The man yanked his arm away and said, “No. This is a surprise assessment. Once I announce my purpose, the inspection must commence immediately.”
“Okay. Diesel, why don’t you go with Inspector Centauri and I’ll take—” he stared at Juliana. “I’m sorry, what was your name?”
She didn’t get a chance to answer.
“Juliana,” Diesel said. Then he added, “Juliana, this is my brother, Axel.”
She nodded once and extended her hand to Axel. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise. And I’m super sorry to interrupt your date,” he said softly, and turned to Diesel. “Want me to take her to your place?”
Diesel looked at her like he was being forced to do something he didn’t want to. She answered for him. “Yes. He can take me to your house and I’ll wait there until your inspection is complete.”
Diesel took her hand. “I’m sorry our day has been interrupted. I’ll try to wrap this up as fast as I can, okay?”
She nodded.
“I’d planned a more detailed tour of the town and then dinner at my place. You know, the one we never got to eat last night.”
She grinned. “I do remember last night.” She squeezed his fingers gently. “Don’t worry. I also remember well that my neighbor interrupted us, breaking up our last date at my place.” She tilted her head to one side. “You don’t think it’s the universe trying to tell us something, do you?”
“No. I don’t. The universe is a busy enough without concern for our new relationship. Axel will take you to my house and I’ll be there directly.”
“Okay.” Juliana smiled at Axel. He seemed to be the easy-going brother. Not like… Cam, was it? He was definitely the grumpy brother. The names in this family were very interesting. Then again, what did she expect from a family running a semi-famous truck stop in southern Arkansas?
“Make sure you take her out through the public door,” Diesel said in a low tone to Axel. “Do you want the keys to my truck?”
Juliana said, “Is your home close enough to walk to? I feel like I need to stretch a little and wake up more.”
“Sure thing, we can walk there,” Axel said. “And don’t worry. I’ve got your back, Bro.”
“I know you do. And if you can avoid Cam on your way to my house, that would be great.”
Axel winked at him and nodded once. Taking Juliana’s elbow, Axel said, “Happy inspecting. I’ll return directly.”
Inspector Centauri pushed out a long-suffering sigh. “Can we go now?” he asked in a tone much like one coming from the backseat during a long road trip. He stared at the wall clock like he was severely pressed for time.
“Juliana,” Diesel said. She turned toward him and he gave her a look that made her melty inside. “I won’t be too long.”
“It’s fine. Do what you need to and I’ll be waiting for you.” He looked like he wanted to kiss her goodbye, but Inspector Centauri started tapping the screen of an electronic clipboard she hadn’t noticed him carrying and asking questions about accommodations and the level of amenities available for the wealthy guests aboard Royal Caldera Cruise Line ships, citing that they demanded the very best.
She didn’t hear Diesel’s response, but hopefully he’d be more cordial once she was gone. She didn’t want him to lose business because of her.
Axel led her toward the front of the convenience store, meaning they’d have to pass by Alice. Juliana decided to take the high road, not wanting to tempt or give reason to the possibility that the universe didn’t want them together for some reason.
If Alice was jealous she was dating Diesel, too bad. Alice frowned when she saw Juliana, until she noticed Axel walking alongside her. Her expression softened.
As they got a couple of steps away from the counter, Juliana asked, “Do you want to simply give me directions to Diesel’s house so I can wait for him there, instead of walking me there? I don’t want to take you away from your work.”
Alice’s expression darkened. In fact, if looks could kill, Juliana would have been smoked into a pile of ash where she stood.
Axel glanced in Alice’s direction before giving Juliana a look that said he knew exactly what she was up to. He didn’t seem upset about it, though.
“Nah. That’s okay. I needed a break anyway.” He pushed one of the swinging glass doors open for her and she exited, trying not to show the triumph in her face.
They walked along the sidewalk a few steps, then across the parking lot toward a large building called the Satellite Truck Wash. The scent of windshield washer fluid, soapsuds and damp air filled the air as they passed by.
Soon they came to a wide boardwalk lined with street lights. Juliana thought it would be nice for strolls in the dark. A wooden sign with a carved arrow saidAlienn, Arkansas only 500 steps away. Someone had carved an additional message below the numbers that said,More or less!
