Page 32 of Yolo

“Oh, I always wanted to go there,” I heard Bindi reply. “But I guess there’s no point in going to a show like that anymore if I can’t see anything.”

That sucked, but she was right.

It’s not like she’d get anything out of sitting in a chair watching circus workers perform. It’s not like there was much talking during the show. Unless you were seated next to an asshole neighbor.

“Thanks.” Bowen jerked his chin.

“And thank you, ma’am.” I nodded at the soccer girl.

She waved and went to her grandfather, chattering animatedly about an apple pie that she wanted.

“She told me about the apple pies when we were washing our hands,” Bindi said. “I want one.”

We left with so many snacks that there was no way in hell we were going to get through them all.

But I enjoyed every second of her giving it a valiant effort.

“We’re here,” I said an hour and a half later when we pulled into the address that Trance had given.

“Where is here?” she asked as she unbuckled and started to get out of the car.

I let her since we were in a large parking area in the country.

“Kilgore, Texas,” I said as I walked around the truck and caught her hand. “We’re here to visit a friend.”

The door to the house opened and a woman waved at me. “Hey, Garrett, right?”

I nodded. “That’s me.”

“My dad’s on his way, but he had to stop for a couple more potty breaks than he was expecting because he has a potty-training puppy he’s dropping off with me.” She smiled. “I’m Oakley Vineyard, Trance’s daughter.”

“Garrett Carter. This is Bindi Howe,” I introduced them. “I’m…”

A rumbly sounding van pulled up and stopped somewhere behind us.

I hope one day I marry a kind, tall, bearded man who is nice and tells me yes anytime I ask for something.

—Bindi’s secret thoughts

BINDI

“That’s Dad,” Oakley explained. “Can you believe he put exhaust tips on that? My mom hates it.”

“What’s so funny about exhaust tips being on a vehicle?” I questioned.

“It’s a Sprinter Van,” Gee explained. “One of those long-ass passenger vans that looks like it should be dropping snooty people off at resorts.”

My mouth turned up at the edges. “That’s actually pretty cool. My mom hated the idea of a van herself, and Dad got her one of those old Ford ones then jacked it up. He also had it powder coated Barbie doll pink.”

It was Oakley who let out an amused giggle. “Don’t tell Dad, or that’ll be next.”

“Don’t tell me what?” the man that was likely Trance called out.

I crossed my arms over my chest and said, “Hey, Gee?”

“Yeah?” He leaned in.

“Not that I mind being here, because it’s good to get out of the house, but why am I here?” I questioned.

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