“Well, looky there. They’re alive.” Then she snorts. Releasing her suitcase, she takes the flowers in hand and gives them a sniff. “Just kidding. Thank you, Alec. They’re beautiful.”
Not as beautiful as she is. Even wearing an outfit that looks like something a teenage boy would wear, she’s as pretty as ever. “I’m glad you like them.” Reaching for the handle on her suitcase, I pull it along. “Is this all you have?”
“Yep.”
Wow, I’ve never met a woman who packed this light before. “Let’s go. I’m parked in the lot.”
“How long is the drive to Killeen?” She flew into Austin because the flight from Chicago was nonstop and a lot cheaper than flying into Waco or even Killeen. Besides, I thought the drive home would give us a chance to talk.
“A little over an hour.”
“Oh.” We step out into the warm November air, and she releases a deep breath. “Wow, it’s warm.” It’s in the low 70s today, which is warmer than usual.
“This is the best time of year here. Summers are a bitch.”
Finally, she laughs. “It’s getting cold in Chicago. I had to pull out my winter coat already.”
“I miss the winter weather.”
“Well, since I’ve never lived anywhere else, or been anywhere for that matter, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to live somewhere warm all year-round.”
“Now you can say you’ve been to Texas.”
“Right.” She looks over at me and smiles. “Thanks for paying for my flight.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I really will pay you back. Someday.”
Ignoring her offer, I gesture at the shiny, black vehicle. I had it detailed this week in preparation for her visit. At my truck, I place her small bag in the back, hit the fob to unlock her door, then open it for her. It’s tall so she’s got to step up on the running boards to get in. I bought myself a big truck this time around. I’m not sure why. Probably because everyone drives these things around here. It won’t be so practical in Chicago. I may have to trade it in on something smaller. I wonder what kind of car Matilda would like.
Once we’re settled into our seats, I ask, “You hungry?” It’s around one o’clock by now.
“A little.”
“I know they don’t serve food on the plane anymore. Your flight left around eight, so you’ve got to be hungry.”
“I could eat.” She shrugs.
“Good. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
* * *
“Oh. My. Gosh.”Matilda is practically bouncing in her seat as I pull into an Olive Garden parking lot.
“I recall you telling me how much you love this place.”
“I do.” She claps her hands. “I really do. I haven’t been to one in forever.”
“Before we go in, I’ve got something for you.”
I hope this is the right time. I mean, it’s no big deal. Retrieving the small box from my pocket, I hold it out for her.
Matilda grasps the box and stares down at it like it holds a secret. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Maybe.” I smile. It’s another charm. Nothing big but something to commemorate her trip. When she opens it, her smile is so big, it makes me do the same.
“A charm of Texas.” She pulls the tiny silver trinket from the box.
