Page 34 of Captivated

“Oh yeah. Except my parents remained honest humans, despite the social circles we were involved in. We didn’t let our money change us or how we treated others. In fact, when I told them I wanted to be a nurse, both of my parents were extremely supportive. Other girls in our circle only went to school for the piece of paper, all the while knowing they would just marry into money and never have to work a day in their lives. I never wanted that.”

Piper’s drive gives me yet another reason why I’m so drawn to her. She wasn’t willing to sacrifice what she wanted to fit in to the cookie-cutter-life she was born into, and better yet, she had parents who didn’t pressure her to do that either. Envy hits me hard as I think about how my parents never gave me that support. Piper and I may have a similar upbringing in common, but I’m sure our family interactions were far different.

“Sounds like the Piper I know.”

She tilts her head in my direction, searching for clarity. “What do you mean?”

“Well, from the interactions we’ve had, I know you stand up for what you believe in and speak up about things you find wrong. Hell, you put me in my place more than once, so I admire that you insisted on having a life you wanted instead of settling for one you thought you were supposed to have.”

A subtle smile graces her lips before she turns to face the road once again. “Well, thank you. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life. I love my job, and I thank God every day I got the chance to fulfill that dream.”

“Do you like working at the hospital? You know, even when handsome deputies hit on you?” I chide, making Piper chuckle beside me.

“Yes, even when the patients are royal pains in the ass.”

“Come on babe. If I hadn’t been such an ass, we wouldn’t be here right now. Call it what you want, but I think things all panned out the way they were supposed to.”

“We’ll see if that’s true,” she fires back before growing silent as we cruise along the highway, closing in on our destination.

“So, do you have any siblings? Family you’re close with?” I’m reaching with questions here, but I want to know as much about her as possible. I wish I could safely check my phone for my list while I’m driving, but it’s not worth the risk.

“No. I’m an only child. My mother had a difficult time getting pregnant, miscarrying several times before I stuck. Her delivery was scary too, so once I was born, my parents decided to be content with one child and made me their entire world. If there is one thing I miss more than anything about home, it’s them.” The light from oncoming traffic highlights the tears building in Piper’s eyes.

“Fuck. I’m sorry, Piper. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Reaching for her hand, she gives into my touch willingly as I try to comfort her from the driver’s seat.

“No, it’s okay. It’s just been months since I’ve seen them.”

“Do you plan to go home to visit soon? Or are they gonna come out here?”

She sniffles and then looks away from me. “Maybe someday soon,” she says wistfully, and the despair in her voice radiates off of her and sinks into me.

“Well, not that I can relate to missing my parents because I couldn’t wait to escape their manipulation and greed, but I know how lonely it can be in a new place. Just know you’re not alone now, sweetheart,” I offer as we continue to glide along the highway.

“Thank you. For the first time in months, I actually don’t feel so alone. I’m sorry you don’t have a great relationship with your family, but at least you have Birdie.” She smiles sweetly just as the truck jolts to the left and a loud pop echoes outside, both of our bodies giving into the momentum.

“Fuck,” I shout as I attempt to control the swerve of the wheel and loud thumping sounds beneath the vehicle as our entire balance is thrown off.

Gripping the handle on the door, Piper turns to me as I pull over on the side of the road. “What was that? What happened?”

“Sounds like I blew a tire. Let me go check it out.” I spring out of the truck on the side of the highway, walking around to the right rear tire that’s completely shredded. Rage builds in my body as I stare at the rubber splattered around the rim like my hope is being desecrated right now.

Piper’s door pops open as she jumps down and walks over to me, and even though I’m fucking livid, I can’t help but admire the sway of her hips as she saunters towards me. But then I remember why we’re outside of my truck in the first place.

“Well, that doesn’t look good,” she jokes as I shoot her a glare. This can’t be happening. Tonight was supposed to go perfectly. This was my one chance to impress Piper and it seems karmic retribution chose tonight to pay its dues.

“No, it doesn’t. And, my spare is at home in my garage. I took it out last week when I had to pick up some supplies from Home Depot, and I forgot to put it back in. Fuck!” I shout, running my hands through my hair.

Piper rests her hand on my tense shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright, Cash. No biggie. Do you have AAA?”

“Yeah, I do,” I mutter just as red and blue flashing lights turn on behind us and a police cruiser pulls up behind my truck. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Hey, everything okay?” Cooper steps out of the cruiser and walks over to us on the shoulder of the road. “I recognized your truck, man.” Sliding his head around me, he notices Piper to my right. “Oh, hey. You must be Piper.” Extending his hand to shake hers, she reaches for him simultaneously.

“Yes, hi. You are?”

“Cooper Walsh. I work with Cash.”

“Piper, this is Cooper, my best friend. Cooper, this is the infamous Piper.” I step back so I’m not between them anymore as I watch their interaction.

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