“I know how to walk, dammit!” Mrs. Mulberry spat as she tried to get off of the elevator. “Let go of me!” She said as she wrenched her arm away from the young woman that was trying to help her. “I’m old, but I’m not dead yet.”

“I’m just trying to help,” the young woman said.

“You can help me by leaving me the hell alone,” Mrs. Mulberry said as she hobbled down the hall and caught sight of Kathryn Hayes with Jesse Martinez.

“Mrs. Mulberry,” Jesse said as he ran toward her, noticing the cast on her leg and the crutch under her arm. “What happened, are you okay?” He glanced past her at the young woman standing there, then glanced at Mrs. Mulberry again.

Kathryn joined them slowly, knowing that her presence always had the adverse effect of making Mrs. Mulberry even more cantankerous than usual.

“I’m fine, Sweetheart,” she said as she patted Jesse on the arm.

“Sweetheart?” The young woman said as she stepped up and smiled.

“Yes,” Mrs. Mulberry responded. “Jesse is my sweetheart. He can’t help it,” she said as she reached for his cheek and gave it a pinch, “he’s just so cute.”

“She must really like you. She’s never called me her sweetheart,” the young woman said as she glanced at Jesse.

“That’s because you’re a goddamned spy,” Mrs. Mulberry snapped.

“For the last time,” she young woman sighed, “I am not here to spy on you.”

“Bullshit,” Mrs. Mulberry retorted. Turning toward Jesse, she shook her head. “She’s here to watch me and come up with an excuse to stick me in one of those old people homes,” she explained.

“Oh, that’s awful,” Kathryn said.

Mrs. Mulberry shot her a hateful expression, then turned back toward Jesse. “I’m not old yet,” she said to him, “so if they’re gonna come for me, they’d better prepare to get their asses kicked and handed to them,” she winked.

Jesse smiled and shook his head. “Well, what happened?” He questioned full of concern.

“It was nothing,” Mrs. Mulberry said as she shook her head. “I tripped and broke my leg,” she explained.

“Liar!” The young woman argued. “She had a dizzy spell and fell down the stairs.”

“Are you okay?” Jesse questioned as he placed his hand on Mrs. Mulberry’s shoulder.

“I’m fine,” she said with a nod, “or I’ll be fine when this one leaves me the hell alone,” she said as she chucked a thumb over her shoulder.

Rolling her eyes, the young woman stepped forward. “Are you done talking about me like I’m not standing here? We need to get you inside and off of that leg,” she said as she reached for Mrs. Mulberry’s arm.

“Leave me alone, I can do it myself,” Mrs. Mulberry said as she started down the hall for her apartment. “Of all the grandchildren in the world, I had to get stuck with one that’s a spy,” she grumbled. “Just wait until I get your mother on the phone, I’m going to tear her a new one. I don’t need you here, I’m perfectly capable of doing things on my own,” she said as she unlocked her front door and stepped inside, slamming it shut.

“Are you done yet?” Cayden King questioned as he glanced over at Elijah Montessori. Elijah sat in front of his laptop typing furiously.

“Almost,” Elijah responded. “I just want to make sure that it’s perfect.”

“Perfect? You’ve been sitting there for almost an hour. How many things are you going to put on your resume?”

“It has to be perfect,” Elijah replied. “I want to show them that I am extremely well-rounded and capable. Beside, it took you at least an hour and a half.”

“Whatever,” Cayden said. “I’m gonna go straighten up my room.”

“Whatever,” Elijah said as he continued to type.

As Cayden stepped into his bedroom and began straightening up, he continued to talk to Elijah. “So I found this ad for a really great job with a gay magazine,” he explained. “They’re looking for someone to write movie reviews. I’m heading down there to drop off my resume.”

“It’s not Inside OUT Magazine, is it?” Elijah questioned as he typed.

“Yeah, why?” Cayden questioned.

“Because I was heading down there too,” Elijah explained.

“Are you serious?” Cayden questioned as he paused in the doorway.

“You don’t want me to?” Elijah questioned as he glanced up from the laptop at Cayden.

“No,” Cayden said as he shook his head. “I think you should apply for whatever job you want,” he explained.

