Tailspin Anthology

Will

Christian meets someone unexpectedly.

"That's great news." Jason beamed while talking on the phone with Christian's father. "Thanks, Calvin. Emma and I appreciate everything you did for us. We'll see you guys on Sunday." He whooped in glee and pumped his fist in the air.

"Am I interrupting something?" Sarah asked Jason when she entered his workspace.

"You're dad just called and told me that he and your mom discovered an ecosystem of rare frogs at the swamp that my dad gave Emma and I. They were making it part of the sanctuary and offered us a settlement for relinquishing the property to them."

A smile formed on Sarah's face. "That is great news."

"And the best part is that my dad can suck it."

Sarah frowned at Jason. "You aren't going to rub it in his face, are you?"

"No." Jason spoke. "As tempting as it is, I don't want to risk him suing us because he 'overlooked' something on the deed."

"Turning the other cheek. Wise move."

"A tactical move." Jason spoke before eyeing the paperwork on his desk. "I better finish these if I want to be ready for when Christian picks me up."

Sarah smiled again. "He's getting used to the new car I see."

"I can be very persuasive."

"How did my brother get out early today?"

"Mr. Niko had him deliver baskets of goodies to clients. And he was able to go home when he finished."

"Lucky duck." Sarah muttered.

"Yeah." Jason spoke. "I bet he's spilling food on the couch before taking a nap with some kind of reality TV show playing loudly."

Sarah shrugged. "I wouldn't doubt it." She heard her name being called. "I better get back to work. I'll catch you later."

Jason's phone pinged as Sarah was leaving. Checking it, he found a text from Christian.

'I arrived home, but I am heading out to get fish sticks and crinkle fries for dinner.'

Jason smiled as he replied, 'You better press the right button on the air fryer this time.'

'That only happened when we first got the air fryer.' Christian texted back.

Jason's grin widened when he moved his fingers on the touch screen. 'Whatever you say. See you in a few hours?'

'It's a date, you jerk.'

Shaking his head in amusement, Jason put his phone away and returned to work.

As Christian climbed down the last of the stairs of the condo building, a pale male in his forties dressed in a brown suit and tie was standing in the corner of the parking lot. When his light blue eyes spotted him, a pit formed in Christian's stomach.

"You!" The man called out to him.

Christian began to slowly back away when the man's next words stopped him dead cold. "I am Jason's father!"

Christian stared at the older man with wide unbelieving eyes. "Jason isn't talking to his father at the moment!"

The pale man's jaw clenched tightly as his peripheral noticed onlookers staring at them. "I wish to speak with you!" Christian diverted his gaze when Jason's dad took a step forward. "It'll only take a moment, so please."

Feeling curiosity overriding his better judgement, Christian nodded before cautiously making his way over to him.

Jason's dad narrowed his eyes like a predator ready to pounce on his prey when Christian got close enough.