Page 17 of Truck

“Okay, I’ll do that, Truck. I agree with the register thing too by the way,” Mitchell seems to remember to answer my question.

“I’ll get it organized because I believe it’s the best move for us. We’ve nearly finished in here, so get ready for the outdoor work we need to get done,” I shrug before stretching my back at the thought of all the work in front of me.

Xero and Collins walk through from the office area and give me a huge smile. “What are you two smiling at?”

Collins is the first to reply. “Well, the office is done, the restrooms are nearly done, and the storeroom is cleared of all removed cardboard packaging. The employee area is cleaned out, but needs new lockers, tables and chairs, and anything else you think an employee will need. We have to remember that if we have 24-hour opening, whoever is on duty during the night needs everything they may need. Fridge, microwave, air-fryer or something?”

Xero nods his head in agreement. “We’ll deal with this area, Truck, and then you’ll be free to organize what you want outdoors. If that suits you?”

“Okay, you finish those between you. I’m going to get two prospects back to help clean up the frontage. The gas station looks like what it was, abandoned and a disgusting mess. If I can get on to that and Mitchell is looking at the shower thing while you are finishing indoors, we can get the damn place done and ready to open,” I say all this with some frustration, because I’m ready to be done with the physical side, and start learning what is needed in the office.

Walking into the diner, I’m disappointed not to see Rory. I am about to ask Maisy what time Rory is working when I notice a board on the wall with the rotation of the serving staff. So, Rory is back on the evening shift. Great, I’ll come back and have my late meal here.

After grabbing a good amount of food for lunches I head back to the gas station. Passing out the food, I see the three assholes are smirking at each other. Rum has a blank face, but his eyes are fuckin’ sparkling.

“Say anything, fuckers, and you can feed yourselves from today forward,” I snap as I take a huge bite of the turkey and ham sandwich I’m holding. Interesting that they all shut the fuck up and eat quietly with no other comments.

Bull walks around the building from where he’d been working, and he has death in his gaze.

“The fucking office isn’t coming for another four to six weeks.” Snarling as he throws himself onto the bench we are sitting at, and right before he grabs a BLT from the bag in front of him.

“Why?” Rum asks as he places his sandwich down and picks up the bottle of water in front of him.

“Seems there has been a multiple-vehicle pile-up, and of course, my fuckin’ office was involved and it’s smashed to shit,” Bull takes an aggressive bite of his BLT, and we all look at him shocked.

I’m stunned at the news, and I can understand how pissed Bull is feeling. He was hoping to get the recovery business moved to the gas station before the end of the month, but with this it is not going to happen.

Rum surprises us when he asks. “Was anyone killed?”

“Not that I know of Rum. It thankfully didn’t take any lives. There are a few people in the hospital, mind you,” Bull responds.

Nodding, Rum speaks again. “Bull, it’s just an office. It will be replaced, and yes, I understand it is frustrating, but it is better for the building to perish than a human life.”

Bull’s response only takes a moment. “Yeah, you’re right, Rum.” Bull takes a bottle of water and two pastries before walking away from us. But he is much calmer, and we all look at Rum who, in his quiet way did what none of us were capable of.

The rest of the day passed quickly. Tomorrow, I start on the frontage of the place. I know nothing about flowers or shrubs, so I may have to send a prospect to the nearest gardening place. I need to arrange for two prospects to help, so I’m going to head to the clubhouse before I go for my meal at the diner.

I’d best get a shower and change. If I’m going to eventually ask Rory out on a date, I need to give her a good impression. I’ve never been on a proper date before. Maybe I should speak to Cilla about what I should do?

Sitting in the diner, I watch Shelby behind the counter and Rory serving. They are efficient, working together like a well-oiled cog. I ordered a double cheese and bacon burger with fries, and onion rings on the side.

I take my time eating and thank Rory each time she tops off my coffee. When she disappears into the back, I wave Shelby over.

“What’s up?” Shelby asks, and I point to the seat across from me.

“What can you tell me about Rory?”

Shelby looks at me for quite a while until she is satisfied that I’m not here to cause Rory any problems.

“Rory is a widow. Her husband died of a heart condition. She has moved here to create a fresh start, a new life, and you best not cause her any shit. She is a fantastic person, and I’m going to support her in any way that I can,” Shelby tells me a little more, followed by her giving me a look that says she’ll rip me a new one if I cause any type of problem for Rory.

“I have no intention of causing trouble, Shelby. I intend to ask Rory out for a meal. Maybe not yet but given time. I want her to get used to me being around. Get to know me a little and trust me some. Then I’ll ask her out with all intention of it being serious.”

Shelby studies me again, searching my face for my honesty, I’m sure. “I’ll be watching you, Truck.”

“I’m sure you will,” I reply, watching as she returns to her position behind the counter. I give her a chin lift and leave the diner, whistling because I like what I’ve seen so far, but I feel that I’ll have to take it slow now I know that Rory lost her husband, and not too long ago.

My phone ringing wakes me, and I roll over in bed and grab it from the bedside table. Seeing Collins calling, I quickly take it. “What’s up?”