“You’re worried that I might get the job, aren’t you?” Elijah questioned.

“Of course not,” Cayden responded as he went back to cleaning. “Because I know you won’t,” he teased. “I’ll get it.”

“Dream on,” Elijah chided. “I’m landing that job.”

“We’ll see,” Cayden smiled. “I guess it doesn’t really matter if I get the job or you get the job, at least then we’ll have some kind of income, right?” He questioned.

“Exactly,” Elijah said as he continued to type. “So, no hard feelings if I get the job?”

“Of course not,” Cayden responded.

“Good, because I really want it,” Elijah said. “I think I’d be perfect for the job. I love watching movies and if I could get paid to watch them, that would be great.” When he was done, he saved the file that he was working on and smiled.

“Too bad I’m gonna get the job,” Cayden teased.

“Like hell you will,” Elijah said as curiosity got the best of him and he opened Cayden’s resume. As he read the file, he became envious when he realized that Cayden was so much more qualified than he was.

He paused for a moment as he realized that anyone would be crazy to take him over Cayden King. Glancing up from the computer, he looked into Cayden’s bedroom to make sure that he wasn’t watching. With a few quick keystrokes, Elijah deleted some of Cayden’s work and volunteer history.

“I’m done,” Elijah said as he saved the file. “I’m gonna print mine. Want me to print yours too?” He questioned.

“Yeah,” Cayden called out. “That would be nice of you.”

“I’m sorry about that,” the young woman said as she rolled her eyes. “My grandmother doesn’t appreciate help, she’s too independent to admit that she needs someone to assist her.”

“Your grandmother?” Kathryn Hayes questioned as she stepped forward.

“Yeah, I’m Sarah, Sarah Mulberry,” she said with a proffered hand. “The resident spy.”

Kathryn shook her hand and smiled. “Well, I don’t envy you, that’s for sure. Mrs. Mulberry can be a handful.”

“Don’t say that,” Jesse said as he shook his head. “Mrs. Mulberry is one of the nicest people I know."

“In what world?” Kathryn questioned.

“Well, she’s never been mean to me,” Jesse noted.

“Yeah, but she hates me,” Kathryn chimed in.

“She hates everybody,” Sarah admitted, “so don’t take it personally. What I don’t understand is why she doesn’t hate you,” she added as she glanced at Jesse and smiled as she stared into his eyes.

“Well,” Jesse smiled back, “I guess I’m just lucky or something,” he said with a chuckle.

“Or something,” Sarah said with a nod.

Kathryn silently glanced from Sarah to Jesse, and reached over to wrap her arm around Jesse’s, claiming her territory. “So, will you be staying long?” She questioned.

“As long as it takes for my grandmother to heal . . . or kill me,” she said with a shrug.

“That’s great,” Jesse said, “I’m always so worried about her. It’s good that she’ll have someone to look after her, even if she doesn’t think she needs it.”

“Yeah, try getting her to understand that. I should probably go check on her, I’ll see you guys around,” she said as she started for Mrs. Mulberry’s apartment and knocked on the door. “Open the door!” She yelled as she pounded.

“Go away!” Mrs. Mulberry yelled.

“I’m not going anywhere!” Sarah yelled back. “Open the door or I swear to God I’m sticking you in a tub of ice water when I get inside!”

“Oh my God,” Cayden King said as he glanced around the large lobby of the offices of Inside OUT Magazine. “This place is beautiful,” he said in awe. He found himself instantly wishing that he got the job just so that he could have the pleasure of walking into the lobby every day.

“Human resources is through here,” Elijah said as he pointed to the sign. “This place is incredible.”

“No kidding,” Cayden smiled as they approached the glass doors that lead into the human resources office. Elijah opened the door and held it open for Cayden. With a nod, Cayden stepped inside and saw a man standing behind a desk. There were several other people sitting around filling out applications. Slowly, the two of them walked up to him.

“Good afternoon gentlemen,” the man said with a nod. “How can I help you today?” He glanced at Elijah and smiled slightly.

Elijah smiled back and glanced down at the placard on the desk. It read Nicolae Federov. “Well Mr. Federov,” he said with a grin. “My friend and I are here to apply for the movie reviewer position that was advertised in the paper.”

