Chapter 63: The chase was over

ERIC

"Good, you're still here." My shoulders relaxed when I found Cade's large frame sitting longways across the waiting room seat. He and Beth were the only two in the room, so I assumed Jim and Ollie hadn't returned.

"You know, when my employees say that, I normally assume it's sarcastic."

"In this case, no. My parents got held up at their appointment. Could you swing by my house and get Charlie off the bus?"

"What do you want me to do with him after?"

"Well, don't feed him ice cream." I handed him the key to the house. "I guess sit tight until I figure it out."

"Can do." Cade rolled off the couch. "I'll feed him Twizzlers."

I groaned as be bumped my shoulder, then took his seat.

"It takes a village," Beth said.

"Oh, they weren't kidding. I don't even have a job yet and I can barely keep up."

"Well, I would say it gets easier, but next up is middle school and - "

"Nope, don't even want to think about it."

Beth laughed. "From what I've seen, you're handling it all pretty we