Page 95 of Mr. B

Lester looked at Cassandra. “I guess you’ll be driving that old junker back to Bridgeport.”

Wes cocked his head. “Whoa. Don’t be dissing my classic Jeep Wagoneer with real fabricated wood grain panels.”

Lester laughed. “I’m kidding. The thing is a beast.”

“That’s what I thought. Safe travels, Coach.”

“I’ll see you on Monday.”

Wes and Cassandra walked to the Wagoneer, where Bailey was already in the backseat. Cassandra would drive back since Wes couldn’t with his bad knee.

She turned over the ignition, and the engine rumbled for a moment, then settled into a smooth idle. Cassandra looked at Bailey, then at Wes. “Here we go.”

Wes nodded. “Back to the real world.”

Chapter twenty-four

“Is my cat still alive?”

The engine noise and the car's motion had lulled Wes to sleep. So when it changed, he sat up straight. “Was I asleep?” Cassandra pulled into her driveway, and Wes squinted in the afternoon sun. “I slept the whole way?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry.” He rubbed his face and stifled a yawn.

“It’s fine. You probably didn’t sleep too well last night. I realized that you can’t drive yourself home, so Bailey will follow us to your house in her car.”

“Oh, right. I didn’t think about that.”

“We’ll put our stuff in the house real quick.”

“Take your time.” He turned to Bailey. “Why don’t you take the guitar for a while? Get a feel for it. See how you like it?”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you.”

“I have the perfect teacher for you, too. My brother Milo. He’s a hell of a musician and has the patience of Job.”

“He wouldn’t mind giving me lessons?”

“Not at all.”

“Cool.”

She took her bags and the guitar and headed for the house. Cassandra turned to Wes, then kissed him on the cheek.

“I’m glad she wants to learn.”

“Does the offer to help me buy one for her still stand?”

“Of course, anytime.” He put his hand behind her neck and pulled her close for a kiss. “I’m going to miss seeing you every day.”

“You’re going to see me at school.”

“Right. Not quite the same, though.” He kissed her again, then let her go. She left the car and carried her things into the house. She and Bailey came back out together. Bailey went to her car, while Cassandra got back in next to Wes and started driving.