Tristen offers me a hand, which I reluctantly take, and he helps me onto my feet.
“All fixed on my end. I didn’t want to be bouncing down the road,” I say, dusting the dirt from my overalls. A strange black smudge marks my thigh, smearing at my touch.
“Fixed it already? I might have to sign up the missus for some mechanic classes so she can help out around here too.” Gary leans his head back and laughs. “Wouldn’t that be a hoot?”
“Yeah, so funny,” I deadpan. If I had a penny for every comment I get about the oddity of being a female mechanic, I’d be a billionaire. “Anywho, is there anything else we need to check off our list?”
Tristen surveys the campsite, shaking his head. “I think we’re good to go. Everything is tied down or locked up tight.”
“Remember, I wrote everything down on that paper. Y’all only need to reverse for setup. Easy as pie.”
It takes a strong amount of willpower to not roll my eyes at that.
“Thanks again, Gary. We’re both very appreciative.” Tristen offers his hand, and the two of them shake like they’re old friends.
“It’s no trouble at all. I remember when me and the missus took our first camping trip. Lots of lessons learnedalong the way. Marriage isn’t for the weak, am I right, my boy?” He claps a confused Tristen on the back with a laugh and turns to me. “I’m glad to know this camper is in good hands. Now you and your husband have a safe drive back, and tell yer brother that I hope his wedding goes off without a hitch.”
I blink, debating if it’s worth my time to correct him.Eh.
“Thanks, I will.”
Tristen’s head swivels toward mine, his eyes burning a hole in my head as I climb into the passenger seat without a comment. He jumps into the driver’s seat and slams the door, nervously inspecting the dashboard. The space between us fills with awkward silence. We buckle our seat belts, the clicking noise ten times louder than I’ve ever heard it. Turning the key, he frowns as the motorhome’s engine cranks, a loud chugging noise, but it doesn’t start. I make a motion to unbuckle, but the engine catches on the third try, and the whole vehicle rumbles to life.
Smiling, Gary leans through the window. “Sometimes it takes a few tries. Part of the old-time charm. Now remember, this thing doesn’t turn on a dime. So take it nice and slow.” He pats my door twice with a big grin on his face. “Happy trails to y’all.”
I wave goodbye as Tristen creeps the RV out of its spot. His knuckles are white on the steering wheel as he navigates out of the campground and onto the highway.
“My wife, huh?” he asks out of the blue a few minutes later.
I’m unable to contain my smile, knowing he’s been stewing on it.
“It seemed easier to let it slide than try to explain our complicated love/hate relationship. We want to return to Rocosa before nightfall.”
He huffs. “Complicated isn’t a strongenough word.”
“Besides, I thought you’d love the upgrade from brother or dad. You’re welcome.”
His grip tightens on the wheel. “Not quite the ‘upgrade’ I had in mind, Reese’s Cup.”
Heat rises up my neck at the reminder.I like you.
I pull out the notebook from my backpack, desperate to distract myself.
“Not sure why I’m stuck driving this. Des asked you to bring it back,” he mumbles.
“I have research to do. Besides, it’s just like driving your huge truck.”
“This is not the same. This is like having two double-decker trucks attached to each other. My hands are literally sweating.”
I open my phone to check the GPS. “You’re doing great.”
“You’re not even watching. It feels like we’re going to die if I jerk the wheel too hard.”
“Well, then don’t do that.”
“Just wait until it’s your turn to drive.”
“But you’re doing such a good job. It’s been ten minutes and no issues. Only seven more hours to go.”
