Mariah closed her eyes and
exhaled. The jig was up, but her agitation only amplified. “Look, it’s none of
your business what I’m doing here—or what’s going on with my car. Can you please
take a hint and go? I’m good. I’m fine. I got this. Bye.”
“Alright, I will. Didn’t wanna
intrude…just thought it was strange seeing you out here like this.”
“And it’s not weird for you to be
out here?”
“I’m ’bout to hit the road.
That’s why I’m here—stopped to get gas.”
“Okay, and so was I. Happy?” she
asked, crossing her arms. “I was going to drive to Texas to see my dad.”
Mason’s brow creased. “Figured
you’d spend it with your mom like you’ve been the past couple years.”
“This year’s different. I decided
not to. I wanted to spend it with my dad in Texas, but obviously that’s not
going to happen now that my car’s dead.”
A long beat passed between them
where neither moved and neither spoke. His eyes bored into hers and the gears
in his brain could practically be seen turning. Her own burned with irritation
as she edged toward a dismissive goodbye and returned to her car. Finally, a
slight smile cracked onto Mason’s bearded face.
“I’ll drive you,” he said
quietly.
“What do you mean drive me?”
“I’ll take you if you want. I’m
headed to California. I’ll drop you off on the way.”
Mariah blinked and stared. Words
scrambled around uselessly in her head. “Me and you? Drive to Texas together?”
“Why not?” he asked, turning his
gaze onto the parking lot. His pickup truck waited parked on the opposite end.
“I’m already headed that way.”
“It’ll add extra time to your
trip…”
“I don’t mind. I’ve got the time
for it,” he said vaguely. He shrugged again. “Choice’s yours. If you don’t want
to, I get it. But I need to know. I’m already thirty minutes off schedule.”
The crossroads left her more conflicted
than ever. On one hand, she couldn’t imagine spending the next couple days
solely in his company, forced to endure the tight confines of his truck after
what they’d been through. But on the other hand, the ghostly college campus and
chaotic household with Mom and Bill seemed much worse. Then she pictured Dad,
alone and sullen in his townhouse for Christmas. She drew in a shaky breath and
listened to what her heart whispered.
“Okay,” she said with a hesitant
nod. “I’ll go with you.”
Loved the blurb.
ReplyDeletethis looks like a great read!
ReplyDeleteMila Nicks is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every book of hers that I have read.
ReplyDelete