This Much is True - Tia Louise Page 0,37
Metallicar. They jump in on both sides, and Scout turns the key. It’s the first time I’ve been so proud of the way it roars to life like a true muscle car.
Scouts slams it into reverse and backs out of the drive. He gives the gas a little pump, and it makes a loud roar as we leave the Ice Queen standing on the front porch clutching her pearls.
He shakes his head. “That girl’s only a year older than me, right?”
“She’s aging in dog years.” JR grumbles, and I can’t resist.
“Because she’s a total bitch?”
Scout lifts his chin and exhales a laugh. “I get it. Bitch, dog years. Good one.”
He holds his palm back, and I slap it. JR doesn’t smile, and I feel a little guilty. I don’t normally dump on ex-girlfriends… or ex-wives, but that woman is the worst, from what she said to Scout to how she spoke to JR.
He’s silent the rest of the drive, and my stomach is in knots. Our moment in the woods was so hot and amazing, and to me, it felt like it meant something. It felt like we connected in a deeper way, a real way.
Now he’s right back to where he was the first day we met—angry and withdrawn and not looking at me at all. I know he has so much pressing on him, he’s learned so much so fast… Still my heart aches with longing for him as I watch the scenery change outside the window.
The houses are growing smaller and closer together on this end of town, with shaggy wisteria draping over the trees. The yards aren’t as pristine, and I don’t see a single brick wall or ivy-lined fountain.
Finally, we pull into the driveway of what looks like a two-bedroom, red brick house. It has a white front door and a single-car, concrete driveway to the side. White, floral cast-iron columns stand on each corner, and the front door flings open right when Scout kills the engine.
“Oh, my gracious! My word!” A small lady in a red blouse and white pants with a teased helmet of white hair scuttles out the door. Both her arms are stretched over her head, and her face is beaming. “Both my boys are home at last! It must be Christmas!”
“Hey, Gran.” Scout leans down and picks her up in a hug, making her squeal.
“Bradley Scout! Put me down before you crush me.”
He gives her a shake side to side instead, and she fusses more. “Put me down! My old bones can’t take all this man-handling.”
JR cracks a grin, and it makes me smile from where I wait beside the car. His brother finally releases their tiny grandma, and she fusses, straightening her shirt and patting her hair.
“That boy, I swear.” Then she sees her other grandson and clasps her hands under her chin. “Oh, my John. Thank the Lord you’re home! Come and give me a hug, my sweet boy. How are you?”
“I’m fine.” He goes straight to her, bending down to hug her gently. “How are you feeling, GA?”
“Well, I got this reflux giving me trouble. The doctor says I might have to have my gall bladder removed, but my gynecologist thinks it’s an overreaction.”
Scout calls from the front porch, “Don’t talk about your gynecologist, Gran!”
She waves at him. “You’re a grown man, you know about these things. Anyway, I wasn’t talking about my female parts.” Her blue eyes land on me, and she grabs JR’s arm. “Who is this angelic creature? Is she with you, John?”
Warm embarrassment floods my cheeks. “Hi, there.” I do a little wave.
“Well, come here, young lady, I can barely see you that far away.” She squints at me, smiling, then her eyes go over my shoulder. “Although I can see that gorgeous car you’re driving. Scout is that your car?”
“It’s mine, GA, and this is our friend, Hope.” JR waves me closer, but my stomach sinks. Their friend.
“Well, you’d better snatch her up quick.” The little lady pulls me into a hug. “You’re just as pretty as a picture, Hope. What are you doing with these wild boys?”
“She helped us drive from California, Gran. JR bought the car from her. Or her dad.”
“Good gracious, did you three drive all the way from California?” Her wrinkled, spotted hand presses to her chest again. “You must be absolutely exhausted! Come inside, and I’ll make some sweet tea.”
“Now tell me, Bradley, have you met that RuPaul fellow yet?” She takes Scout’s arm. “I just love