Page 11 of Uproot

Edison slowly warms up to his uncle, and Beckett keeps the conversation light, asking more about his interests and favorite cartoon characters.

I mostly eat quietly while they chat, leaving them the space to get to know one another. Helen doesn't say anything throughout dinner, and keeps getting out her phone to check her messages. She doesn't seem very happy to be here, and I know that Beckett said that she is his assistant, but I wonder if that's all they really are.

Then I wonder why on earth I'm wondering.

When we finish eating, Beckett, and Edison both help me clear the table, while Helen goes outside to take a call. We work together to load the dishwasher and wipe down my small table, getting everything back into place.

I go to put away some trash, and when I turn my head I see Beckett staring at me. The way he's watching me makes me feel more than a bit self-conscious, so I do what I do best when I'm nervous.

Ramble like hell.

"So, you live in New York, right? That must be so amazing. I've never traveled there before. I haven't really traveled anywhere really. Just to a few places in the state. Redland, Verona-oh! And I've been down to the beach in Seabrook a few times. But not really out of state very far."

I finally catch myself and clamp my mouth shut, glancing back over at Beckett to see him leaning against the counter, giving me an amused look.

"I've lived in New York my whole life and I honestly don't travel a ton either. Especially now that I work so much, there isn’t much time to leave the city," he says, folding his arms over his chest.

"What do you do?" I ask, moving to wipe down the counters to keep myself busy.

"I own a technology and gaming company," he explains. "I'm mainly focusing on creating new apps right now."

I raise my eyebrows unable to hide my surprise. "Wow, you do?"

He smiles, and I almost die when a husky chuckle escapes him. "Is that so surprising, Selah?"

My eyes move to his tattooed hands, wondering once again where else he has them. "I've just never seen a Tech CEO with hand tats. They are normally a little more on the nerdy, or reserved side honestly. That's pretty cool," I admit.

His eyes shine with amusement as he nods slowly, "I admit the Tech industry isn't super diverse, but nobody gives a shitabout how many tattoos you have once you're making millions, sweetheart. I promise you."

I clutch the towel in my hand, trying to disregard the way my stomach feels hearing him call me that name.

I clear my throat and set the towel down on the counter, just when Edison comes into the kitchen. He races over and wraps his arms around my waist, giving me a tight hug.

I think he knows what is about to happen next, and I frown, realizing that he is growing nervous again.

Beckett pushes off of the counter and looks down at his watch. "We better get going. I know he has school tomorrow, and I'd like to get him settled in at my rental."

Edison squeezes me tighter, not moving an inch. I know even though he seems to get along with Beckett that this is still strange for him. I rub his back and try to think of something that will help him calm down.

"Edi, how about we go get your backpack and Ruffy?" I suggest quietly.

He slowly lets go of me, then runs off to my guest bedroom without responding.

Beckett gives me a look, "Ruffy?" he asks.

"Oh! It's his stuffed dog. He said that he's had him since he was a baby. He doesn't leave him behind, even when he goes to school. You have to make sure you put it in his backpack," I explain, walking with him towards my guest room.

Beckett nods, "Anything else I should know?"

I think it over, trying to remember the other things I wanted to let him know, "He doesn't like sleeping in the dark. He says it gives him bad dreams. I ran out and got a night light from the hardware store for him yesterday, so I'll give that to you to take. He's not a picky eater, so pretty much whatever you give him he will eat, even though he's not too big on broccoli."

We both stop in the hallway outside of my guest room door, "Well neither am I. So that'll be fine," he responds, locking my eyes with his. "Thank you, Selah. I know that this situation is a gigantic clusterfuck, and you didn't sign up for any of this just by being his teacher."

I rub my arm, looking over at the door, "I was happy to do it, really. And if there's anything else that you need while you're here, please don't hesitate to ask me. I really care about Edison, and I know this has been an especially hard year for him," I offer.

"I have the feeling that none of his years have been easy. Unfortunately," he responds with a frown.

I sigh, then decide to ask the question I've been wondering since Sheriff Vaughn told me Beckett was coming. "How come you haven't met Edison before? Are you and Charlie not close?"

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