“Yeah.” That part, I did agree on. It was nice not to be frozen. I just didn’t know how long it was going to last.
“Boys.” Sir’s voice made Asher lean his head on my shoulder. “This is Scarlett. Asher and Dakota.”
“Hello,” a woman greeted as she came around Sir. She had light blond hair that was pulled into some sort of braid on one shoulder. Her smile was soft as if she knew exactly who we were. I dropped my eyes, almost thankful for Asher’s form against my side.
“Has Mr. Gilbert told you who I am?” She went on, asking more towards Asher, or I at least assumed so.
“Kinda.” Asher shrugged against me. “You…may let me stay with you? But I like it here. I don’t know why I need to leave. Allister is nice. And so is Dakota. I can help. Right, Allister? I can help you here like I have been doing all day. I’ll cook, clean, whatever you need.”
“You know you can’t stay here, kid,” Sir said gently as he stepped closer to where we were sitting. Then, he took a seat on the chair as Asher huffed, folding his arms across his chest.
“He’s right,” Scarlett stated. “You are a minor.”
“I’m practically an adult!”
“Sixteen is not an adult. The law won’t look at the fact you have seen more than anyone your age ever should. You are a minor,” Scarlett repeated. “Without parents or guardians. That’s what I do. I take those kinds of kids in. I can give you everything you need and get you into school and around kids your age.”
“I don’t need others my age.” Although the words were spoken, I could hear the curiosity in the tone. “I had friends with Donald.”
“Do you really want to count old men as friends?” That was Sir.
“No.” Asher lost his fight, his body leaning more on me. “But-“
“No. None of that,” Scarlett said. I lifted my eyes enough to see her shake her head. “I’ll make you a deal.”
“I’m listening,” Asher trailed off, but the lady had his full attention.
“If my house isn’t the best match for you, you let me find one more place to try. Only then, if Allister is up to let you stay, then you can. But you have to try. Give it a few weeks to settle in. Get to know me, my husband, and another foster kid.”
“You have a kid?” That got Asher’s attention.
“Yes,” Scarlett smiled. “Zee’s almost five and came from an awful home, and tends not to be as talkative as most of the kids his age. He’s charming.”
“Oh.” Asher swallowed. “I…I don’t think that…I mean. I don’t…not with…”
“You like helping others. You adapt easily to different situations, and you look well put together. Why wouldn’t you be accepted as you are into my family?”
“What about him?” Asher nudged me.
“Dakota is an adult,” Sir was the one to answer this time. “His situation is very different. Plus, he’sconnected to my work. Which I can’t talk about, so don’t ask.”
“So, what do you say?”
“Fine. I guess. Not like I have a choice.” Asher grumbled, acting like the teenager he truly was.
“After a few days and you get settled in, maybe you could visit with Dakota. He seems like he could use a friend.”
“I can do that?” That caused Asher to perk up instantly.
“Absolutely,” Sir answered. “If Dakota is up to it, of course.”
I could read between the lines. Sir didn’t want me to have a friend. He didn’t want Asher here longer than the kid needed to be.
“Okay.” Asher sat up straighter. “If…I don’t have to…do certain things like I did with Donald? Allister said I wasn’t allowed to do anything here like that.”
“No. Absolutely not. You never have to do anything like that again. You have the power to say no.”
“That goes for Dakota, too,” Sir supplied. At my name, I quickly turned to look at him, only to squeeze my eyes shut tight as a spike of pain hit me.
