"Just kidding," I said.
"You're the worst daughter ever," he said back.
"And yet, you love me."
Dad sounded amused despite himself. "I do. But seriously, it's just you and your cousins? Girls only, right?"
I sighed. "Yes, Dad. Like I said before, no boyfriends allowed—or rockstars."
"Alright."
"Just relax. I'll see you in a couple days."
"I'll try, and hey, remember to get gas," he said.
"About to do that now," I said as I pulled into the station.
"Okay, love you, Freya."
"Love you, Dad."
"Be safe."
"I will."
After we hung up, I shook my head. Dad was so funny sometimes. Boyfriends? Please. I knew he was still concerned about this trip, but there was no need. I'd thought of everything, even wrote out an hour-by-hour schedule to stay on track. I was focused. Nothing would divert me from the mission.
Nothing could distract me.
"Hey, Freya."
I heard someone call my name.
I knew that voice.
It sent sparks racing down my spine, and as I turned to look, Tolliver was already jogging toward me.
"Tolliver?" I said in disbelief. "What are you?—"
He reached me and pulled me into a hug, wrapping his strong arms around my waist, lifting me off my feet for breathless moments.
When he set me back down, I forgot where I was for a second.
But Tolliver was here.
He was standing right in front of me, pushing his hands into his pockets, smiling that smile that made my knees weak, looking chagrined but pleased at the same time.
"Sorry about that," he said.
"It's okay," I managed.
"I just missed you."
My heart danced happily in my chest.
"Didn't expect to see you here," he added.
Coming back to myself, I shrugged. "Why not? It's my gas station," I said.
