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He’d managed to engage Darren in enough conversation to know his parents moved into the house right after they’d married. This was Darren’s childhood home.
Isaiah found it impossible to believe Darren and his brother had been allowed to frolic on the grounds like little ruffians the way he and Ian had torn around their small yard. That was too bad. Some of his best memories as a little kid were of running around and playing wildly.
The car pulled up to the front, and Darren got out before the driver. “We’ll get the bags, Henry. Thanks for getting us. Give Linda my best.”
“Of course, Master Darren,” the older man said with a smile. “It was good to see you again. And to meet you, Master Isaiah.”
After they closed the trunk and the car drove off, Isaiah turned to Darren. Afternoon sun shimmered, and a warm breeze flowed around them, rustling the leaves in a nearby maple. They stood close, only their luggage between them. Darren’s gaze caught on Isaiah, and Isaiah’s skin prickled under his coat.
“Master?” His voice traveled softly. “That your kink?”
Darren’s startled laugh was the best thing he’d heard since they entered the plane. Light and amused, it washed away the tension stiffening his shoulders. “No-no. Henry has been my family’s driver since I can remember. Evidently he didn’t feel it proper to address me by my name even as a child, so I was always Master Darren. I think until I get married, he’s going to address me like that. Then I get the joy of being called Mr. Gage.”
Before Isaiah could respond, the front door opened, and a woman with dark eyes, darker hair, and a lean figure emerged. Darren dropped his bags and greeted her.
“Hey, Mom,” he said before she enveloped him in a hug. “You look amazing. I guess you like your new trainer.”
“Robert is a tyrant, but I can’t complain about the results. And you.” She pushed him back and assessed him. “You look tired.”
“I’m good. We had an away game yesterday, so I had to catch up on my studying.”
Isaiah knew he’d had a game, but didn’t for a second believe that was the cause of Darren’s tiredness. Stress had built in his posture and deepening frown from the moment the car picked them up.
“And you must be Isaiah.” She opened her arms. “Margret Gage. Welcome to our home.”
Unsure what to do, he let her hug him. “Thank you, Mrs. Gage. It’s very nice of you to allow me to stay.”
“It’s no problem at all, and please, call me Peg.”
“If you insist?” He never called parents of friends by their first name. Peg waved off his hesitation.
“Children are all in a hurry to grow up, but now that you are, you don’t want to act like grown-ups.” She raised an eyebrow. “You’re an adult now, Isaiah. You don’t have to call parents Mr. and Mrs. anymore.”
“I’d listen to her,” Darren said. “Calling her Mrs. makes her feel old, and since she most certainly is not old, you don’t want to make her mad.”
Peg let out a charmed laugh. “Oh, Darren. I missed you.” She grabbed his hand in both of hers. “Come on, let’s get you settled. Your father has a business dinner. It’s just us three tonight.”
“How’d you get out of going?” Darren asked.
“No spouses invited, plus this was last minute. Your father wouldn’t have gone, but it’s an important deal they’re trying to close.” She smiled and tugged him toward the house. “Which means tonight is not about school or work or the Scholar program.”
She hooked her arm under Darren’s, and he smiled as he hugged it to his side. A bit awkward for Isaiah, but he didn’t begrudge Darren a little time with his mother.
“Go get settled while I make sure dinner is on schedule,” Peg said once they cleared the threshold. “We’ll eat about six thirty.”
Isaiah glanced at the grandfather clock in the hallway. They had two hours.
“Darren, all the rooms are made up, but I’d suggest—”
“The back bedroom, second from the stairs,” he said in a monotonous tone. “It has a nice view and it’s quieter than the first one.”
She slapped his arm playfully. “Don’t you mock me like that, Darren Josiah Gage. I just want to be sure our guests are comfortable.”
“Yes, Mother dear.” He scooted away before she could swat him again.
She managed to grab his hands again before she left. “It’s so good to have you home, dear. No more skipping out on the summer. Okay?”
Darren didn’t answer immediately, and once more Isaiah wanted a glimpse into his head.
“I’ll try not to.”
Her smiled dimmed, and she corrected course. “Not good enough, but it’s a start. Now go, or else dinner will be late.”
Darren glanced at Isaiah, and Isaiah slipped to his side with a sneaky wink. “Lead the way, Master Darren.”
