Wait...what?
Rad must have seen the confusion on my face because he chuckled and said, "Age regression technology is a wonderful thing."
Must be.
Rad took the papers from me, slid them back into the manila envelope, and stuck it back in the black box before locking it. He handed me the keys and then stepped to the back passenger door. As soon as he opened it I saw the car seat. There was also a nifty little video screen attached to the back of the front seat.
Sy was going to love that.
"There are some toys here for Sy, stuff to keep him occupied on the road." Rad's eyes were hooded when he glanced at me. "Any idea where you're headed?"
Not really.
"I think west is out." We were in Oregon. The Pacific Ocean was less than a day's drive away.
"There's a cooler with some food in it on the other side of the car seat. In the back there is a tote with clothes for you and Sy, some stuff in case the Jeep breaks down or needs maintenance, and some camping equipment."
I stepped around Rad and walked to the back window of the jeep so I could look inside. He was right. There were a couple of totes, a tent, two rolled up sleeping bags, and a camp stove.
Frankly, I was surprised it all fit back there.
I frowned as I turned to look at him. "Why are you doing all of this?"
Rad's smile looked kind of sad, just like his eyes. "If you ever come back this way, maybe I'll tell you."
"Rad—"
"Just be safe out there," Rad said. "There's a cell phone in the console between the front seats. It already has my number in it. If you need help, call me. It doesn't matter where you are, I'll come."
I glanced away when tears sprang to my eyes. It had been a very long time since someone had cared if I lived or died. Rad seemed to care. I had no idea why. We barely knew each other.
"I don't know when I'll be able to pay you back."
Probably never.
Rad gave me another sad smile. "Just keep you and Sy safe. That's how you can pay me back."
I wasn't sure that was possible, but I'd try. Rad had given me a good chance anyway with all of this stuff. It was more than Sy and I'd had in a very long time.
"Thank you," I whispered, but the words felt like dust in my mouth. How did you thank a man for giving you a chance to live while at the same time leaving him when he wanted you to stay?
I turned to Rad and stared up at him, his taller form towering over me. I gently placed a hand on the side of his face, feeling the warmth of his skin and wishing I could take it with me.
"I wish I could stay."
"You can."
I shook my head. "I really can't."
I'd give anything for my answer to be different.
Rad covered my hand with his own, closed his eyes, and turned his face so he could press a kiss to my palm. For a moment, he stilled, not moving, maybe not even breathing.
When he opened his eyes and looked at me, they were suspiciously wet. "I'll be waiting if you decide to come back."
With those words, Rad released my hand and then turned and walked away. I watched him until he disappeared inside the barn. I took a step forward, wanting to go after him, but then forced myself to stop.
No good could come from that. It was best for everyone involved if I just grabbed Sy and left. Maybe, with time, Rad would forget about me and get on with his life.
