Page 15 of My (Not So) Perfect Plan

My eyes bug out of my head. “Is he going to be okay with that?”

“It’s not really up to him. We bought him the truck and it won’t be in use while he’s laid up. After the surgery, even if hegoes back to school, he won’t be able to safely drive himself for at least a month. I could drop him off, or send a car, but I think he’d appreciate riding in his own vehicle better. For that matter, once he returns to school, I’d feel much better if I knew you were helping him get around since your experienced on the best way to support him.”

I’m really flattered by her faith in me, but I don’t even have my license yet.

“Do you mind if I talk to him about it first?” I ask hesitantly.

She thinks and nods after a moment.

I walk over to the car where Evan has the window open and is resting his head back against the seat.

“Hey.”

He turns to look at me and I flounder at the sight of his scowl. Mr. Grumpy pants.

“So, um, your mom wants me to pick up your assignments for you. She said you’ll have to try to get an academic scholarship now.” His frown deepens but I soldier on. “She was thinking we could do some mutual tutoring. My English for your math.”

“Okay.” A muscle tightens in his jaw. He doesn’t like it, but I didn’t expect him to be okay with it, which leaves me wondering how to present the other part of the problem.

“Um, but so I don’t have a ride to get to your house. Rachel can take me a few times, but I can’t rely on her all the time. Your mom wants me to borrow your truck.” I wince as I say it because what guy wants a girl without a license to be driving his truck? It’s insane.

“You have a license?”

I shook my head, relief visible on the horizon.

“You’re not borrowing my truck without a license.”

Thank you! I smile at him.

“Great! So I’ll tell your mom this won’t work then. I can pick up your assignments and stuff and get one of my friends to drop them off or something or she can pick them up from or whatever. Or she did say she can send a car. Whatever. We’ll work it out.”

I turn away, but his voice stops me in my tracks.

“Or you could get your license.”

I turn back to him. “Huh?”

“You know, become a licensed driver?” He seems serious, except for his eyes which hold a gleam of amusement. “I’ll be laid up with this leg pretty much all the time, but if I don’t have to do anything myself, I’m willing to give your pointer if you get your learner’s permit.”

“Well, I have my permit. I just haven’t done it yet,” I admit, shamefaced.

“Cool. Get one of your friends to drop you off at my house and we’ll go driving.”

“Are you sure? In your truck? You’re okay with me learning how to drive in your truck?” I can’t imagine him actually wanting to do anything but rest.

He shrugs his shoulders. “Consider how anal retentive careful you are about everything, I’m really not worried you’re going to wreck my truck. And I can’t stay holed up at home all day every day. I’ll go nuts.”

I bite my lip, wondering if this is smart. I squint at him, suspicious of his offer. “No laughing at me?”

“Oh, no. There’s going to be laughing,” and for the first time since he’s been here, he grins at me.

I shake my head. “You actually trustmeto drive your truck?”

“Not by yourself, yet. I’ll be in the vehicle with you, which means you’ll be extra careful when you’re learning.”

Mrs. Carmichael comes up to the car, looking askance between us.

“I’m going to teach her how to drive,” Evan tells his mother. I look over at her, wanting to see how she will take this news.

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