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How could I be so mad at her for something she had no control over? I wanted what she said to be true. Only a fool would think otherwise. I stopped my steps, taking a few excruciating breaths. Looking around, I noticed I was close to Pap’s food truck. All I had to do was take one more turn behind two houses and the view of the beach would greet me.
When I finally reached Pap’s truck, the rain barely trickled, the beach was calm at this time of night. I placed my hand on the truck like it was the only connection I had with him and I dropped to my knees looking up at the sky.
“Why?... Why the fuck did you leave me?” I asked the stars coating the blackened sky.
I hung my head low, “I can’t fucking believe this.” I sobbed, “I’m truly going to miss you, old man.” I accepted defeat, kissed my palm, and slowly touched the truck again. I sat there for hours trying to find some sort of feeling that he was close by, even if it was a delusion.
My mind wandered back to Ginny repeatedly until I realized that maybe Pap was there after all. Maybe he was leading me toward a happier existence, but it was still unfathomable to be happy without Paps here to share in the good times. I reminisced about the times’ Paps and I had here at this truck. The small tidbits of wisdom that he gave me daily when I would stop by for lunch. He always put an extra pickle on my plate because he knew how much I loved them. He smiled at everyone who crossed his path. He made friends every day, not just acquaintances. He was my father and the best role model a guy could have.
When I was about to stand, I saw something move in the corner of my eye and when I turned my head in the direction, Ginny was walking my way. Her hair was drenched by the rain she looked so beautiful.
I managed to get myself back, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know this is where you would come. I can leave…”
I quickly responded, “No, it’s fine.” I paused momentarily trying to gain some composure, “I wanted to apologize for earlier. “
She looked confused, “Apologize for what?” She took a few more steps closer to me.
I mirrored her steps forward, “For the way I behaved, for doubting you even if just for a second.” I regretted it but she didn't seem to care. She seemed baffled by the comment like I was overreacting or something.
“Hunt…” She covered the small distance between us and hugged me tightly. The rain began to pour which caused her to shiver. She whispered in my ear, “I still have the key, let’s sit inside the truck.”
I held her a little longer before we headed inside. The food truck was narrow, we managed to pull out two folding chairs and sat in front of each other. Our knees interlocked, I placed my hand on her thigh. She placed hers on top of my hand.
We both said, “I’m…” and chuckled.
“You first,” I told her.
“So, I’ve had a shitty day also, not to pile up but it’s been something all day and the circumstances are not in our favor, but I need to tell someone.” She bit her bottom lip and tried to fix her wild hair that started to dry.
I genuinely reassured her, “Please, tell me about your day.”
She sighed, “I know it’s the worst time to whine about my shit, but I’m tired of keeping it inside.” Her eyes started to water, “My fucked-up cheating ex took all my money and ruined my chances for my own bike shop. The whole reason I’m here is to try to get my business back on track. I left everything behind with him. I left everything… my family and friends, just for me to start from rock bottom.”
"Yeah, well that courage didn't do me any good, I was at the bank today before you saw me at the house, to try to get a loan. Without a down payment or some sort of collateral, they won’t back me. Somehow my bank account has been bled dry, again. The only thing I could think of was when I accidentally left my bag on the bike all day, but everything was there. What bothered me the most was that I could’ve sworn I brought it in the truck with me.” She took another breath then continued, “It doesn’t matter anyway, I found out that they denied me because the douchecanoe fucked up my reputation by running the business into the ground. So now until I settle his debt, I’m undesirable to lenders." She took a shuddering breath.
I leaned in closer, making her look me in the eyes while I gently put my finger under her chin, tilting it to face me. Hearing her say that she was undesirable was unthinkable to me. There should never be a time where Ginny felt anything but desired. "Everything happens for a reason, and this is just a minor setback. I believe in you. "
She smiled and wiped away a stray tear.
After a few hours, we went back to Mary's house to give back the key and to make sure she was in good care, she wanted to be alone.
GINNY
The night in the food truck with Hunter really opened my eyes. I saw him completely differently, like the way we always talked together as kids. It was refreshing to know that deep down, he really hadn't changed much.
This morning when I headed down the stairs, I was a total mess. I needed a long shower to get rid of all the sweat and tears from last night. I peered at my phone to find multiple texts from Kara. She must’ve heard about Pap and wanted to check on me, however, the sight in front of me distracted me from texting her back.
Mary was sitting at the table staring blankly outside the window and I didn't think she noticed me arriving. I didn’t want to bother her, but I didn’t want to startle her either. She’d had enough shock for one lifetime.
"Hey," was all I could muster like I was scared to hurt her feelings if I said more.
She quickly turned her head back like she expected Paps to be the one coming down the stairs to greet her. "Oh…” She paused, her eyes swollen from a long sorrowful night, “Morning sweetie."
I stared at the empty cup in front of her, "Did you want coffee?"
"Hmm? Oh… sure," she replied, but she seemed lost.
Chewing the inside of my cheek, I added, “Have you talked to anyone today, yet?”
