"You don't know as much as you think you do, kid."
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say I know what it's like to have known someone who didn't treat me right. I also know what it's like to have a mom who was willing to do anything to keep me safe. You're lucky. If your mom is seeking help, you should thank her because you have someone who cares about you. Not everyone does."
"Wait, you? But you...you're...?"
"What?"
"Well, you seem all nice and stuff. How would you know what it's like?"
"Bad people come in all forms and sizes. But so do the good ones. The only way to know for sure is to get to know them a little. You can still be cautious, but don't be so closed off."
He nodded, and I hoped he was really listening. "And that's part of the point of this place. Instead of being resentful, try getting the stick out of your ass and start being grateful for people like your mom, Grace, and everyone else here."
Great. Cursing at a child? Adults weren't supposed to do that. Damn, I was such a fuck-up. This is why I don't do kids. "Look, kid, I'm sorry, I shouldn't—"
"Micah."
"What?"
"My name's Micah. Micah Daniels."
"Right. Micah. I shouldn't have lectured you, and I definitely shouldn't have used language like that."
He grinned at me, the real kind, not the angry smirk I'd seen earlier. "You think I haven't heard worse? I think you're the first person who’s talked to me like I wasn't three."
"Yeah? Well, no surprise, since you were acting like you were three, sitting over here all pouty and stuff. I was starting to wonder if maybe you needed someone to take you to the bathroom to wipe your butt."
He started to laugh, but stopped, as if he remembered he wasn't supposed to have any fun here.
"What do you say, Micah? It might not be perfect, but it might not be as bad as you think, either. You won't know without trying. And even if you don't do it for yourself, maybe there's some other kid like you who would benefit."
"Fiiine. But I'm not saying I'm going to like it here, so don't go thinking you've worked some miracle here."
"Understood. Cross 'Miracle Worker' off my resume. Way to slay me, Micah." It felt good to see his responding grin.
Through the window, I saw a car pull up. "What do you say to helping me get the pizza I ordered."
"Pizza?" His eyes lit up, then he grinned. "See," he bumped my elbow as he walked to the door with me. "I told you that you were one of those nice guys."
I nudged him back. "Shh. Don't tell anyone. That can't go on my resume either."
He snorted. "Weirdo."
"Pizza!" Happy cries of the other kids bounced off the walls once they saw us open the door. Micah started opening boxes while I paid for it. He was swarmed within seconds, and I saw him smile and even talk to a couple of the others.
I smelled her soft, vanilla scent seconds before I was hip checked. Grace stood beside me, a bemused look on her face. "Pizza? Nice touch."
I could think of more than a dozen ways I'd like to show her a nice touch. "It's not the lunch I promised, but it was the best I could do given my kidnapped status. I'll make it up to you."
She didn't answer. We stood side by side watching teenagers demolish the pizza as if they'd been starved for days.
She laughed then grew serious, resting her hand on my arm. Earnest blue eyes stared into mine. "Sorry, time got away from me. I didn't mean to keep you here this long. But to me, this is better than some fancy restaurant, Jax. I liked having a chance to see this side of you, not the ass I saw in your office."
When I didn't answer, she looked over at the table where Micah was eating with a couple of boys. "I saw you talking to Micah. You're the first person who's gotten him to talk.” She nudged me with her elbow. “You did good today, Mr. Carter. You made a difference despite your reluctance. Color me impressed."
The warm sensation returned. I'd created gadgets that sold for millions and closed tough deals for even more. I'd always felt a sense of satisfaction when that happened. But the pride her praise unleashed were invaluable. I wasn't sure how to describe it. Her words meant something to me because they were personal. All these years I'd fought not to give a fuck what anyone thought of me, and this woman had found a crack and slipped right in. I didn't know how to push her out. More so, I wasn't sure I wanted to.