Gemma’s pulse increased. Her hands closed around the top of the bag, and she clutched it close to her chest as if it were a lifeline. She wasn’t ready to say anything more to him yet. Her emotions were still running high.
“Thanks,” she managed.
He nodded and closed the door.
He needs some space too.
Gemma opened the bag, pulled out a still-lukewarm taco, and began to eat. Food had never been more welcome or tasted so good. The spices washed over her taste buds. In an instant, it was gone, and she was on to the next taco.
Maybe I was too quick to jump to conclusions. Maybe there is still hope for us to be together.
* * *
It was close to midnight when Gemma and Tim arrived back within the town limits of Sequoia Valley.
“Gemma, where do you want me to take you? Charlie’s cabin?”
She lifted her head from the window and scrubbed the sleepy sand from her eyes. “We’re back in town?”
“Yeah, we are.”
She’d been asleep for more than three hours. The last thing she remembered seeing was the sign leaving Fresno’s city limits.
“What other options do we have?”
Tim stopped the car at the red light and glanced to his right. “Um, that depends?.?.?.”
“On?”
“If you’re too tired and want to get right to bed, or if youmightbe willing to talk.”
The light changed to green, but Tim didn’t move. There were no other cars around. The town was deserted and dark except for the few gas lamps lining the downtown open-air farmer’s market.
“I’ve napped the whole way back. I’m wide awake, but if you’re too tired to talk, we can wait until morning.”
Tim gripped the steering wheel tightly. “I am tired, but if we wait until morning, I probably won’t get any sleep.”
“Then we should find a place to talk.”
He blinked slowly. “Are you in the mood for a milkshake?”
“Only if it’s chocolate.”
His lips twitched. “Then we’ll head to the Lucky Dog.”
“Is it still open this late?”
“Not to the public.”
Returning his attention to the road, Tim waited for the light to turn green once more, then turned left onto the town’s main road.
“I don’t understand.”
“I have keys to the place.”
“And the owners don’t mind?”
“No.” He entered the car park and pulled into the closest spot by the doors. “I’m an investor.”
