Page 12 of Just in Time
The moment he opened the door; he heard the screech of children playing. Together they made their way to the door. Blaze didn’t knock. He strolled inside with German on his heels.
“Okay. The fun one is here. You can get started now.”
A smile snapped to German’s lips at Blaze’s shout. It wasn’t like German to feel out of place. This was different. This was the one situation where German didn’t fit—a real home.
A stampede of kids poured into the room, running straight for Blaze. They all tried speaking at once, and German couldn’t stop smiling at the sight.
Over the noise, Blaze motioned his way. “This is German.”
The adults sitting around the family room nodded and shouted their names. He barely heard a single one. The kids took Blaze all the way to floor with their antics. Of course, Blaze hammed it up along the way.
“No. They’re too much for me. I never stood a chance.” He fell forward, landing in a controlled heap on the floor while at least seven kids tackled him. German’s face hurt from smiling as he watched. Then a lone child caught his attention. He looked like he was maybe three, and he didn’t join the melee. The boy also didn’t smile. He watched the ridiculousness wearing a solemn expression and holding an iPad.
German’s heart twisted. He moved closer and went down on his knees. He held his hand out to shake while maintaining eye contact. “I’m German.”
The child who looked way too much like an adult shook German’s hand. “I’m Ben.” He flipped his iPad around. “Look. I drew an airplane.”
German eyed the drawing. It was impressive, considering how young Ben had to be. “That’s awesome. No way I could’ve done that.” He glanced toward where Blaze still wrestled with kids. “They’re a little loud, huh?”
Ben nodded. “Do you want to see my other drawings?”
“I’d love to.”
He looked at each image Ben showed him. He listened while Ben explained each one in the most adorable of kid ways. It took him a second to realize everyone had gone silent and was watching him. Even the other kids looked perplexed.
An older lady, standing in the doorway that looked as if it led to the kitchen, had her hand over her mouth. When German met her stare, she dropped her hand and smiled. “I’m Ruth, Justin’s mom.” She moved forward with her hand outstretched.
German accepted without moving from his spot on the floor. “German. Nice to meet you.”
“You as well. Justin told me all about you. I appreciate anyone willing to put themselves in danger to protect others. Not just anyone would do that.”
He didn’t know what to say. On one hand, she complimented him. On the other hand, had Blaze told her he was his bodyguard? That stung. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Her smile grew a hair. Blaze had her eyes and nose. She looked Blaze’s way and sighed. “Get back outside. Everyone just plopping around my living room in the wet swimsuits. You know better.”
The gaggle of kids ran for a door that led to the pool.
Blaze stood. His clothes were soaked from the kids’ suits. German bit back a laugh at the sight. He couldn’t hold it any longer when Blaze shot forward and hugged his mom, making sure her clothes ended up wet too. He kissed her cheek several times, being as obnoxious as possible. “It’s my mom. Love you.”
Her laughter said it all. They were a happy family. German’s throat swelled. His chest felt like it might cave at any second.
Ruth swatted Blaze away. “Get outside. Your dad is manning the grill, and all his work buddies are gathered around shouting different directions for cooking meat.”
Blaze looked so ridiculously happy. German couldn’t look away. “You’re right. That’s my favorite show.” He reached for German and urged him to his feet. “Let’s go, babe. You have to see this.There isn’t a man in any fire station who doesn’t think he's an expert on grilling. It’s the most hilarious pissing contest you’ll ever see.”
German hesitated. He hated to leave Ben behind. German looked down, and Ben’s shoulders were slumped. He held his free hand out to Ben. “Are you coming, buddy? You can’t leave me with these heathens.”
Ben kept his head down, but he took German’s hand. The three of them made their way out back to the pool. Ben had a hard time keeping up with their long strides. Three steps out the door, German stooped and held his arms open. To his surprise, Ben let him pick him up. He hugged his tablet to his chest while Blaze led them to the grill. Sure enough, at least seven men gathered, talking about salt and grill marks. When the man with the spatula turned, German would have known he was Blaze’s dad even if he didn’t know. Somehow, Blaze looked exactly like his dad while still having his mom’s nose and eyes. Just like Blaze, he also looked way younger than what had to be his age with so many damn kids.
A bright smile lit the man’s face as he hugged Blaze, rocking him back and forth. It couldn’t have been more obvious he didn’t care about Blaze’s wet clothes. “I wondered when the birthday boy would get here.” With one arm still around Blaze, Blaze’s father looked his way. “This must be your man.”
Blaze didn’t deny it.
German didn’t know what to say.
Thankfully, Blaze’s dad stepped forward and offered his hand, saving German from reacting. “I’m Jim, dad of this miscreant. It’s German, right?”
German pasted on a polite smile and shook Jim’s hand. “That’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
