Page 44 of Truck Off

It’s more of a mood shift in both the crowd and the entrants. Most of the families with kids leave at intermission and the rowdy crowd comes out to play.

Just as Mac heads our way with a stupid grin on his face, country music blares through the speakers. Sophia runs past us and jumps into Mac’s waiting arms. She doesn’t care that he’s covered in sweat and grime. She kisses him hard and deep.

A pang of jealousy washes over me at the level of affection and intimacy they share. I’m happy they found each other. Lord knows they both deserve their happiness. But I want that for myself.

“Get a room!” Ash calls out from behind me.

I turn around to find all my brothers laughing and having a good time. Even Garret has a smile on his face. Then again, why wouldn’t he when he has a woman like Charlotte wrapped up in his arms?

Liam steps up next to me with a huge grin on his face. “Your tractor did good. Mac didn’t get stuck once.”

“Of course it did good. I only build the best.” I chuckle and squeeze Liam’s shoulder. “You didn’t think I’d build crap, did you?”

Liam shakes his head and laughs. “And modest. You’re very modest too.”

“You know me well, bro.” I scan our surroundings to see who’s still around and who’s taken off before the second half of the night begins.

Gerald Mayer, aka Jerry, the resident drunk, is heading our way. He’s happy and smiling which isn’t normal for him. He’s usually walking around with a scowl on his face and tense as all get out.

“Hey, Jerry,” I say as I slap his back in a friendly gesture. “You’re looking good tonight.”

His smile widens, and he nods his head vigorously.

“Good night tonight,” he says, and I catch a whiff of the alcohol on his breath. He may be in a good mood, but he’s still drunk as a skunk on moonshine.

“You don’t say.” I take a step back to put a little distance between us. From the way he smells, I’m going to get a contact buzz. “What makes tonight better than another?”

“All this noise.” He waves his hand around us in a large sweeping motion. “It keeps the deer away.”

I can’t help but chuckle. This man has been terrified of deer ever since he hit one while riding his bicycle while drunk. He killed the deer and landed himself in the hospital. Ever since, he swears the deer are conspiring against him.

“At least all this noise is good for something besides entertainment.” Ash teases. He winks at me as he takes over the conversation with Jerry. “Did you get yourself a corn dog yet? Frank’s food truck always makes the best ones.”

“Well, no, I haven’t, but I’ve heard they’re good.”

“Come on, let’s go get you one.” Ash wraps his arm around Jerry’s shoulder and leads him toward the food trucks.

My brothers and I have taken it upon ourselves to keep an eye on Jerry. He may have a drinking problem and draw a lot of suspicious stares around town, but he’s a good man. He spends too much of his money on alcohol, so we make sure he has plenty to eat when we see him.

Jerry and Ash disappear behind the bleachers, and my eyes catch a pair of deep blues staring at me. Lina is standing at the end of the bleachers where we’re sitting, and her eyes are locked on me. Not Christian, who happens to be right next to me, but me.

She worries her bottom lip between her teeth, and I swear I see something resembling desire reflecting back at me. Then the little girl standing next to her pulls her attention away. I recognize the girl as Lucy, Jayla Smith’s eight-year-old daughter. Jayla also went to school with us, and she and Lina have been best friends for as long as I can remember.

I watch Lina interact with Lucy for several minutes. She smiles and laughs at Lucy a lot. The two of them are clearly very close. Their relationship almost seems more like aunt and niece instead of friends.

I like seeing Lina interact with Lucy. It’s obvious she loves the girl very much. And she’s good with her.

Does Lina want kids of her own someday? That’s something I’ve never let myself think about before. I’ve daydreamed about a life with Lina, and maybe I’ve pictured kids in that life, but I’ve never asked myself if kids are something Lina wants.

I’ve always wanted kids of my own. Kids are fun and bring so much joy to life. I find myself hoping that it’s something Lina wants too.

Her eyes lift and meet mine again. This time her gaze is softer, almost forgiving. And it gives me hope.

I smile for what feels like the first time in two weeks.

“There’s our brother!” Ash jumps onto my back like I’m going to give him a piggyback ride and ruffles my hair.

I shove him off me with my elbows and growl. “What the hell are you talking about?”

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