“Sure thing,” the man said as he reached for two clipboard. “I just need the two of you to fill out these applications,” he explained as he handed Cayden a clipboard, then turned to Elijah and handed him one, but not before giving him a smile and wink. “You can have a seat over there while you fill them out,” he man said as he pointed to a seating area.

Elijah smiled back and nodded. Both he and Cayden sat down and began filling out their applications while Nicolae stared at Elijah. Elijah glanced up and caught his eye and smiled back. Turning to Cayden, Elijah whispered softly. “That guy is checking me out,” he noted.

Glancing up from his application, Elijah nodded his head. “He so is.”

Smiling, Elijah continued to fill out his application. “I’m sorry, dude, but you’re not gonna get the job,” he explained.

“Whatever,” Cayden replied. “You’re the one that’s not gonna get the job.”

“Don’t be so sure about that,” Elijah said as he glanced up and smiled at Nicolae once again.

“What makes you so sure that you’re gonna get it?” Cayden questioned.

“I’m gonna screw the human resources guy,” Elijah replied.

Cayden paused for a moment then shook his head and laughed. “You’re crazy,” he said.

“Yeah, I might just be crazy enough to do it,” Elijah said as he stood up and crossed over to the desk and began to chat with Nicolae Federov.

Cayden watched him in silence and began to get a little nervous. “He just might pull it off,” Cayden sighed to himself as he watched Nicolae glanced around the room then nod at Elijah. Nicolae walked around the counter toward a door and pushed it open, ushering Elijah inside. Before entering the room himself, Nicolae glanced around one last time and locked eyes with Cayden. He smiled and stepped into the room.

“Cheater,” Cayden mumbled under his breath as he continued to fill out his application. Standing, he walked over to the desk and attached his resume to the clipboard and set it down as he glanced around the room at the others filling out applications.

“I hope none of you get hired,” he said inwardly. “This job is mine. Elijah can screw anyone he wants, but they’re going to hire me . . . I hope they hire me,” he sighed.

Sighing, he glanced around and waited. Elijah was taking too long. “What the hell is going on?” He questioned with disbelief as he stared at the door that Elijah and Nicolae had entered.

Silently, Cayden slipped out of the human resources department. If Elijah was going to blow him off, so to speak, he wasn’t going to wait around for him. Once back in the lobby, he glanced around in awe and found himself walking around. From the corner of his eye, he saw a lounge with vending machines and, dug in his pocket for change as he entered.

“You’re a pig!” An attractive older woman with dark hair said as he entered, taking him completely by surprise.

“Surprise!” Sarah Mulberry said as she held a cake in her hands and smiled at Jesse Martinez. Standing in the hall in front of his door, the beautiful young woman beamed as she stared into his eyes.

“Sarah,” Jesse said, slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected her when he heard the knock on his door.

“You thought I was someone else,” Sarah said.

“No. Well, I thought you were Kathryn,” Jesse said. “What’s this?” He asked.

“My grandmother heard about the fiasco at the art show the other night and baked a cake for you to help you feel better. I know, it’s corny,” Sarah smiled. “She would have brought it up herself, but her leg started to ache.”

“That was nice of her,” Jesse said as he reached for the cake. “Come in,” he said, not wanting to be rude.

“Thanks,” Sarah said as she stepped into the apartment. “Whoa, you don’t believe in furniture or something?” She questioned as she glanced around the sparsely decorated room.

“Oh, sorry,” Jesse said as he set the cake down on the small dinner table and smiled sheepishly. “I don’t like clutter, it interferes with my creative process,” he explained.

“That’s right, my grandmother said you were an artist. What do you paint?” Sarah questioned.

“All sorts of things,” Jesse responded with a shrug.

“Do you do portraits?” Sarah questioned.

“Yeah,” Jesse nodded.

“Cool,” she said as she glanced around at some of the unfinished canvases. “If you ever need someone to sit for you, I’m game,” she said as she turned around and smiled at him.

“Thanks,” Jesse said with a nod. “I’ll keep you in mind.”

“I’ve done it before,” Sarah explained. “Mostly for college courses. I sat nude a couple of times too,” she said as she walked toward him. “I have no problem with being naked, if you want me to be,” she explained, as she came to a stop mere inches from him and stared into his eyes.

