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Caden shrugged. “That’s what we do for each other. Daddy understands and if he’s not working, he hangs out with me. It’s not bad.”
Movement caught his eye, and he grinned as Mickey rushed over to help Adam clear a large table covered with cups. A group of middle school teachers had hung out there for an hour before heading into work. “Mickey seems to be settling in.”
“He’s a good fit,” Caden responded. “He’s really hit it off with Adam and even came in early to help with the baking this morning. He wants to get trained to give Adam a break sometimes. He just really wants to help. I like him.”
Sam knew how hard it was for Caden to make friends. After being homeless for most of his life, Caden didn’t trust very many people. For that matter, neither did Adam, although his story was more sad than tragic. Sam had always been a people person though. Even as his father had tried to keep him locked away and out of the public eye, Sam had craved a connection with other people.
Mickey appeared to be much like him in that regard. Mickey gravitated to whoever seemed happy to talk to him. In his opinion, Mickey would do well there with them. Now that he had a safe place to live and an excellent job, Sam hoped Mickey would accept more help. He’d love to see Mickey in school or going after whatever he wanted in the future.
With happy thoughts in his head, Sam turned when the door chimed and two men walked in. He had to laugh at the shorter man in gray sweatpants and a long-sleeve black shirt who danced toward the counter. The older well-dressed man in a suit didn’t smile like Jackson but Sam also didn’t get a bad vibe from the man. He actually reminded Sam a lot of Carson. Of course, that made Sam’s mind want to picture what kind of boy the suit-wearing stranger would choose. He didn’t have long to ponder about that as Jackson began to talk.
“We leave town for one day and miss all the excitement?” Jackson complained.
Sam shrugged. “It's hopping around here, what can I say?” He needed to laugh and joke about his predicament just to survive.
Jackson laughed. “I heard your man and friends took care of things though.” He leaned against the counter. “I would have loved to see that show.”
Skinner grunted. “Coffee.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” He waved his hand in front of Skinner before Skinner wandered away to sit at a table Adam had just finished cleaning.
“So, coffee?” Sam asked.
Jackson’s sigh was comical. “I just want the gossip. Skinner has already had two cups of coffee this morning. He can wait.” Placing his fist under his chin as he batted his eyelashes at Sam, Jackson was ridiculous. “So…”
Sam shook his head. “I have no gossip here for you.”
“But…but…I missed it! From what I saw on the news, that reporter was a complete prick.”
“He was,” Sam confirmed.
“And all because your daddy wants to be president!”
“Don’t call him that. My father—”
“Oh!” Jackson perked up. “Let me guess, your father might have contributed to your DNA, but your Daddy is another man. Maybe an older handsome lieutenant?”
His only answer was Sam cocking his hip and crossing his arms over his chest.
“Fun!” Jackson exclaimed. “And I thought my friends were the kinkiest bastards I know.”
“I could put you over my knee and redden your ass if you don’t get me my coffee,” Skinner said casually from his seat at the table.
Jackson laughed. “I don’t think your boy would like that,” he sing-songed.
“I have your coffee here for you, Mr. Skinner.” Caden held up the large cup with his hand only slightly shaking.
Skinner’s entire being changed. He beamed at Caden before he rose and crossed over to accept the cup. “Thank you, young man. You are a good boy. Not some like brats round here.” His glare was for Jackson.
Jackson smirked.
Sam laughed.
The door flew open with the commotion drowning out the chime and mostly everyone jumped. Sam knew he did until he saw who stomped inside and he froze.
From the corner of his eye, Sam saw Skinner take a protective stance in front of Caden. Adam pulled Mickey back from the table close to the door as Jackson straightened while rolling his shoulders back and widening his stance. Sam remained frozen as two other men followed the first inside and closed the door behind them.
“You little faggot! I knew you’d find a way to ruin things for me!” Spit flew from Sam’s father’s mouth as he spat hate.
