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12
BRYNN
Brynn slid her purse over her shoulder and walked down the stairs. Aaron was stretched out on the couch with a novel in his hands. Something about the image brought a flutter to her belly. She swallowed and waited at the edge of the room.
Whatever Aaron was reading must have been riveting because he didn’t look up. She peeked at the side and recognized the title from the bookstore. He was reading romance? Sure, she’d seen a few novels on his shelves at a quick glance, but she’d assumed maybe someone else had left them, maybe an old girlfriend or something.
She cleared her throat.
He lowered the book and gave her a bashful smile. “Oh, hey.”
“Hello. Uh, can you point me in the direction of the nearest bus stop?”
His brows drew together before he flicked his wrist to the side and checked his watch. “Do you have a late shift at the diner?”
She shook her head. “No. I, uh, attend a meeting in town.”
“Oh, well, I’d be happy to drive you.” He closed his book and set it on the coffee table in front of him before he got to his feet.
“I don’t want to be any trouble. I’m really okay to take the bus.”
His attention turned to her. “The closest bus stop is probably three miles away. I don’t mind, really. We’ll figure things out until we get you your license. Is Dani coming?”
Three miles? That was too far to walk. She’d be late. Maybe next week she could plan ahead, or stay in town after her shift. With all the excitement of the wedding and moving all her things, she hadn’t thought to research it beforehand.
“Yes, she’ll be right down.”
He nodded. “It’s no problem. I’ll go get my wallet.”
Aaron bypassed her and jogged up the steps just as Dani walked down them, a backpack hung on her shoulder most likely filled with activities to keep her occupied while Brynn was in her meeting.
She made her way to the garage, then climbed into the car, her daughter following. Aaron was a moment behind them, pressing the button to open the bay door. He started the Rover and buckled before backing out. Soft jazz music hummed through the speakers as he turned around and drove them down his long driveway towards town.
“What time do you need me to pick you up?” Aaron asked, turning the music down a notch.
“I don’t want to trouble you. I can catch the bus at least to the stop closest to you.”
He tapped his fingers on the wheel to the beat of the music. “It’s really not any trouble. In fact, I don’t mind hanging around town while you’re busy. Does Dani go with you, or does she want to join me for some milkshakes and arcade time?”
“Can I go with Aaron, Mom? Pleeease?”
I don’t have money to waste on games and eight-dollar milkshakes. “I don’t want us to be any more trouble.”
Aaron reached out his arm, as if to squeeze her knee, but then seemed to think better of it, returning his hand to his own lap. “Brynn, I promise I won’t offer something unless I’m willing to do it. We’ll have fun. And it’s my treat.”
“I can’t let you pay for her. You’ve already done too much for us.”
“There’s no keeping score. I told you. If you’d rather send her with some spending cash, that’s fine. But I did invite her, and my mama taught me that a gentleman always pays for his guests,” he said, his Southern drawl enunciating “mama.”
After she’d found out his brother’s story, she was surprised to see his parents at the wedding. The introductions seemed strained, yet they were apparently going to be sharing Thanksgiving with them. Had they changed?
“Are you okay with that?” Aaron asked.
Brynn blinked. “Hmm?”
“The arcade?”
“Oh, yes. I guess so. But I prefer to pay for her.” She dug out her worn wallet and pulled fifteen dollars out before handing it over to Dani.
