Page 61 of Lotus

“It was an unexpected interference. I panicked.” Oliver’s chest expands with each hard breath, his fingers curling around the steering wheel like he’s holding on for dear life. “Perhaps we should turn back.”

“I mean, itisillegal and incredibly dangerous…” I chuckle at the wide eyes pointed in my direction. “Oliver, we’re only driving down our neighborhood street at seven miles per hour. It’s totally fine. My dad practiced with me and my sister when we were fifteen on this same stretch of road.”

Oliver’s complexion has turned chalky, his nerves visible. Two days after our mini-reunion, I offered to take him out for driving practice. He starts his new job next week, and he’ll need to figure out transportation at some point. I volunteered to drive him to and from the library for now, but it’s not a permanent arrangement—and not because Iwouldn’t. I’d do anything for the man beside me, clutching the wheel with sweaty palms, his bangs grazing his eyelashes, his body tense with apprehension.

It’s because he needs this.

Oliver signed up for a driver’s education course that starts in two weeks, but I figured there was no harm in taking him around the block for a trial run.

“You kids are going to run down my mailbox and Dwarf Hollies!”

That is, unless Lorna Gibson starts besieging us with her pruning saw.

“Shit,” I mutter with an embittered moan, ducking lower in my seat, as if the old woman hadn’t already cast her eyes of scorn upon me. My window is partially rolled down, an unintended invitation for Lorna to stalk over to my vehicle in her floral nightgown. “Good morning, Ms. Gibson,” I say, my tone sounding unnaturally pleasant.

“Mrs.,” she huffs as she approaches. “I’m widowed. God rest his soul.”

Edgar. The neighborhood hornball. Even as a child, I remember Lorna’s husband being a total creep—leering at the bikini-clad teenagers, making vulgar remarks, cracking inappropriate jokes. Mom wouldn’t even let us out of the house when he was doing yardwork.

Lorna does the sign of the cross, then pokes her head inside the car to scope out the very illegal driver.

Oliver looks like he’s going to vomit. “Good day, ma’am.”

“Oh, Oliver!” Lorna’s entire demeanor shifts into sunshine and puppy dogs and a choir of heavenly angels. “I thought you were your hooligan brother.”

I clear my throat. “I was taking Oliver for a test drive. He’s studying for his learner’s permit.”

A sneer in my direction, then she’s back to swooning over the man on my left. “You’re looking very well lately. Your mother would be so proud.”

“I almost hit a squirrel.”

A snort-chuckle escapes me.

“Yes, well, they are pests—always stealing my bird seed from the feeder. Run them all over if you must,” Lorna replies, her drawn-on eyebrows pinched into her wrinkled forehead. “If you ever need anything, I’m only a short walk away. I’d love to make you a home-cooked meal.”

“Oliver is actually a really good cook—”

“And if you need money, I’d be happy to hire you for chores and yard projects. My knees aren’t what they used to be.”

“He’s starting a new job at the libr—”

“I’m sure it’s been a nightmare trying to locate work with your unsavory history. Is the government providing you with financial disability?”

I lean back against the headrest with a sigh, holding back a vulgar retort.

Oliver struggles with his response, shifting uncomfortably. “I appreciate your kindness. Thank you.”

Lorna’s smile is beaming. “Such a polite young man.” That same smile vanishes when she turns her eyes to me. “Keep in mind the company you keep, Oliver. I’d hate to see you venture down an unseemly path…”

Her bony hand lifts into a wave as she steps away from the car, singingAll You Need Is Loveby The Beatles and wobbling back towards her house.

“She’s not very fond of you, is she?” Oliver inquires, his eyes squinted with bemusement as he watches Lorna retreat. “I can’t imagine what you’ve done to upset her.”

“I’d love to know that answer,” I shrug, indifferent. “Ready to go?”

“Um…”

“Hey, Sydney.”

---