Page 58 of Reckless

“I could be,” I mumble.

“Heard that,” he disappears again.

While Jude pumps the gas, I head towards the convenience store and call Drew.

“Hey girl, you here yet?” she answers.

“Not far. Stopped for gas.”

“Can’t wait to see your face. We’re gonna have so much fun tomorrow night.”

“Yeah, I am excited too.”

There is a brief pause. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. What makes you say that?”

“I’ve known you for years, spent three years sleeping in the same room as you, Krista. I know there is something you’re not saying. Spill it.”

Someone says something in the background and a muffled sound comes through the phone, like she’s covered it with her hand. I wait, used to this. Drew is always getting interrupted. Except on our nights out. That is a no business allowed time.

“I’m back. What’s going on?”

“Okay, well… There is something.”

“Knew it. Come on, tell your big sis.”

“You’re three weeks older than me.”

“Still older. Come on, I’m getting hounded by three losers who can’t make a simple decision between them. I don’t know what the hell we pay them for.”

I laugh. She’s referring to Wayne and his brothers. Not one of them is a loser. Xander the youngest, flirts with me whenever I see him. One of them is married and his oldest is, or was, a player. I haven’t heard much about him lately.

“So… I might bring someone with me tomorrow.”

She squeals so loud I have to move the phone. A woman in the aisle with me turns to look. I give her a pained smile and turn away. “Burst my ear drum, why don’t you?”

“This is a momentous occasion, Krista. You’re bringing someone to meet us. Why do I sound like a proud parent?”

“Don’t get carried away. It’s not like that.”

“You’re not bringing a guy?”

“Well yes.”

“So, how is it not like that?”

“Because it’s not.”

“I don’t get it.”

“If you’d let me get a word in, I can explain.”

“Hmm. Fine, go on then.”

Drew has always been the same way. I don’t think anyone can ever get through telling her something without her interrupting at least three times. Wayne finds her endearing and I’m so damn used to it, it’s become banter more than annoying. We play off each other. Wayne says it’s like watching a table tennis match when we get going.

“It’s a strange story and I don’t have a lot of time to tell you about it.”

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