Leaving Jesse strapped into his car seat, Jake ran over to the designated zone in the schoolyard, reaching it just as the bell went.
“Daddy!”
He heard Melody before he saw her. A whirlwind of long blonde hair, the little girl threw herself at him, dropping her bags in the process.
“I’ve missed you,” she sobbed as he swept her up into his arms. “Really, really missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Miss M,” he admitted, hugging her tight. “Missed all of you.”
“Is the record finished? Are you coming home?” asked the little girl hopefully.
“It’s finished but I’m not coming home just yet,” began Jake, feeling unsure of how to explain the current situation to her. “I’m driving up to New York to help Garrett out. His record is out in three weeks. I’m going to help him out in the music store until then.”
“And play a concert with him in New York?”
“Where did you hear about that idea, Miss M?” he asked, knowing that only a handful of people even knew that that was an idea being mooted.
“I heard Maddy and Jethro talking.”
“It’s rude to listen to other people’s conversations,” he scolded, trying not to sound too harsh.
“Sorry.”
“No harm done this time. Now, will we go and get something to eat?”
“Sushi!” declared Melody emphatically.
“Sushi it is then.”
His time with the kids was all too short. Before heading to their favourite sushi restaurant, he took advantage of the crisp mild October weather and drove them out to the State Park to wander along the trail for an hour or so. Both kids were initially keen to run on ahead of him but, gradually, they had gravitated back to him, content to walk holding his hand. Having them so close and holding his hand; having them so close and knowing he was about to say goodbye again when they reached Grey’s tore at his heart.
“I’m starving!” stated Jesse bluntly as they entered the sushi restaurant.
“Good job we came to dinner early then,” replied Jake, smiling as one of the regular hostesses approached them
“Just the three of you today?” she asked as she reached them.
“Sure is,” replied Jake, flashing her one of his famous “Power” smiles. “Do you have a quiet corner for us?”
“Always, Mr Power,” she answered, her cheeks flushing scarlet. “Follow me, kids.”
During dinner, Jake asked the kids what had been happening while he’d been working on the record. Without hesitation, Melody told him all about school, about Grey visiting during the storm with Anna and Linzi and about how much guitar practice she’d done. Promising to talk to Lori about using Skype or Facetime, Jake assured his daughter that their lessons would continue soon.
“What about you, Jess?” quizzed Jake, sensing that his son was being unnaturally reticent.
“Nothing,” said the little boy quietly. “Tv. Play. Daycare.”
“You being good for your mommy?” checked Jake, wondering if Jesse was trying to avoid telling him he’d been naughty.
“Yes!” he replied indignantly. “I be good.”
“He has, Daddy,” interrupted Melody seriously. “Mommy has been busy with her drawing. We’ve both been good.”
“Glad to hear it,” replied Jake with a smile. “Life is busy for us both right now. If you guys are being well- behaved and looking after each other then that’s a huge help.”
“Have you behaved?” asked Melody, an innocent mischief to the question.
Somewhat taken aback, Jake said, “Always.”
“Mommy said you cheated,” said Jesse innocently.
“Where did you hear that?” asked Jake, trying to disguise his surprise at his son’s comment.
“She was talking to Uncle Grey,” explained the little boy. “She was sad.”
“What does that mean, Daddy?” quizzed Melody, staring across the table at him with eyes so like her mother’s that it ripped a hole in his soul.
“They must have been talking about recording the album,” suggested Jake, struggling to find the right words. “We’ve used some bits of music that were on Uncle Rich’s computer. In a way, that’s cheating.”
He immediately hated himself for lying to his children.
“When can we hear your record?” asked Melody hopefully.
“Soon, Miss M,” he replied, thankful that she’d inadvertently changed the subject. “Dr Marrs still has to work his magic on it. You’ll hear it soon though. Promise.”
Before the kids could ask any more awkward questions, he signalled to the waiter that he wanted the check.
“Let’s pay for dinner then pick up some ice cream to take to Grey’s with us,” suggested Jake, suddenly desperate to be free from the confines of the restaurant.
It was almost seven by the time they arrived at Grey’s house with a box full of ice cream cups for everyone. As soon as he stepped out of the truck, Jake could hear Kaya wailing.
“Best behaviour, kids,” he cautioned. “Sounds like Kaya’s not a happy baby girl tonight.”
“Babies make too much noise,” muttered Melody as she followed him up to the front door.
Holding a rather fractious baby girl in his arms, Grey opened the door to them.
“Hi, welcome to chaos,” he grumbled sourly.
“Swap?” suggested Jake, indicating the box of ice creams.
“Gladly.”
Taking the tiny baby girl from his friend, Jake snuggled her into his shoulder while Grey took the box of ice creams. Whispering softly into the baby’s ear, Jake walked slowly into the living room.
“Where is everyone?” asked Jake, rubbing Kaya’s tiny back gently.
“Upstairs. Becky’s doing homework. Kola’s bathing the girls.”
He sat the box down on the coffee table, saying to Melody and Jesse to help themselves. Switching on the tv for the kids, he nodded to Jake, indicating that he wanted a word in private. As the baby quietened, Jake followed his bandmate
