Page 37 of Truck Off

“Will there be a second date?” Grams asks.

I nod.

“Then she likes you. There’s hope.” Grams grabs a stack of small plates and places one in front of each of us. “But you better tell her the truth before she finds out from another source. Don’t make her look like a fool publicly. Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Thankfully, the subject shifts away from me and we enjoy the rest of our breakfast. Grams packs up a couple of extra cinnamon rolls for me and an entire tray for Garret.

“How come Garret gets a whole tray and we each only get one?” Mac complains.

“Because he’ll be sharing that tray with Charlotte and her family. Besides, I’ve got another one ready to go in the oven. You boys will get more than your share. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks, Grams.” I kiss her on the cheek and clear my place at the table.

“You leavin’?” she asks.

“Yeah. I’ve got a meeting about the school bus derby this morning. Can’t be late. Clara doesn’t have a lot of time between classes. I guess this was the only time everyone could make the first meeting.”

“I still don’t understand why she asked you instead of Ash,” Liam says with furrowed brows as he stares at Ash. “I mean, she’s your best friend.”

“She did ask me, and I told you, I don’t have time,” Ash says. His tone is off from his usual playful nature. He sounds almost frustrated. “I’m too busy with races and building cars. No time to play with a school bus.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Liam adds. “You never pass up an opportunity for fun. Plus, it’s for Clara. Since when do you refuse to help her?”

“I’m not refusing anything. I said I don’t have the time. Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?” Ash pushes to his feet and grabs his dirty dishes. He quickly rinses everything off and shoves them into the dishwasher. Then he leaves without another word.

His behavior has all of us staring after him in disbelief. Ash never gets worked up over something like this. Out of all my brothers, he’s the most like me. Fun. Playful. Charming.

Something is definitely bothering him.

“On that note, I’d better get going before I’m late.” I say a quick goodbye to my brothers and kiss Grams on the cheek before collecting my container of cinnamon rolls. I toss one last wave in the air and head back to my apartment.

It’s time to go have some of that fun Ash seems so determined to avoid. A school bus derby between all the county high schools may not be a necessary distraction, but it sure as hell will be a good time.

Especially with me involved.

* * *

Per Clara’s instructions, I park my truck in the parking lot behind the school, close to the side entrance. Just as she said, the door is propped open so I can walk right in.

The door opens to a small meeting room where Clara and two other teachers are sitting at a small table talking. I’ve seen these two with her before at Posey’s Lounge for karaoke night, but I don’t really know them.

“Hey, Chase.” Clara smiles up at me. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Of course.” I lean down and give her a hug. “Happy to help.”

It’s still unclear to me why Ash isn’t the one helping her out. He is her best friend, after all. I know he said he was too busy with the racing schedule, but I know that’s bullshit. I worked that schedule for years while running the farm. He could make it work if he wanted to. I hope she and Ash didn’t have a fight. I’d hate to not see her around as often.

“Have you met Karla and Trevor?” she asks.

I shake my head. “I’ve seen them with you at the bar, but I don’t believe we’ve ever been introduced.”

“Well,” Clara starts, “this is Karla Keller. She teaches PE and coaches the softball team. And this is Trevor Martin. He’s a math nerd. Teaches calculus and geometry.”

I hold my hand out to each of them, taking Karla’s hand first. She is a beautiful woman, but not my type. She’s petite and blond and I like tall and brunette like Lina. Or maybe Lina is just my type, and no other woman compares.

Trevor has dark hair similar to mine, but with a mess of curls on top. He’s tall. Not as tall as me, but I’d say he’s close to six feet. He wears dark-rimmed glasses that suggest he embraces his inner nerd.

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