Gifted Connections: Book 2(78)

I was making lunch when my new phone rang.

“Hello,” I answered it.

“Hey Blake,” Remy responded. “I know Alex isn’t feeling the greatest, but some of the females are coming off whatever they were implanted with and they’re acting irrationally and irritable. Jace has his hands full, and we need some back up. Gavin’s on his way in, but we would like you to come in as well. How’s Alex feeling?”

“Better,” I retorted honestly as I pulled our macaroni and cheese from the oven. “As soon as I finish lunch, I’ll make my way over. Is someone coming to get me?”

“That would work,” Remy said with a smile in his voice. “Is there enough for me?”

I giggled. “Yes, there’s enough for you. Can Alex come along?”

“He listens fairly well, so I don’t see an issue with it,” Remy agreed.

“Okay, great.” I smiled. “See you soon!”

I pulled out some honey baked ham and cut thick slices for Micah, Tanya, and myself. I added the sautéed green beans to our plates. For Alex, I cut the ham into bite-size pieces. Some days, he and Ella wanted to act independently and scoffed at being treated like a ‘baby,’ and other days they wanted the extra coddling.

“Lunch!” I called out into the living room.

Time away from school was helping my psyche immensely. It was times like these that I realized how much of an ambivert I was. When I had been singing with the guys, I had loved the energy and excitement I got on the stage. I had thrived on it, but I also needed moments, days, and weeks like this. I needed to unplug, unwind, and just be.

Although I should see if Jemmy had invited Ben, Taylor, Rick, and Mike to the party. I would like to get back to the band. Jemmy said they had been booking gigs, but it wasn’t on the scale we had been on. She even showed me their Facebook page, and they didn’t have ten percent of the followers we had.

I was ready to get back on that ride and see where it took me.



Alex came running into the room first, and I pulled out the first aid kit. Jace had shown me that they kept their thermometer in there.

“Let’s check your temp, buddy,” I said after he scrambled into his seat. He automatically opened his mouth.

When the thermometer beeped, I nodded in satisfaction. “You seem better. I’ll pack you some juice boxes and we’ll keep you hydrated.”

Alex frowned. “Do I have to go to school?” He gave me a crestfallen look.

“No.” I gave him an indulgent smile. “But I need to go to the clinic. Want to come with me?”

Alex nodded eagerly. “I like spending time with you,” he stated as he scooped some macaroni and cheese on his fork.

I smiled at him placing a kiss on his head. “I like spending time with you too!”

“Did you know the most venomous jellyfish in the world is named the Irukandji and is smaller than your fingernail?” Micah asked as he came into the kitchen.

“He’s been fascinated by biology,” Tanya explained as she grabbed a plate and sat at the bar. “Thanks for lunch.”

“No, thank you for your help with Micah, he’s improved greatly already. I figured we needed something heavier today, since it’s chilly outside.” I smiled. “Alex and I are running out shortly. Noah should be home before you leave for the day.”

Micah frowned. “Can I go with you? I’ve taken all of my tests today.”

I looked over at Tanya and she smiled with a nod.

I nodded. “I don’t see why not. Maybe you can keep an eye on Alex while I help Gavin and Jace. Looks like you have the afternoon off,” I smiled at Tanya.

“Can we borrow Ella’s Wii U?” Micah asked hopefully.

“Sure,” I answered. We had agreed to restrict screen time during the week, so the kids hadn’t played on any game systems since Sunday night.

“Chip will let me borrow his,” Alex piped up.

I nodded. “That’s fine. We can do that.”

Remy came walking in the door not too long afterwards. He kissed me on my head and ran a suggestive hand on my butt.

I blinked up in surprise. He was affectionate when it came to embracing me, playing with my hair, or wanting me to sit on his lap, but he never initiated any intimate contact to that degree since I returned. I was left wondering if he was trying to tell me something. Was he tired of waiting for us to reconnect on a more intimate level?

He pretended like it hadn’t happened as he grabbed a plate and sat down next to Alex. He reached over and held the back of his hand to his forehead. “How do you feel?” he asked.

Alex, for some reason, showed apprehension around the big guys Terrance and Remy. I don’t know if it was because his father had been a big man, or that they were the size of mountains. “Good,” he responded before he took another bite of his food.

“Blake said we can go with you,” Micah said excitedly.

“Awesome, man,” Remy reached over and fist bumped Micah.

“I’m going to grab the game systems and maybe pack some snacks and drinks for the boys,” I jumped up and grabbed a lunch box out of one of the cabinets.

“I heard there were some boys with birthdays coming up, and so is Christmas,” Remy said with a sly grin. “Maybe sharing won’t be necessary soon.”