Jesse’s eyes widened slightly. “Well . . . I uh . . . I’ll think about it,” He said softly as he glanced at the open door and saw Kathryn Hayes standing there, staring at them curiously..

Jesse glanced over at her nervously and stepped back from Sarah. “Kathryn,” he said as he crossed over to her and gave her a kiss. “Sarah just stopped by to drop off a cake that Mrs. Mulberry made for me.”

“Isn’t that nice,” Kathryn Hayes said with a smile as she glared at Sarah Mulberry. “Your grandmother really does seem to adore Jesse, doesn’t she?” Kathryn questioned.

“It’s not that hard to figure out why,” Sarah responded, causing Kathryn to stare at her curiously. “I mean, he’s incredible. Just look at all of these paintings,” she said as she glanced around the room.

“Speaking of which,” Kathryn said as she handed Jesse a bag. “I got those colors you needed.”

“Thanks,” Jesse said as he accepted the bag and opened it. “I can finally finish that painting now,” he smiled as he crossed over to the canvas in the corner.

“I know now you like to be alone when you paint, so I’ll be downstairs,” Kathryn said as she turned away. She glanced back at Sarah, who seemed as if she wanted to stay behind. “Sarah,” she said, “shouldn’t you check on your poor grandmother?” She questioned.

“Of course,” Sarah said with a smile. “I’ll see you around, Jesse,” she said before stepping into the hall.

Kathryn pulled the door closed behind her. “Just a second Sarah,” she called out, causing her to turn around. “I wanted to talk to you about something,” Kathryn said with a smile as she approached her. “You do realize that Jesse and I are dating, right?” Kathryn questioned.

“Of course I do,” Sarah responded.

“Then you’ll understand when I say that I don’t like the fact that you seem to have an interest in him,” Kathryn said. “I mean, he is my boyfriend.”

“Do I threaten you?” Sarah questioned.

“Threaten me?” Kathryn questioned, her tone turning dark. “You don’t even register on the radar. I’m going to be nice and neighborly here,” Kathryn explained. “Stay away from Jesse,” she said as she brushed past Sarah and started down the hall.

“Or what?” Sarah questioned.

Kathryn Hayes shook her head and smiled, turning back toward Sarah Mulberry. “You don’t even want to know,” she said softly.

“Excuse me?” Cayden questioned with surprise as he stood in the lounge with a handful of change. He stared at the woman curiously as she stood up from a table.

“All men are pigs,” she said, “even gay ones. I’m probably just going to become a big fat lesbian so I can avoid men altogether,” she exclaimed.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Cayden said as he stepped over to the vending machine to avoid the woman, “but I happen to like men,” he added.

The woman sighed and threw her arms in the air. “Me too,” she relented, “but they’re just so frustrating at times.”

As Cayden slipped his quarters into the machine, he glanced over his shoulder and saw the state the woman was in. He felt bad for her. “What’s wrong?” He questioned.

“It’s my boyfriend,” she explained. “We’ve been seeing each other for six months and he left me for a nineteen year old anorexic toothpick. Can you believe it?” He questioned.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Cayden said as he selected a candy bar and bent over to retrieve it. He turned toward her and offered her a smile.

“I don’t understand why he would do that. I have him everything that he could ever want. When he wanted a new car, I bought one for him, and when he was evicted from his apartment, I got in a penthouse on Park Avenue. I got him everything he could ever want and he repays me by sleeping with an infant!” She reached over and grabbed the candy bar out of his hand and tore it open, taking a bite.

“I’m so sorry,” Cayden empathized, “but I’m glad that you realized that your boyfriend was no good.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Cayden said slowly, “it’s better that you found out that he was a pompous ass now rather than going on for six more months and finding out them. You’re lucky that you didn’t get involved with him for much longer than six months. You should count your blessings.”

“I don’t feel blessed,” the woman said as she continued to eat Cayden’s candy bar.

“Well, you’re a beautiful, capable woman who deserves much more than a man that used you for money and then drops you once he’s gotten everything he needs,” he explained. “What you should do is walk with your head tall and never allow any man to get to you and make you cry.”

