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Probably Tyler isn’t up for an unbuffered meeting. I may not be either.
Leaning into the apex of the kitchen cabinets while the cup fills, my gaze wanders again to Hollie’s door, an idea percolating, sort of like my coffee. I don’t want the kid to be in kindergarten before I lay eyes on him. Tyler could rescind the half-wilted olive branch at any moment. The way I see it, me not showing up has the potential of sealing my fate for the next decade.
The coffee maker gurgles and sputters from the kitchen as I cross the divide and rap a knuckle on the bedroom door. “Hollie?”
The door swings in almost immediately. I fold my arms and dig a shoulder into the wall. “Good morning.”
Waves that are almost full curls spring around her pink cheeks and sweep her shoulders. “Hi.”
Man, I could roll over to this face every morning and I swear I’d never complain. I’d slip the curls from her face and kiss her cheek…
“John?”
I close my eyes, hopefully squeezing out the stupidity. Hollie has made clear I’m just a guy who’s helping her while she’s in a tight spot. What I need to do is make sure I get out of her way. “You know what? Never mind. I shouldn’t have disturbed you.” I push off the wall.
“You’re not disturbing me. I’ve been awake for a while reading on my phone. I didn’t want to be in your way.”
As if. “You don’t have to hide, Hollie. I assure you, there’s room out here for the both of us.”
Her smile is soft and sweet. “So, what did you need?”
The curve of her mouth draws my eyes.Loaded question, darlin’.
Darling?
Shoot.
Folly, as is so often the case, doubles down. “How would you feel about a road trip?”
She blinks. “With you?”
Ouch, that tone.
“I’m supposed to drive to Waco for my grandson’s birthday party this afternoon. My parents were planning to be there, but Mom’s not feeling well. I thought…maybe…” I give my head a dash. “Sorry. It was a dumb idea.”
“It’s not dumb.”
“Really?” My stomach churns. I sound like a driveling, needy little boy. Feel like one, too. And yet…onward ho.“I don’t want to go alone. I mean, I don’t want to show up alone. Things with me and Tyler aren’t great.”Way to sweeten the pot, Chavez.
Her searching look becomes a soft smile. “Sure. Let’s go.”
On the inside, at least, I know I smile. We agree on a departure time that allows her a chance to get ready, as well as time to stop and buy a gift.
At ten o’clock, she arrives in the living room and stops at the sight of me. “You’re wearing shorts.”
I look down at my khakis and hairy legs. “It’s a cookout, and it’s supposed to be in the eighties this afternoon.”
“Ugh.” She takes herself, her swaying slacks, and her sweater set back to the bedroom, me chuckling in her wake. Yesterday was barely sixty degrees. Today, add twenty-plus. That’s October around these parts.
The length of the denim she emerges in five minutes later is disappointing. I’d gotten my hopes up for something knee-length, maybe even midthigh. Instead, these skinny jeans stop above her ankles, and glittery sandals show off perfect feet with painted toenails.
“Where are we going to stop for a present?” Hollie asks as soon as we hit the freeway.
“Beats me.” What do I know about this kind of thing? “I was hoping you’d have a suggestion.”
“Hmm.” Her fingers in her lap tap.
“You know, I could just stop and get a card and some cash.”
