Page 21 of Shattered Dreams

Looking over, I saw Jo and her dad had the girls loaded into his car with the air on and so I got in and turned the tow truck around.

The boys all waved to their mom and grandpa and then I let them watch out the back window when I got in position to hoist the car up on the tow bed. Three small faces marked up my back window and I can’t say I’m mad.

They reminded me of me and my brothers. I could hear the eager yelling from the inside and once the car was up, I made sure I locked everything in place before I climbed back into the cool comfort of the cab.

I grabbed a towel from the center console and wiped the sweat from my face. “You boys ready?”

“Yeah!” all three yelled back, and off we went.

The ride was mostly quiet until I turned onto the road their grandpa lived on.

Grady frowned as he picked at his fingernails. “Guess we not goin to da fair tonight.”

“Prolly not.” Harrison’s sad, soft voice made its way to my heart. “Mom’s gonna have to get the van fixed and she won’t have the extra to take us.”

“Van broke.” The youngest boy added.

“Yeah, van broke.”

We pulled up, and after I parked, I helped the boys out. Jo walked towards me, yelling at the boys to take off their shoes and their snack was on the table.

“How much do you think this will cost?”

“I won’t know until I get in there and find the issue.” I shrugged.

Her hand trembled as she held out a piece of paper. “Here’s my number. Can you call me when you know?”

Nodding, I accepted it. “I can do that.” I tucked it into my pocket. “Hey so, your boys mentioned the fair.”

Jo rolled her eyes. “Of course they did.” She ran a hand through her hair, blowing out a hard breath. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Where’s your husband?” My voice came out gruffer than I wanted.

“We’re separated.” She shrugged and looked everywhere but at me.

“Separated?”

“Yeah. You know? He’s there. I’m here.” And on cue, her phone rang. She pulled it out, shook her head, and put it back in her pocket.

“Look, I was planning to go to the fair tonight. Would you and the kids like to join me?”

“Don’t … don’t … patronize me.” Her brown eyes darkened. “I don’t need shit from you.”

“Whoa, whoa.” I put my hands up defensively. “I was just trying to be nice. I’m not asking for a date, or trying to get in your pants, steal your kids or whatever else you’ve got cooked up in that pretty head of yours. I was just being nice.”

A lone tear made its way down her cheek, and I stepped forward, wiping it away with my knuckle.

“Jo, we were friends.” I swallowed the hurt that flooded through me. “Best friends.” I managed to croak out. “Once upon a time.”

“I know. I know.” She let out a shaky laugh. “The fair would be nice.”

“Great. I’ll pick you all up at sex? Shit. I mean six.”

She busted out laughing and walked toward the front door. “Six is good. We’ll be ready.”

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