Nodding, her head, the woman squared her shoulders and stood tall. Glancing at the candy bar in her hand she blushed red. “I’m so sorry,” she said as she handed it back to him. Cayden shook his head.

“It’s okay, you need it more than I did,” he said with a smile.

“Thank you,” the woman replied. “What are you doing here?” She questioned.

“I’m applying for a job,” Cayden responded.

“What’s your name, kid?” She questioned.

“Cayden King.”

“Well Cayden King, my name is Vivian Powers.”

“Nice to meet you,” Cayden said as he shook her hand.

Vivian eyed him carefully and nodded her head, smiling. “I’m going to put in a good word for you with human resources.”

“That would be great,” Cayden said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back there and find my friend,” he said as he turned away. Pausing, he turned back. “Don’t worry, I have faith that you’ll find the man that thinks the world of you,” he said.

“Thanks, kid,” Vivian Powers responded.

Heading back to human resources, Cayden witnessed Elijah stepping out of the bathroom with Nicolae Federov. Elijah said goodbye to Nicolae, then grabbed Cayden by the arm, leading him out of the human resources department.

“I think I got the job,” Elijah said with a smile.

“You did what?” Devon James questioned as she stepped onto the elevator holding a bag of groceries. Elijah Montessori followed her, holding one of her bags.

“I had sex with the guy from human resources,” he said with a smile. “It was great.”

“You do realize that you’re a despicable human being and an even worse friend, right?” Devon questioned.

“Yeah, but that guy did things to me that you would not believe!”

“Gross!” Devon laughed as she shook her head. “What did Cayden say about it?”

“Pretty much the same things you said,” Elijah responded.

“That’s because he has a soul,” Devon explained, “and you’re a pitiful excuse for a person,” she added with a smile.

“I love you too,” Elijah laughed as the elevator doors opened onto their floor and they stepped out.

Devon shook her head and laughed, glancing down the hall. She paused when she saw Gage and Mason standing in Gage’s doorway talking to a girl and laughing. Gage smiled and shook his head as the girl reached over and playfully punched him in the stomach. She glanced away and continued down the hall.

“Devon!” Gage said when he saw her. “Hey, I want you to meet Sarah. She’s Mrs. Mulberry’s granddaughter.”

“She’s gonna be staying with Mrs. Mulberry for a while,” Mason added with a smile, unable to keep his eyes off of Sarah.

“Yeah, I have no idea how she’s going to survive that,” Gage added.

“Stop,” Sarah laughed as she reached over and pinched Gage playfully. He laughed and brushed her hand away.

Devon rolled her eyes and shifted her bag to her other arm, glancing back at Elijah. He rolled his eyes and smiled at her reassuringly.

“I can’t believe I’m finally meeting you,” Sarah said enthusiastically. “My grandmother talks about you all the time,” Sarah said with a smile. “I swear, it’s like I already know you.”

“Funny, she never speaks about you,” Devon said, causing Gage to shoot her a stern look. She shot him an equally harsh glance and turned back toward Sarah.

“I’m not surprised,” Sarah responded with a shrug. “My grandmother can be a somewhat difficult person.”

“Not at all,” Devon responded. “She’s only difficult with people she doesn’t like.”

“Then she must hate me,” Sarah laughed.

“I can’t imagine why,” Devon smiled.

“So what are you guys gonna do tonight?” Sarah questioned.

“I’m gonna vomit,” Devon responded.

“I’m sorry?” Sarah questioned, staring at Devon curiously.

“I’m suddenly feeling very nauseated,” Devon said with a smile. She couldn’t understand why she was reacting so harshly to Sarah’s presence or the fact that she seemed to be all over Gage.

“Well, you do look a little tired,” Sarah retorted.

“Excuse me?” Devon said as she stepped forward, fully prepared to punch Sarah right in the face.

“Okay,” Gage said as he stepped between them, knowing full well what Devon’s intentions were. “Let me help you with this,” he said as he grabbed the grocery bag from Devon and pulled her away from Sarah and toward her apartment.

“I hope she feels better,” Sarah said to Mason as she watched Gage lead Devon down the hall. “So, I guess it’s just you and me,” she added with a smile. “What are your plans for the night?”

