Page 81 of Truck Me
“Julie-what?”
I chuckle. “Julienne. It’s a type of cut for vegetables. Cut the pepper in half, remove the pit, and then cut it into long slivers.”
“So I’m cutting it in slices?” She looks confused.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Then why the fancy name?”
I laugh harder and ruffle her hair. “I don’t actually know. I didn’t name it that. But that’s what everyone calls it.”
I show her how to do it and then how to dice them into smaller pieces. She catches on quickly and seems to enjoy it. Her happiness gives me the courage to ask her something I’ve been thinking about ever since I got off the phone with Sierra.
“So I was thinking.” I start. My voice sounds shaky, and I hate it. “I’d like to visit your mom’s grave site sometime. I haven’t been since her funeral, and well …” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “I think it’s past time I visit her. Talk to her. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me.”
She stares at me with a blank expression on her face for a few beats too long, and I think I made a mistake in asking her. Then she lunges forward and wraps her arms around me in a tight hug.
“I’d love to. I always want to go more often but grandma doesn’t like visiting. It makes her sad.”
I nod and choke back my tears. “It’ll make me sad too. I’m sure I’ll cry a lot. But I think it’s something I need to do.”
She smiles up at me. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there to hug you.”
I bop her on the nose and smile. “You’re a great kid, you know that? I’m sorry I stayed away for so long.”
“It’s okay. You’re here now, and that’s all that really matters.”
“Thanks, kiddo.” I give her another tight hug before I release her and take in a deep, calming breath. “Let’s get dinner done before Grandpa accuses us of trying to starve him.”
She chuckles, and it makes me smile too.
For the first time in a really long time, I feel like I can breathe a little easier. I feel a little calmer. I still have a lot to work through, but I think everything is going to be okay.
Chapter 18
Maybe she really can be mine.
Garret
I rarely leave my house or garage on Saturdays and will often go all day without seeing or speaking to anyone other than my dog. That’s the way I always liked it.
Now that Charlotte is in my life, I don’t want to spend my Saturdays alone. I want to share them with her.
Strange how quickly one person can change my outlook on life.
I built my house on the edge of my family’s property to put as much distance between them and me as possible. My house is tiny by design. There’s no room for anyone else to stay with me because I want to be alone.
Except for Charlotte.
She’s the only person who’s ever stayed the night at my house. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around that, and the fact that it doesn’t bother me.
Hell, I wish she would stay the night with me every night.
Another snowstorm hit yesterday that dropped several inches on us. It’s the good kind of snow that looks light and fluffy but then it packs really well, making it ideal for sledding.
Or, in my case, tubing.
After I finish breakfast, I pour the last of my coffee into a travel mug and head outside. The sun is bright and blinding as it reflects off the blanket of snow that covers everything. Rushing back inside, I grab my sunglasses.