Lost and Found by Z.A. Maxfield

Author:Z.A. Maxfield
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Published: 2013-11-26T23:00:00+00:00

Ringo sat on the living room floor, listening to Gavin play. Guitar wasn’t where Gavin earned his bread, but his adept fingers found the strings as well or better than anyone Ringo had ever heard in person. He was a musical centaur, half man, half whatever instrument he picked up. What he lacked in skill with any particular instrument, he more than made up for with intuition, passion, and simple enthusiasm.

At Ringo’s back, his mother sat on the couch, humming along. She patted his short hair just like she’d done when he was a kid. Uncle Salvo sat in pride of place, tapping his fingers on the arm of the leather recliner, while all around him, Ringo’s family sat on the floor or leaned against the walls. Gabby rocked somebody’s baby, mesmerized by Gavin’s magic.

That’s my man. Ringo’s heart nearly burst with pride. He’s going home with me.

Gavin didn’t sing as well as he played, but his voice was pleasantly raspy and sweet. The girls joined in, and their voices melded together into something extra special. Mami’s fingers gripped his shoulder, and he knew if he looked, she’d be an emotional mess. It only took a few of her kids singing Christmas carols or acting in a play to make her cry like only a mother could.

Ringo tickled her foot to tease her, and she swatted him playfully. Gavin chose that moment to look over, and their eyes met. Gavin was happy, too. He let what was in his heart show, and then colored and looked down; the smile he couldn’t quite suppress made Ringo happy too.

Ringo’s mami leaned over to whisper, “I like him. Does he treat you right?”

“He’d better.” Ringo thought about the New World Order. “If he doesn’t, I have to kick him to the curb.”

“But you love this one, huh?”

She was giving him the look. He’d squirmed under her highly intuitive gaze since he was born. He didn’t have anyplace to hide. “Yeah.”

“It will be fine. I trust your judgment.”

“That’s one of us.” He leaned his head back and let her card her fingers through his hair again. “I think it’s going to be okay though. Guarded optimism.”

She scrutinized Gavin. “He looks tired, mi’ijo.”

“He’s had a tough week. First, he had knee surgery, and then his dog went missing. He’s pretty broken up over it.”

“Poor boy.”

“I’ve got everyone I know trying to find him.” Which reminded him. He should check his messages. He took out his phone and looked to see if he had any missed calls. “Uh-oh.”

“What?” she asked.

“One of my guys called. I need to get this.” His mami wrinkled her nose at him as he got up and carefully made his way through the sea of people to the backyard. Since the porch was the only place a couple of the old guys who still smoked could go without his mother having a fit, he found his mother’s cousin Jorge out there.

“Hey, man,” Jorge greeted him. He waved his cigarette like an apology.

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