“Yep. Two burgers and fries and anotherCoke.” The word came out indignant. “Food might take a hot minute. Not sure he’s got the grill fired up yet. You’re earlier than usual. Anything else?”
“That’s it.”
The man shifted his weight but didn’t leave. He studied Ozrik with a studious side-eye. “Heard you was sick. Was it legit, or was Stella messing around again?”
“It was legit.”
The man grunted and wandered off, returning a minute later with a second drink.
“Teetotaler?” I asked when he was gone again.
Ozrik shrugged. “I rarely drink. Fucked up for a guy in his twenties, right? I’m not against it. I’d love to let loose and get shit-faced, but I have to keep my head in the game around my mother.”
“Oh.” The simple sentence had many layers, but I understood enough about his situation that he didn’t need to elaborate.
“So.” Ozrik sat taller and stabbed the ice cubes in his glass with a straw. “You were out chasing storms without me?”
“Not willingly. Believe me. I would have happily stayed home and read my book.”
“Only you would choose Dickens over storms.”
“I’ve moved past Dickens. Onto Steinbeck. We saw another tornado, by the way.”
“Vern told me. Do you know how jealous I am? Was it better than ours?”
I shrugged. “About the same. Lex got us closer. Maybe a half mile out. I rode in the bug. He let me ride up front. Less crowded.”
“Lex must like you. That’s the hot seat, and it’s usually Elliott’s spot.”
“Elliott volunteered to go with Olivia. He helps keep Jazz in line.”
“Is he still being an asshole?”
“Always.”
“I’m going to kick his ass someday.”
“No you aren’t. He’s not worth it.”
“What’s on the agenda this week?”
“Too much.” I sipped my drink. “We’re supposed to head to Kansas tomorrow. Somewhere near Dodge City, I think. Two back-to-back systems are moving through in the evening. Then back here for a string of storms early next week. We’re keeping an eye on development in Nebraska, too, but I don’t know if Charles will send us that far. Of course, the forecast changes hourly, so who knows. I can’t wait until it’s over. I’m going to escape to the woods for a couple of weeks and bask in solitude and sunshine.”
Ozrik played with his lime wedge as he studied me. “Just you and Steinbeck?”
“And my camera.”
“Would you be opposed to company?”
I smirked. “Depends. What kind of company?”
“Boyfriend company?”
My cheeks warmed. “I only have a one-man tent.”
“Excellent. I don’t need much space. Although I tend to sleep naked in this heat, especially without air-conditioning. Will that be a problem?”
“I can leave my pajamas at home.”
