I glance at my phone again, watching the time. Thankfully, our server returns with my container and the donuts. As she reiterates that the check has been handled by the manager, I pack my leftovers and he hands her a tip. As soon as she walks off, we leave.
We make it to the high school five minutes after the final bell but Amara isn’t outside yet so I shoot her a text. She responds, asking if I can take her bestie Kimmie home. Of course, I say yes.
“Her friend needs a ride too. I said yes. I hope that’s cool,” I tell him.
“Yeah. That’s straight. Let me just put this stuff on the back with the wood.”
Meleck shifts the truck into park then gets out. He takes the bags from the backseat, walks to the back of the truck, and places them on the bed. While he’s closing it, Amara and Kimmie walk out of the front door of the school. Amara’s head swivels as she looks for my truck so I let my window down and wave her over. Kimmie spots me and informs Amara, then the two walk over. Meleck sees them and meets them at the back door. Like a truecowboy, he opens the door and holds each of their hands as they get in.
“He’s cute,” Kimmie utters as soon as she’s in.
“I told you,” Amara says with a titter. As soon as he’s back in the truck, they both laugh and I just shake my head at them. I notice a slight smile on his face but he doesn’t say anything. He just shifts into drive and pulls off. “What’s that sweet smell?” Amara asks.
“Donuts from Pancake House. Meleck got them for you,” I say. His electrical skills had paid for our food.
“You did?” she asks, almost squealing.
I can see the hesitation on his face but he finally says, “Yes. Your sister said you liked them.”
“Love them,” she says while holding her hand out. I hold the bag up and she takes it. “Thank you. I’m hungry too. Lunch was garbage today.”
“Yes, that turkey and gravy was disgusting,” Kimmie cosigns.
“What did you eat then?” I ask.
“No-thing!” Amara says. “But I knew I was gonna eat stew tonight plus a grilled cheese.” I glance back and see her open the bag and hold it out to Kimmie. “Huh, get one,” she tells Kimmie, then looks at me. “Are we going to the store today for my ugly sweater?”
“We have a million sweaters at the house. We can turn one of them into an ugly one,” I say.
“That’s what I’m doing. I think I’m going to cut up an old one tonight and do something with it,” Kimmie says.
“Not the one we are wearing tomorrow for twin day,” Amara scoffs.
“No, an old one. It’s green,” Kimmie says.
“I guess I can do an old one too,” Amara says.
“Turn left at the light,” I tell Meleck and he nods.
“Wren, is that hat new?” Amara asks. Not even the donuts can stop her afterschool ranting and questions.
He looks at me for my answer and I wink before saying, “New to me.”
“I approve,” she says.
“Well, I’m glad you do,” I say, then smirk.
“Instead of taking Kimmie home, can she have dinner with us? Her momma will pick her up.”
“Did Traci agree to that?” I ask because these two are notorious for making plans without prior adult approval.
“If you say yes, she will,” Kimmie says.
“Wren, please. She can help me make my Christmas bags for my teachers. I already got the flavors and scents they want,” Amara adds.
For Christmas last year, she gifted her teachers a bag with a card, a jar of jam, and a bar of soap. Not only were her bags a hit but I also secured three new customers. So this year, instead of randomly choosing flavors and scents, she asked her teachers.
“If Traci says it’s cool then I’m cool with it too.”
