Rattling Around: The Baxter Boys #5 (The Baxter Boys ~ Rattled)

by Charles, Jane

  “We’ve talked about it and I told her why teaching kids that don’t have anything else is important to me.” He takes a swig of his beer.

  “How much did you tell her,” Ryan asks slowly.

  “Just enough that she knows I got lucky when I met Louie and the guys and that other kids need the same.” He looks around. “She knows I went to Baxter and that it’s a boarding school for the talented, and that I got in on scholarship, but that’s about it.”

  I thought for certain that she’d know everything. Like, that the students also had various issues, usually requiring mental healthcare as part of the curriculum.

  “I told her that a therapist to deal with my past was made available to me. I didn’t tell her that it was practically a requirement for the entire student body. To do so, would be telling her something about your past that’s not mine to tell.”

  “Mary knows,” Dylan says after a minute.

  I assumed she knew. All of us did. They are tight and will probably marry, and she’s good people. If you want to keep someone like that in your life, you’ve got to be able to trust them with the ugly and the good.

  “I don’t see why you don’t tell Bethany,” Dylan says. “She’s the mother of your kid and should know the truth.”

  Christian looks around at us, the question in his eyes. “You sure.”

  Ryan shrugs. “Better now than later, especially if she’s going to freak when she finds out all of us don’t exactly have an upstanding, middle-class family background.”

  “I don’t think it will make a difference one way or another,” Alex says.

  “Me either,” I offer. “Besides, wouldn’t you rather know now if she is going to get all judgmental?”

  He shakes his head. “She wouldn’t. I know that much. I was just protecting your privacy.”

  “Then tell her,” Zach says. “Then we won’t have to worry about slipping up on something. I hate secrets.”

  “Me too,” Christian takes a swig of his beer then leans his head back against the wall. “Instruments are expensive, even second- and third-hand instruments.”

  “We’ll just have to figure out how to raise the money.” Zach says. “Maybe if I talk to the guys at the club we can do a benefit or something to raise money.”

  Zach is a female impersonator and, besides normal entertainment, they do shows and contests for charities.

  “I’ll talk to Tink too. I know his chapter is always doing things to raise money so they can continue to do what they do. Maybe he has some ideas of what works and what doesn’t.” This is something important that we can all do. Kids need music. Even if I’m not into music, everyone should be given the option of having it in their life.

  “Well, it’s a step up from what we’ve done, which we’ll continue to do,” Dylan says as he heads to the kitchen. “But, right now, I better figure out supper.”

  “Pizza. Delivered,” we all call in almost unison.

  Dylan stops and looks back as he slowly nods his head. “Good call. Maybe a few more beers too.”

  A good day and a good night. Just hanging out, eating pizza and drinking beer, forgetting about life outside of the house for a while.

  Except, as much as I’ve tried, Noelle and Kaden are not far from my thoughts.

  “I’m really sorry,” Kaden says for the umpteenth time.

  “It’s not your fault.” He’s been full of guilt since he walked out of the courtroom, but none of the blame is on him. “It’s not too late either,” I assure him as we cross the street.

  Uncle Tink is with us and my heart is pounding as I knock on the door. I just met Sean and Zach yesterday and now I’m about to ask a huge favor.

  The door is answered by a girl who is about eighteen with long, light brown hair.

  “Hey,” she says with a smile.

  “Is Sean here?”

  She looks at Uncle Tink, Kaden and then me. “Sure. Come on in.” She stands back and opens the door so we can enter. “I’m Nina, by the way. I guess we are neighbors now.” She nods at my grandparent’s house down the block.

  Sean must have said something to her, otherwise how would she know who we are? But, I thought only guys lived here.

  “Noelle,” I answer and then introduce Kaden and Uncle Tink.

  “Nap time little lady.” I glance at the kitchen door. A woman in scrubs is coming out of the kitchen with a huge glass of water in her hand. Behind her, a tall guy with shoulder length brown hair pats her on the ass. “You need some rest before going into work tonight.”

