Tristen nods in agreement and opens the front door to hop in, leaving me to crawl in the back seat. The new car fragrance confirms my suspicions.
“We’ll be there in a jiffy,” Gary says and pulls out like the police are hot on our tail.
“Oh, shoot,” Tristen mutters, grabbing the handle above the window.
“Sorry, folks. This baby has some pick-up-and-go. I’m still getting used to her.”
“Her, huh?” Tristen turns to him. “Mine is too. A reliable but moody gal.”
The boys make small talk upfront while I text Des, enjoying the fact that I’ll probably be waking him up on his day off at six in the morning. He should suffer with us too.
Hey, it’s your favorite sister. We have arrived safely in Texas. Crazy Gary is driving us to the RV park to see your motorhome now. This better be worth it.
It’s a few minutes before I see the dots appear next to his name.
Des
Huh? What? And who is “we”?
Your babysitter you sent with me. Tristen.
He came with you? I thought he planned a weekend camping trip.
He’s definitely in the front seat with his new bestie sharing truck stories. You might be replaced soon.
Three dots pop up on the screen as he types.
Des
Tristen is too loyal for that. Honestly, I’m glad you’re not alone. Just be nice to him, okay?
Me? What about him?
There’s been something going on with him.
Like moonlighting as an audio narrator?
Des
Plus I know how the two of you can get. Sometimes you both go for the jugular.
Or he flat out kisses me. I brush two fingers across my lower lip in memory.
I’m nice. I only elbowed him once.
Des
Remember he’s there to help. Send me pictures when you get to the camper.
I will.
And thanks for doing this for me. I owe you one. Love you.
A slow smile stretches across my face. It’s rare that he admits anything sentimental. Maya’s really worked wonders on him.
I won’t say no to another free meal or two. Love you too.
I had gone almost thirty minutes without thinking about that kiss. But it’s back at the forefront of my mind, and I stare lazily out the window, secretly replaying every second of it.
