That was a stretch, but… whatever.
"Your mama okay?" Mr. Nelson asked, suddenly less surly and more sincere.
"She's fine," I said, makin' for my truck, but he was hot on my heels.
"Luke?"
"Also fine." As far as I knew, anyway.
"Well, what the hell am I supposed to do about dog food?"
"Supermarket has some!" I called over my shoulder as I slid into the driver's seat and closed the door.
Because I wasn't the world'sworstson and brother, I shot off a text to my mom and Luke.
BRODY
Somethin came up
Had to close the store for a bit
Sorry
My mama, bless her soul, replied without missin' a beat.
MOM
It's ok sweetheart
I'll head on over
BRODY
Thanks mom
And, for good measure…
BRODY
Luke you alive?
I waited twenty seconds max for a reply that never came before I was backin' out of the store's parkin' lot and takin' 89 south.
Because Calvin had called.
So I went runnin'.
I pulledup next to Calvin's truck thirty-four minutes later without a speeding ticket, which was a stroke of luck or fate or some shit like that.
I opened my door, closed it, opened hers, and slid into the passenger seat.
She had her head leaned back against the headrest, eyes on the ceiling. Didn't look at me when I got in. Just stayed exactly as she was, like she'd been holding that position for the better part of an hour and had made her peace with it.
I looked at the facility through the windshield. Flower beds. Nice enough place.
Looked back at her.
"You ready?"
