“Would you like some help?” he asked.
“Yes, please,” I said, hanging my head.
“Okay,” he said. “But only on one condition. You have to promise me you won’t get out of this truck until you get back home. When you stop for coffee, have your mom go inside and pick it up while you wait in the truck.”
“I promise.”
“Good,” he answered. Before I knew what was happening, he lifted me up and set me in the passenger seat while Rylan stood next to him and snickered.
“Thank you,” I said.
“You’re welcome,” he answered, no longer trying to hide his smile. He grinned as he shook his head and shut my door.
My mom and I drove to the recycling center, and it felt so good to be out and about. We rolled down the windows, and I loved the feeling of the wind whipping through my hair.
We pulled up to the recycling center and waited while the staff unloaded the truck.
“I can’t believe the way Josh lifted you into the truck like it was nothing,” my mom said.
“I know,” I said. “He’s really strong.”
“Yes, he is,” she answered, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
“He’s really helpful, too,” she said.
“Yes, he is.” I knew she wanted to hear more, but I wasn’t going to elaborate.
“And he’s a good dad.”
“I agree.”
“And have you noticed that he’s quite good looking?” she asked.
“He’s always been good looking, Mom,” I said.
She laughed. “You’re right. I remember that he was always a cute kid. And you two really seem to get along.”
“Yes, we do,” I said.
“Okay fine,” she said. “I can take the hint. You’re not going to talk more about this, are you?”
I didn’t say anything, but instead just turned and smiled at her.
“Understood,” she said. “Just know that if you ever want to talk about it, I’m more than willing.”
“Understood," I said, smirking.
We left the recycling center and drove by the coffee shop on our way back.
My mom parked and ran inside to pick up the drinks and some cookies. We were going to take some back to surprise Josh and Rylan.
I could see that there was a line coming out of the coffee shop, so I knew it was going to take a little while before my mom came back.
I turned on the radio and suddenly I noticed a familiar person walking in front of the truck.
“Karly?” I said.
The woman turned and looked at me for a second, and then smiled as she realized who I was.