Mason smiled. “I think I’m just gonna stay in and have a few beers. Maybe watch some television,” he said with a shrug.

“That sounds like fun,” Sarah said with a smile. “Are you up for some company?”

As he walked through the park, Cayden King smiled and glanced at his side where Szymon Skubisz walked beside him. In front of them, Sammy ran along, holding a bright red balloon. Cayden laughed as Sammy jumped over a rock.

“Thanks for inviting me alone,” Cayden said to Szymon.

“Well, thanks for not freaking out,” Szymon responded.

“Why would I do that?” Cayden questioned.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d react to seeing Sammy,” Szymon responded. “I guess I thought you’d freak out,” he added as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m full of surprises,” Cayden beamed.

“You certainly are,” Szymon agreed.

“Cayden!” Sammy yelled as he ran over toward him and grabbed him by the hand. “Can you push me on the swing?” He asked.

Cayden laughed and glanced down at Sammy. “I sure would,” he said as Sammy handed his father the bright red balloon and ran toward the swing. Cayden chased him and lifted him onto it. “Okay, here we go,” Cayden said as he gave Sammy a push. Sammy squealed with delight.

Szymon sat down on a bench across from them and laughed as he watched Cayden push his son on the swing. He tilted his head slightly and continued smiling. “I’m so lucky,” he said to himself.

Once he was tired of the swing, Sammy jumped off and ran to the monkey bars. Laughing, Cayden shook his head and joined Szymon on the bench. “Hello,” he said with a smile.

“Hello,” Szymon responded.

“That’s a nice red balloon you’ve got there,” Cayden teased.

“It’s a special balloon,” Szymon responded.

“Oh really?” Cayden questioned. “What makes it so special?”

“It’s my son’s balloon,” Szymon responded. “A very special guy gave it to him.”

“How special?” Cayden asked, smiling.

“Oh, he’s probably the most special guy in the world, which probably makes me the second most special guy in the world, because he’s mine,” Szymon smiled.

“You’re so corny,” Cayden laughed as he shook his head.

“Seriously though, Sammy likes you,” Szymon assured him. “I was worried about that because Sammy usually isn’t comfortable with new people, but he seems to really like you.”

“Well, I’ll tell you a secret,” Cayden said as he leaned forward. “I really like Sammy too . . . plus, he’s got the hottest dad ever,” Cayden laughed.

“Shut up,” Szymon responded, slightly embarrassed as he shook his head and laughed, but when he heard Sammy scream, Szymon jumped up from the bench and ran toward his son. Sammy lay on the ground crying and cradling his arm.

“Sammy,” Szymon said as he knelt beside his son.

“What happened?” Cayden questioned as he ran toward them.

“His arm,” Szymon said, “I think he broke it. He scooped his son up into his arms. “We need to get to the emergency room right now.”

“Do you need backup?” Elijah Montessori questioned as he glanced at Gage cautiously. Devon was in the kitchen noisily putting away her groceries and cursing.

“I think I got it from here,” Gage said reassuringly.

“It’s your funeral,” Elijah said as he stepped out of Devon’s apartment. Gage shut the door and paused. He could hear Devon swearing under her breath. He fortified himself and gathered the courage to walk into her kitchen.

“Devon,” he said softly.

“Get out,” Devon said as she shoved a box of cereal into the cabinet.

“What just happened?” Gage questioned.

“Nothing. I told you to get out, dumb ass,” she demanded.

“What was that all about?” He questioned.

“What are you talking about?” Devon asked, frustration getting the best of her.

“When you saw Sarah in the hall, you flipped out. You were gonna hit her,” Gage explained, “and don’t say that you weren’t, because I know you. You had that look in your eyes. That poor girl was gonna get her face torn off.”

“That poor girl is a whore,” Devon said as she rolled her eyes.

“You don’t even know her,” Gage said as he took a step forward.

“Oh, I know her,” Devon said as she nodded her head and shoved another box of cereal into the cabinet. “I know all about girls like her. I used to beat the shit out of girls like her. They just think they’re the shit and walk around thinking that they can have any guy they want, even ones that are taken,” she explained. “Trust me, I know exactly who she is.”

