Zipping up my windbreaker, I head outside and turn left away from Cliffys to start my mile walk to Des’s.
If Tristen has something to say to me, he can be an adult and say it to my face.
Chapter Five
REESE
Des drops his bombshell as I’m taking my first bite.
“You bought a what?” I cough, nearly inhaling a crinkle fry.
“A motorhome.”
“Where?”
“The owner is in Texas.” He takes a bite of his burger, leisurely chewing like everyone buys a recreational vehicle out of state.
“Without even looking at it? Have I taught you nothing?”
“I saw pictures of it, and he’s giving me an amazing deal.”
“That’s not the same. You’re supposed to be the smart one.” I toss my fork on my plate. “You could be buying a junker for all you know.”
“What is with you? You’ve been a grouch since you got here. Are you?—”
I point a finger at him. “If you ask me if I’m on my period, I will jump you like the time you stole my diary. Fair warning.”
“Gross, Reese. No.” He throws his hands up in horror. “I was asking if it had something to do with Tristen. You two don’t hang out as much anymore.”
“Are youspyingon me?”
His eyebrows lower. “No, I got a call from the unofficial neighborhood watch asking why they saw you running out of his car.”
I knew those little old ladies were keeping a sharp eye on me.
“It’s Tristen. When am I not running from him?”
“So that’s all that’s going on?” He takes a swig of his soda.
“Yeah, that’s it. We’re fine now,” I lie. Stalling for time, I bite into my burger, chewing carefully as I dab the excess mayo from the corner of my mouth with a napkin.
“Oh, really? Good. I’m glad you two were able to patch things up.”
Still chewing, I give him a thumbs up.
“Now back to the motorhome.” He pulls out some paper and slides it toward me. “I want to hire you.”
“Hire me? What is this?”
“The motorhome is Maya’s honeymoon present. She hates flying, so I thought I could drive her around instead. Go see as many landmarks and libraries as we can in my two-week vacation.”
“Two weeks?! What about the library and school?”
“It’s our fall break one week, and a substitute is covering for me for the other. Mr. Sherman volunteered to keep an eye on the library. But you’ll need to be on call if he has a problem with the tablets again.”
“Ha. Okay, I can do that. But I don’t see why you need to hire me.”
He taps the papers again. “I need to make sure it’s not going to break down on us.”
