“Well, you don’t have to worry about it. He’s not getting it,” Hayden offered as he stepped back through the screen door, a very serious look etched on his face.
“This is all getting… it was supposed to be a nice day and look what’s happened,” Marianne excused herself, standing up and straightening her skirt.
“I’m sorry…” I apologized quickly feeling like it was all my fault. If only I could keep my opinions to myself.
“I’m going to go and start lunch. Kellie, would you mind giving me a hand?”
“What can I do?” I offered to help.
“Nothing. Sit back and relax. You’ve travelled all morning. It’s almost done. Hope you like ribs and potato salad.”
“I’m starving so whatever’s going, I’m down for,” Hayden agreed, rubbing his belly as it rumbled loudly.
Kellie and Marianne disappeared in the kitchen, leaving Hayden and I sitting in the lounge room awkwardly. To say this trip had thrown some curveballs in our direction was an understatement and we hadn’t even been here a full day yet.
Yawning, I lay back against the couch before sitting straight back up again. Lying on plastic wasn’t exactly comfortable.
“Who was on the phone?” I asked Hayden, noticing how off-balance he looked.
“Dickson.”
“Oh. Everything okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“Hayden? What’s going on? You’re scaring me,” I said, sitting up and lacing my hands together.
“I’m not sure yet,” he replied vaguely, scratching his chin.
“Hayden,” I pushed again, obviously not having learnt my lesson.
“Skye, I promise you I’ll tell you when I know something. For now, we just have to wait for Dickson.”
Okay. That made sense. “How long do you think he’ll be?”
“I don’t know. He’s working on it, so I just have to be patient.”
“Not your strong suit.”
“Tell me about it.”
“What’s not your strong suit?” Marianne asked, reappearing in the doorway wearing a hot pink apron covered in rhinestones.
“Being patient,” I answered, filling in the blanks.
“Ah. Yeah. That makes sense. You’re male after all. Now come on in. Lunch is ready.” Marianne smiled, beckoning us into the kitchen.
“That’d be right. Pick on the only guy here. Don’t think I didn’t notice how outnumbered I am. Good thing Cassie’s on my side,” he grumbled as he slumped down in the chair pretending to pout.
“Nah, Cassie can be bribed. Just put her on the tit and she’ll be on team girl power before she falls asleep,” Kellie laughed and when Hayden winced at her words, she just laughed even harder.
Lunch was amazing. The food was so good and I ate so much I almost burst. The ribs Marianne served were the best I’d ever had, and if I thought for a second she’d share the recipe, I would’ve tried to convince her to share her secrets with me. Now I was ready for a nap and I couldn’t even imagine how the hell Hayden was managing to keep his eyes open.
After promising to come back for supper, Hayden and I thanked Marianne for her hospitality and made our way out to the truck. A shower and a nap were in our future. Thankfully the hotel I’d booked wasn’t too far and we were quickly back on the road.
We checked in and with Hayden carrying our bags, we hurried up to our room, throwing open the door. The room wasn’t anything exciting, but then again it didn’t have to be. We weren’t planning on spending any time here so we didn’t need anything fancy. As long as it had a hot shower and comfortable bed, I’d be happy.
“I’m so tired,” Hayden said, setting the bags down and drawing the blinds.