  “I don’t think rest is what you have in mind,” she laughs as she hurries for the stairs but stops short as she sees us. Her face turning red.

  “Hey.”

  The tall guy stops behind her.

  “Can I help you?” he asks.

  “They are here for Sean and Zach,” Nina answers, shaking her head.

  Before she can explain further, Dylan walks out of the kitchen, holding the hand of another blonde woman, also in scrubs. “I don’t like these third shifts,” he says.

  She rolls her eyes. “You’ve complained about every shift I work,” she laughs.

  “Can I help it if I really like having you around?” He leans in and gives her a kiss.

  “Hormones are running high tonight,” Nina grumbles.

  “Like you wouldn’t practically be in Tex’s lap if he was…” Dylan trails off as he see us. “How did the trial go?”

  I’m just staring at him. Dylan is not gay. This other couple, one of the guys that I assume lives here, not gay.

  Well, that’s what I get for jumping to conclusions and stereotyping. Then again, just because two of them are dating females doesn’t mean Sean is straight. But, I really want him to be.

  “Sean! Zach!” Nina yells back to the kitchen.

  Kaden’s hand tightens around mine and I give it an encouraging squeeze just as Sean walks out of the kitchen. He’s smiling as he approaches. “So, how’d it go?”

  I bite my lip before I answer. “Not so well.”

  The smile falls. “What happened?”

  At that question, three other guys come out of the kitchen. One of them is Zach. Is everyone home? I kind of only want to talk to Sean and Zach, and maybe Dylan, and hoped they’d be free tomorrow and willing to be with Kaden in the courtroom.

  Tink and I quickly explain how the defense subpoenaed everybody to testify, though we doubt any of us will be called.

  “Every member of the chapter?” Sean asks in disbelief.

  “Yep!” Uncle Tink answers. “The defense made sure that there is nobody available to sit in the courtroom with Kaden.”

  Sean is just shaking his head as if he can’t believe it.

  “That’s bull….” Nina trails off as she looks at Kaden.

  Sean’s brown eyes harden. “What happened?”

  “Kaden froze,” Uncle Tink says. He’s gentle with his words because he knows Kaden feels like shit even though this is not his fault. He’s only eight-years-old, scared and Gary’s attorney is doing everything he can to intimidate him enough to keep him from talking.

  “The prosecutor tried to stand so Kaden didn’t have to see Gary but he still couldn’t say anything.”

  “Are they going to give him another chance?” Sean asks.

  “Tomorrow, which is why we are here.”

  “Can you sit in the courtroom so he can look at you?” Uncle Tink ask.

  “Of course,” Sean says without missing a beat. He didn’t even pause to think about it.

  “I will too,” Nina offers.

  This surprises me. She doesn’t even know us.

  “I’ve had to testify before and it is nerve-racking. I thought I was going to barf and that was only a few years ago.”

  Kaden sighs.

  “I’ll go,” the guy with short dark hair and tattoos offers.

  “We all will,” another man with short scruffy blonde hair and blue eyes offers.

  I look around and each guy in the ro
om, ones I assume also live here, are nodding.

  Tears spring to my eyes and I quickly blink them away. These people are basically strangers, but they are stepping up without even being asked. We came for Sean and Zach, but we are getting four more.

  The blonde with Dylan grabs her phone. “I’ll get the girls there, if they’re free.”

  I look at Sean. “Girls?” I don’t want to ask if she’s putting out a call to all the girlfriends because that would mean that Sean has one. That’s just as disappointing as thinking he’s gay.

  “Former classmates,” he answers. “The female side of our family.”

  “Classmates?” Uncle Tink asks curiously, like there is more to his question.

  Or, maybe I’m reading too much into this whole thing. I’m certainly jumping to a hell of a lot of conclusions from the guys being gay, to all of them having girlfriends. This isn’t like me at all and is a sign that I really need some sleep because I’m not thinking straight.

