m to assist him, then I need to be able to talk with him. I didn’t know he hadn’t been to high school, so I’ll apologize.”
Santino left the table and went inside, then stopped to listen. He could hear harsh breathing coming from the living room and slowly walked inside, pausing to give Orsen a chance to compose himself. Once Orsen had calmed a little, Santino said, “I apologize. I was unaware of your circumstances. TJ asked me here to discuss finances with you. He hasn’t mentioned much about your background.”
Orsen sniffed. “I shouldn’t have shouted at you.”
“I believe you’ve been through a difficult time recently, and no, TJ hasn’t told me much. The town gossip has. You’d think they’d find something constructive to do with their time. I try to imagine them as little birds pecking away. They squawk like birds.”
Orsen snorted, then gave him a small smile. “I’ve given them plenty to talk about.”
“Can I sit with you?”
Orsen’s eyes widened. “You’re asking me?” That was telling, and Santino shelved it for later.
“Of course. I’m coming into your space. You might want more time alone.”
Orsen lifted his head, his blond hair flopping over his forehead. “I’m okay. Sometimes I forget.”
