Free The Lost Days (Prairie Town Book 3) by T.E. Ridener Page B

honestly don’t know.  This has been trial and error for me.  I do know that I have a liking for cheesecake; my mother made me some to welcome me home.”
    “Who doesn’t like cheesecake?” Nick grinned lazily and let his head fall against the pillow again.  “Is your mom nice?”
    “She seems to be—how about yours?” He continued putting his clothes into drawers, glancing at Nick occasionally.
    “She was really nice.  She was the best.”
    “Was?”
    “She died a few months ago—Leukemia.”
    He turned to face him and instantly regretted bringing up the topic of his mother, but how could he have known?  This was part of the process in getting to know someone, wasn’t it?  Asking such questions wasn’t against the law, but it did make him feel pretty crappy for bringing up something so fresh and painful.  “I’m so sorry.”
    “You don’t have to be.” Nick stood from the bed and rubbed the back of his neck, offering him another small smile.  “She had a full, happy life.  Well, it was full enough.  I made sure she was happy.  We traveled until she couldn’t anymore; I took her to see the Grand Canyon.”
    “Sounds like an amazing time.” Toying with a loose string on the hem of his shirt, he chanced another glance in Nick’s direction and felt a warmth wash over him from the intense gaze he was giving him.
    That’s not right, is it?   He shifted nervously and broke eye contact, deciding the floor was much more interesting.  Now is not the time to figure out my sexuality.  I’ve got too much to worry about—like finding a job.
    “It was pretty amazing.” Nick said softly.  A few beats of silence passed between them before he cleared his throat and walked towards the door.  “So, grilled chicken salad is good with you?”
    “Yes.” Devin’s head shot up and he nodded eagerly.  “Please.  That would be great.”
    “Good.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Devin alone with only his thoughts.
    And a weird tingling in his stomach.
    —————
    K elly
    “Mama, I don’t want to go to Mrs. Harrington’s.” Justin groaned as he entered the kitchen and wrapped his little arms around her waist from behind.  “Her house is boring.”
    “Mrs. Harrington isn’t that bad, Justin.  She does try to make it entertaining for you,” Kelly replied, and then she quickly stirred the pot of spaghetti noodles she had boiling on the stove. 
    Two weeks had absolutely flown by.  Nick and Devin would be there at 7 o’clock sharp and she wanted everything to be ready by then. However, getting two kids packed up to stay the night with trusted friends, getting herself ready, and fixing dinner at the same time was proving to be difficult.
    “Besides, you’re not going to Mrs. Harrington’s tonight,” she added with a smile. “You’re going somewhere else.  It will be fun.”
    “Really?” Justin sounded more excited as he pulled away from her and ran to the table, pulling out a chair to sit down.  “Where am I going?”
    “You are going to stay with Auntie Tula and Uncle Paul tonight.  They’ve even rented some movies for you and Skylar to watch.”
    “Tula and Paul!” He gave a whoop of excitement and clapped his hands.  “I love Tula and Paul! And Skylar! Their house is so big, Mama.  It’s the biggest.”
    “I know it is.” She nodded, glancing over her shoulder to gaze at him.  “And Tula would like it very much if you stayed the night again.  Would you like that?”
    “Yeah! I love spending the night with Skylar.  We have so much fun!”
    “Good.  You should go pack your overnight bag so you can—”
    “On it, Mama! I’ll be back in a minute!” He darted out of the kitchen before she could get another word in.
    “Don’t forget to pack your pajamas!” She called after him, but he probably didn’t hear her anyway.
    Tula and Paul had been fighting to adopt for a long time and had finally gotten their first