  Sean meets Uncle Tink’s eyes. “I went to high school with these guys. We’ve been family since, the girls too.”

  He nods like he approves or something.

  Sleep. I need sleep.

  Uncle Tink goes down on the balls of his feet and looks at Kaden. “These are good people and they’ll have your back.”

  Neither of us really know that for certain. We just know Sean, Zach and Dylan, and not all that well, but it isn’t like we can afford to be picky right now.

  “Do you think you’ll be able to testify if they’re there too?” I ask.

  Kaden looks at Sean and his roommates and then gives a short, nervous nod.

  “See, I knew that courage was in there.” Uncle Tink winks as he ruffles Kaden’s hair. “It just hid for a bit today but tomorrow will be different.”

  Kaden takes a deep breath and gives a very firm nod.

  It’s Uncle Tink’s confidence in Kaden, the system and our current circumstances that calms me. I don’t know what I would have done without him or his friends, just like I don’t know where I’d be right now without Sean and his friends.

  “Want some pizza?” Nina asks.

  My stomach grumbles. I haven’t eaten all day but now that I know Kaden will have support in the courtroom I’m getting hungry. “Do you want some pizza?” I ask my brother. I try to ask him everything these days. Even if he is just a kid, it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have choices. So many have already been taken from him.

  He nods.

  Nina holds out her hand. “Come with me.”

  Without hesitation, Kaden let’s go of my hand and goes to Nina. All I can do is gape at them. Kaden is slow, very slow, to accept anyone he’s just met. At least that is how it’s been since I returned, but he went right with Nina, in a strange house no less. Either there is something about her that he really likes, or he’s hungry, just like me.

  7

  “Now that we’ve got the trial covered, I’m going to head out.” Tink steps forward, holding out his hand. “Thanks.”

  I note the sincerity in his eyes. “My pleasure, and if there is anything else, just call. It’s my turn.”

  He knows what I mean, but I’m not spelling it out for Noelle and Kaden.

  “Your number would help.” He chuckles. “We needed that this morning.”

  I give it to him real quick, and note that Noelle is also putting it in her phone. I bite back a grin, though I really hope she wants it for something other than the trial. Like a future date and more red wine when all of this is over.

  I grab my phone and open the contacts. “Give me yours too, just in case.” Tink goes first and then Noelle.

  Now that I have hers, I won’t have to wait for her to call me. And, I will be calling her real soon. I hate talking on the phone and prefer texting, but for Noelle, I’ll happily make that exception.

  When Noelle and I get to the kitchen, Nina is handing Kaden a plate. “Take all you want. You’ve had a sucky day.”

  Kaden looks up at her and gives a half-smile then reaches for the cheese pizza. There are eight boxes on the counter, all different types because we all like different things. Plus, leftover pizza is the best.

  “What would you liked to drink?” Nina opens the fridge. “We’ve got milk, water, juice, soda.”

  Kaden’s eyes widen at the soda. Either he loves it, or doesn’t get to drink it. I look at Noelle.

  “What kind?” she asks.

  “Lemon-Lime. They only take their caffeine in the coffee form.” She snorts.

  Now Kaden is looking at his sister, all hopeful.

  “Fine.” Noelle blows out a sigh as Nina hands Kaden a can of soda.

  “Since we’re already breaking rules, let’s take our pizza into the living room and eat on the couch,” Nina whispers to Kaden.

  He grins up at Nina and follows her out of the kitchen, plate of pizza and soda in hand leaving me and Noelle very much alone.

  I hand her a plate then head over to the wine fridge where Dylan stashed the bottle we opened last night.

  She takes one slice from the pizza with everything on it. This bodes well for a future since she just picked my favorite.

  “He couldn’t say anything?” I ask as I grab two wine glasses from the cupboard.

  “The prosecutor said that Kaden literally froze on the stand. He went white, his eyes widened as soon as he had to point Gary out. He couldn’t even do that and didn’t answer a single question.”

