This Much is True - Tia Louise Page 0,47
street.
It’s completely empty.
“I read this article about the Cannonball Run. Some guys set a new record last month… Twenty-seven hours.”
“That’s the race from New York to LA?”
“Yeah.” I remember reading the story, and the plan unfolding in my brain. “They talked about the empty highways, no state troopers… I thought, if you could help me drive, I could do this.”
“We did make pretty good time.” He turns to lean beside me against the counter. “But now you’re flying back? Isn’t that just as dangerous? What if you pop up on a watch list?”
“I don’t think they’ll be looking for me flying into California. Anyway, it’s more risky to drive, possibly get held up.”
His lips tighten and he exhales deeply. “How can I help?”
Gratitude swells in my chest. I expected him to be shocked. I expected skepticism, possibly disappointment, but he’s only supportive.
I pull him in for a brief hug. “Thanks.”
“It’s the least I can do.” His voice is quiet. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you when it all went down.”
“Hey, you were dealing with your own shit. I know.”
“I guess I thought Dad would take care of it.”
I can’t answer that. I know he knows what I’m thinking. We both expected too much of our dad. We always have.
Which brings me to this, the part that’s going to hurt me the most. “You can do something for me. If it’s not too much to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“Stay here with Jesse. Until I’m out of the woods. I don’t want him to worry, and I think you’ll help him.”
“I can do that.” He nods. “Hell, I’m going to be freaking out until I know you’re okay.”
“Join the club.”
“Well, I think that’s just wonderful.” GA walks slowly into the kitchen with Hope right beside her. “I hope it works out for you.”
“I hope so, too.” Hope lifts her crossed fingers.
I don’t know what they’re talking about, but she’s adorable. Then she turns to me, and her expression warms. She’s still smiling, but her pretty eyes are so full of questions.
A bitter ache twists in my chest, and I know as much as it hurts, I’ve got to let her go now, too.
“Can we talk for a minute?” I feel Scout stiffen at my side.
“Sure.” Her voice is soft, and I step forward to catch her hand.
He turns behind her holding his hands over head and pointing as he mouths, Marry her.
I shake my head. Leading her outside to the waiting car, I think about what I’m going to say. I don’t want to tell her the truth, that I violated my parole and if I’m caught, I’ll go back to prison. It’s still hard grappling with the fact I was even in prison. The lies, the fact my father never came to my defense, still burns in my stomach. Add to that, I have no idea if I’ll ever be able to clear my name, get my life back.
I don’t want her worrying like my brother.
We stop at the driver’s side door, and she looks up at me expectantly. “What’s up?”
The wind pushes her wavy hair across her pink cheeks, and her blue eyes are so bright. For a minute I can’t speak, I can only gaze at her loveliness, wishing things were different.
Last night was everything. She smelled like honeysuckle and tasted like the ocean. She was electric, melting into me, fueling my desire. We made love until I wasn’t sure where I ended and she began. It was so good. It was everything I needed. It was like coming home.
It felt like my brother is right…
It felt perfect.
“I want you to keep the car.” My voice is low.
Her eyebrows shoot up. “But you paid for it.”
“I never paid for it. I used the seven-day trial period to get it.” I can’t tell her I never planned to keep it.
“Don’t you need it?” She reaches up to move a silky lock of hair off her face.
My fingers curl with wanting to do that. It’ll only make this harder. “It’s your dad’s dream car. You need to hang onto it.”
A sad little smile lifts her lips, and she glances down at her boot-clad feet. “I don’t know how much longer I can. I don’t even know what I’m doing here… Am I staying? Going back?”
My eyes squeeze shut, and a knot is in my throat. Still, I have to say it. “You can decide what you want to do. I’m flying back to San Francisco tonight.”
Her lips part, and she pulls