Page 92 of Truck Me

My phone buzzes in my back pocket. I pull it out and smile when I see it’s a text message from Charlotte. When I open it, my smile grows. It’s a picture of her holding a cookie in front of her, covering half her face. All I can see is the laughter dancing in her bright blue eyes.

Garret

Are you baking for me?

Charlotte

Sorry, no. I’m prepping for the bake sale this weekend.

Garret

Mean. Teasing me with cookies.

Charlotte

I’m not teasing you. I’m tempting you.

Garret

Again. Mean. If you’re baking that means you’re too busy to come over later.

Charlotte

True, but you can come over here.

Garret

What about your parents and Rayne?

Charlotte

They’re gone and won’t be home until tomorrow afternoon.

Garret

Where’d they go?

Charlotte

To visit relatives in Columbus. My uncle went with them just in case Mom needs help. But Dad has been doing so well these past couple of weeks, they figured visiting now was for the best. You know, in case he gets worse again.

Garret

So they won’t be home tonight.

Charlotte

Nope. I’m all by my lonesome. Care to keep me company?

Garret

Do I get to eat the cookies?

Charlotte

That can be arranged.

Garret