  The scariest and hardest part about testifying against my dad was having to point him out in the courtroom. The finger of accusation.

  “It’s not all bad though. At least the jury saw how terrified Kaden was, which helps,”

  “I’ll be there tomorrow,” I assure her. “Right there in the front row, helping him with his courage.”

  She glances at the wine and glasses. “I really shouldn’t.”

  “It’s not the whole bottle. It’s a glass and goes with the pizza.”

  After a moment she smiles and takes it. “Thanks.”

  I pour one for each of us, surprised that I’m opting for this over a beer, but I really like this wine.

  “So, how are you doing?” Has anyone even bothered to ask her that question?

  Noelle shrugs. “Okay. Just want this over.”

  “That’s not really an answer.” I slide the glass in her direction.

  She looks up and meets my eyes. “Exhausted.”

  “Tense?”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe.” She takes a sip of the wine.

  I pull out the stool. “Come here.”

  “What?”

  “Just come here and let me help.”

  “Not sure how you can, but this pizza and wine are a good start,” she says right before she takes a bite.

  She’s still not coming to me and I really want to do something for her. “Have you looked in the mirror lately?”

  Her eyes widen. “Why, what’s wrong?”

  Wrong choice of words. She’s beautiful. “There’s not a thing wrong with your face or hair,” I say with sincerity. “But you’re so tense that your shoulders are practically up to your ears.”

  Noelle rubs the back of her neck. “That explains the headache that has been building all day.”

  “Sit.” I hold up my hands. “I have magic fingers.”

  Her cheeks begin to pinken.

  That’s not what I meant, or maybe subconsciously it is. If she’d let me, I’d be happy to drain all of that tension from her body.

  “You really think you’re that good?” she asks with a saucy grin.

  “The best.” I wink.

  Noelle chuckles quietly, grabs her wine and pizza then comes around the counter and sits on the stool in front of me.

  It hurts, but it’s a good hurt, and I’ve moaned more than a few times. Sean wasn’t lying, his fingers are magic. “Did you go to school for this or something.”

  “Or something.” He says close to my ear. His warm breath causes shivers down my spine.<
br />
  “Seriously?”

  “I’ve always liked working with my hands. First clay, then building, and then I saw classes to become a massage therapist and worked on getting my certification. It’s not something I work at though, except for friends.”

  He presses on an exceptionally sore spot and I suck in a breath.

  “Breathe,” he reminds me. “You’ve got knots on top of knots. This would work a lot better if I could get you on the table and use my oils.”

  This is dangerous enough. I’m already overheating and a massage table means naked skin, his hands, oil, and I wouldn’t be thinking about my tension any longer, but wondering what other magic he can create with his hands.

  “Raincheck?” I ask. “After-trial treat.”

  He chuckles. “It would be my pleasure.”

  Damn, I think my vagina just heated at his warm, low tone.

  “Ah, mood music,” he says at the sound of classical piano coming from the living room.

  I have my chin dropped to my chest and am not looking up, or even care, though it’s nice to hear.”

  “Who plays?” I haven’t heard music like that since before Mom was killed.

  “Kelsey.”

  “Which one is she?”

  “I think she was upstairs when you got here. Lives with Alex on the top floor. Music teacher.”

  I barely nod. “This is really nice.”

  “Hey, that kid is really good,” a female says coming into the kitchen

  At her words, my head jerks up and Sean’s magical fingers are ignored.

  It can’t be.

  Sliding from the stool I walk into the dining room and have to brace myself against the doorjamb.

  Kaden hasn’t played since Mom was killed and I’m pretty sure he hadn’t played in the weeks, if not months before that. Gary threatened to break Kaden’s fingers if he caught him playing again. I didn’t know that at the time or I would have flown back from Paris just to deal with Gary. Kaden told me when I got home.

  He’s oblivious to all of us staring at him and my heart swells to see Kaden lost in the music that he loves. I had been so afraid Gary had destroyed the music in him.