“I don’t get it,” Gage said as he shook his head. “Even if she is that kind of girl, what is it to you?” He questioned. “Why do you care?”

“Are you serious?” Devon questioned as she turned toward him. “You’re serious! Get the hell out of my apartment,” she said as she stepped over toward him and pushed him.

“Wait a second!” Gage retorted. “What? What am I missing? What did I miss? Please tell me, because I have absolutely no clue what’s going on here,” he explained.

“That’s the point,” Devon said. “You have absolutely no clue. I’m not gonna stand here and spell it out for you. Just get the hell out,” she demanded.

“Is it me?” Gage questioned. “Are you pissed because she was flirting with me?”

Devon glanced away from him and shook her head. “Whatever. Forget it. I obviously made a big mistake. I’m sorry. Just go.”

“I just want to know what’s going on,” Gage explained, “because I think I know . . .”

“You have no idea,” Devon interrupted.

“But I want to know,” Gage admitted. “I won’t know what to do if you don’t tell me what’s going on with you. I want to know.”

“Trust me,” Devon said as she shook her head, “you don’t want to know, and I don’t feel like standing here and explaining it to you.” She glanced away from him and placed her hand on her mouth. “Oh my God,” she said as she took a step forward.

“What?” Gage questioned as he stepped forward.

“I’m gonna be sick,” Devon said as she rushed past him.

“You were serious about that?” Gage questioned with surprise.

“Doctor, how is my son?” Szymon questioned as he rushed the man.

“Your son is just fine,” the doctor responded with a reassuring smile. “His arm is broken and we’ll have to set it and put a cast on it, but it was a clean break and it should heal fairly quickly. Sammy is actually excited about getting a cast,” the doctor laughed. “He wants a bright blue one.”

“Give him whatever color he wants,” Szymon smiled. “He deserves it.” The doctor nodded and stepped away and Szymon breathed a sigh of relief. Cayden slowly walked up to him and smiled. “I’m glad that everything is going to be okay.”

“Me too,” Szymon admitted, “but I should have been watching Sammy. I knew he was too small to play on the monkey bars. How could I be so stupid?” He questioned.

“It’s not your fault,” Cayden said to him as he reached forward and grabbed Szymon by the shoulders. He stared into his eyes. “We were both there. We both should have been watching him. We only looked away for a moment. These things happen all the time. He’s a boy, he adventurous. You remember what you were like at that age, don’t you? The boy can’t help it. The good thing is that Sammy is going to be okay.”

Szymon smiled. “He is, isn’t he? He’s gonna be fine. God, I should call Andrea. She needs to know about this,” Szymon said.

“It’s okay, I already called her.”

“You did?” Szymon questioned.

“Of course. You were worried about your Sammy, so I called her for you. She’s on her way down here right now.”

“Oh God, she’s gonna tear into me,” Szymon said.

“No, don’t worry, I explained it to her. I told her exactly what happened and I told her that it was just an accident. Neither of us meant for Sammy to break his arm. She’s not mad at either of us.”

“I hope not,” Szymon said.

“Oh, and I got these,” Cayden said as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out some markers. Szymon glanced at him curiously. “They’re for Sammy’s cast,” Cayden smiled. “We’ll write little messages on it so he can look at them and know how much we care for him,” Cayden smiled.

“You think of everything,” Szymon smiled. “How did I get so lucky?”

“Well, you haven’t gotten lucky yet, Mister,” Cayden teased.

Szymon rolled his eyes and smiled. Glancing both ways, he leaned forward and gave Cayden a gentle peck on the lips. As he pulled away, Szymon caught sight of a police officer standing at the door to the waiting room.

Szymon Skubisz’s heart stopped when he locked eyes with the police officer. Cayden saw something in Szymon’s eyes and glanced at him curiously. “What?” He questioned.

“Nothing,” Szymon responded. He glanced at Cayden, then back at the man. “Excuse me,” he said softly as he stepped away from Cayden. “I should go check on my son.”

“I’ll wait for Andrea,” Cayden said with a smile as he turned and froze when he saw the police officer standing there glaring at him. He glanced at Szymon, then back at the police officer in silence.