We're still holding hands. Neither of us seems to want to let go.
Finally, she pulls away. Turns toward her truck. Takes three steps before pausing.
"Jake?"
"Yeah?"
She doesn't turn around. Just stands there, her shoulders tight, her head slightly bowed.
"I'm glad I got stranded here," she says quietly. "Just so you know."
Then she's walking again, climbing into her truck, starting the engine. I watch her pull out of the parking spot and head down the road, her taillights disappearing around the corner.
I think I see her eyes glistening through the window.
I'm not sure.
What I am sure of is the ache in my chest, hollow and heavy at the same time, as I watch her drive away. I don't understand it. Don't want to examine it too closely.
I get in my truck and head to the office.
*****
The paperwork on my desk hasn't gotten any more interesting while I was gone. Property listings. Client contracts. An email chain about a boundary dispute that's been going on for three generations and shows no signs of resolution.
I stare at the stack without seeing it.
My phone sits on the desk beside me. I pick it up. Put it down. Pick it up again.
This is stupid. She's been gone for all of thirty minutes. She's fine. She doesn't need me checking up on her like some overprotective—
I open our message thread before I can talk myself out of it.
Jake:How's the road?
I set the phone down and force myself to focus on the boundary dispute. I'm three sentences into a response when my phone buzzes.
Madison:Icy but passable. Miss me already?
Jake:Just making sure you don't need another rescue. Drive safe. Text me when you stop for gas.
Madison:Sir yes sir.
Jake:Don't call me sir.
Madison:What should I call you then?
I stare at the screen. A dozen responses run through my mind, each more dangerous than the last.
Jake:Jake works fine.
Madison:Boring. I'll think of something better.
I don't respond. Force myself to get through two client contracts before I let myself check my phone again. When I do, there's a new message.
Madison:Stopped for gas. Still alive. The truck is running great. I think the cold was good for her.
Jake:Glad to hear it. How far to Heart River?
