Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“Thanks for the offer, but I drove up in my truck, so I’ll need to drive back in it, too.”
“Right, of course.”
I took a sip of coffee and asked, “How are you getting to the airport?”
“By taxi.”
“Why don’t you let me take you? I’m heading south anyway, so I’ll be driving right past it.”
“I’d like that, as long as you’re sure it’s not any trouble.”
“It isn’t.”
This conversation felt a little awkward. Why was I so shy around him this morning? He seemed more reserved than usual, too. We’d been perfectly relaxed around each other the night before, but now we were acting like polite strangers.
After breakfast, Tory gathered his things and checked out of the hotel. He started to flag down a parking attendant when we got outside, but I said, “They charge a fortune to park here overnight, so I found a spot on the street. It’s a few blocks away. You can wait here if you want, and I’ll come and pick you up.”
“I’d rather walk with you.”
“Okay. Want me to carry one of your bags?” He had a large suitcase on wheels, along with a garment bag that was draped over his arm.
“Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
Our walk took us straight down a steep hill—so much better than my hike up it the day before. Along the way, we talked about random stuff like the weather. Once we reached my truck, I opened the back of the camper shell for him so he could put his bags inside.
I’d never really cared that my ride was ancient and shabby, until now. But what did it matter if I drove a thirty-year-old rust bucket? Tory already knew he and I were from wildly different walks of life. This was probably what he’d expected me to drive.
I unlocked the passenger door for him before circling around to unlock my side. When I slid behind the wheel, I glanced at Tory, who was standing outside his open door.
He was holding up the anal sex pamphlet and a smiling stuffed eggplant, and he grinned at me and said, “All of this looks like a good time.”
“Oh shit.” I’d totally forgotten about Vee’s care package, which I’d left dumped out on the passenger seat. I could feel myself blushing as I grabbed the tote bag and started cramming everything back into it. “My son’s housemate works at a community health clinic. He sent all of this with me after brunch yesterday.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s fantastic. I’m particularly fond of this little guy.” He wiggled the plush eggplant.
“Keep it. I have two.”
“You sure?”
“Definitely. And grab some rubbers, if you want.”
“I’d better leave those for you,” he teased. “What if you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you need a hundred condoms?”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t have any massive orgies on my calendar.”
“But you never know when one might spring up.”
I nodded and tried to keep a straight face. “That’s a good point.”
He seemed happy as he stuck the eggplant in the breast pocket of his suit jacket, positioning it so its googly eyes were peering out at the world. I said, “I dare you to board the jet with that sticking out of your pocket.”
“Oh, I fully intend to.”
“I don’t believe you.”
His dark eyes sparkled as he smiled at me. “I’ll send you photographic evidence.”
“Okay. I’ll be expecting it.”
That care package turned out to be the icebreaker we’d needed. The mood between us was a lot lighter on the drive to the airport, and I was grateful for that.
Tory found some directions on his phone, and all too soon, we pulled up in front of the private terminal, which was on a frontage road near SFO. Two staff members rushed over to welcome him. After they whisked away his luggage, he turned to me and said, “Text me when you get home, so I know you made it.”
“Are you saying that because you think my truck is going to break down on the drive?”
“One hundred percent. I have no idea how it got you here in the first place.”
“You shouldn’t judge it based on its appearance.”
“I’m not. I’m judging it based on the fact that it’s a hundred years old. Now, promise you’ll text me.”
“I promise.”
“Good.” He moved closer and rested his hands on my shoulders. “Will you go out with me next weekend?”
“Of course. Like I said before, I want to cook dinner for you next time we get together.”
“I’d love that. I’ll also try to think of something fun we can go out and do beforehand.”
“Okay.”
“I’d better get going, but are you sure you don’t want to abandon your truck, which is definitely going to break down on the drive home, and fly with me? We’d have fun on the plane.”
“Tempting, but I can’t.”
“That’s what I thought. Safe travels, Arie.” Tory leaned in and lightly brushed his lips to mine.