Page 106 of Ride With Me

I watched the three dots pop up for several minutes then disappear, only to reappear. From experience, I knew Stacy was venting then deleting it and trying to be softer in her words. Still, I was afraid of what she would send to me.

Stacy: Give it to me, along with a photo of his ID and license plates. Also, I need a picture of you for when I need to set up a missing-person poster.

Stacy: What the fuck, Andrew?

Me: I’ll send you the information at our next stop. You can call me whenever to make sure I’m okay. He seems like a good guy, though.

She was mad. Thank God I didn’t call. I can still remember how bad it got the last time we fought. I think my hearing diminished by 15 percent that night. Stacy didn’t make me wait long for a reply.

Stacy: Famous quotes from neighbors of serial killers. “He was such a nice guy.”

Stacy: What am I gonna do with you, Andrew?

Stacy: I’ll be waiting for your text. Do not make me wait too long.

“Everything okay?” Dean asked as I laid my phone back down.

“I think so. She’s mad at me but wants your blood type and Social Security number.”

“Ha. You can send a photo of me, my truck, and my ID. Here.” Dean handed me his wallet. Go ahead and get that started. And if she wants, I can provide character references.”

“We can take care of that at the next stop. She can wait.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind you going through my wallet to get the necessary information.”

“Thanks. But I’d rather wait until we’re stopped. I hate trying to take pictures in a moving vehicle. It makes my car sickness rear its ugly head.”

“Do you need to take something? I think I have a few ginger chews in the glove box.” Dean reached out to open the compartment, but I waved him off.

“No, it’s fine for now. I know what triggers it, and so far, I’m avoiding those things. That’s why I’ll wait to send the pictures.

“Okay, but tell me the minute you start feeling sick, okay?”

“Deal.” A warmth crept into my chest at the worry in his voice. It had been a long time since a partner showed me they cared. How did I not notice when Kenny stopped showing me he gave a shit about my well-being?Man, I really am an idiot.

“Now, would you mind if I put some music on? I drive better listening to ’90s music, but if you want, I can probably find something more contemporary.” Dean lifted his chin toward the radio, and I turned it on.

“That’s fine. Are you thinking more of Rage Against the Machine, Korn, or Pearl Jam?”

“I was listening to the station, but if you open the glove box again, you will find my CD stack. Why don’t you surprise me?”

“Challenge accepted.” I reached out and flipped open the door to access the case that held his CDs. “Let’s see what chaos I can create tonight.”

“Bring it.” Dean smiled, and my insides lit up in pleasure. Now, I just needed to find the right music.

CHAPTER 4

DEAN

The boy was thin.And he thought he could get away with ordering only a side order of toast? Not on my watch.

“We’ll take two Big Daddy breakfast specials with large orange juice and coffee.” I passed the waitress our menus.

“Wait.” Andrew held up his hand as if asking for permission to protest. The waitress stopped, and Andrew lowered his voice. “I don’t have enough to splurge like that.”

“If money was no issue, would you have ordered that or something else?” I looked into his eyes, daring him to lie.

“I would have ordered that and an extra side of bacon, but money is an issue.”

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