Page 63 of Finders Keepers

We return our jumpsuits and gear, and as we’re gathering our belongings, Gavin glances at his watch.

“So,” he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice that I find endearing, “ready to grab that dinner? I know a great place that every new Texan needs to try, at least once.”

I munch on a bundle of fries, dunking them in what has to be the most amazing ketchup I’ve ever tasted. The savory aroma of grilled beef and melted cheese fills Gavin’s truck, and I can’t help but smile. He was right about Whataburger. It puts every other fast food joint to shame.

“So?” He glances over, eyebrows raised in anticipation. “Verdict?”

“Okay, fine. You win. This is incredible.” I pop another fry in my mouth. “Though I’m pretty sure they put something addictive in this ketchup.”

“That’s the ‘fancy’ part.” He chuckles, reaching over to grab a fry from my container. “It’s a Texas tradition. You can even buy a bottle of it at Walmart, it’s that good.

The radio plays quietly in the background, some country song I don’t recognize. He reaches over and turns the volume down even more.

“Hey, want to play a game?”

My stomach tightens instinctively.

“What kind of game?” I try to keep my voice casual while my fingers fidget with the paper wrapper from my straw.

“Nothing complicated. Just… twenty questions? But fun ones. No boring stuff like ‘what’s your favorite color.’” He flashes that disarming smile of his. “I’ll start with something ridiculous.”

I take another bite of my burger, buying time to think. It seems harmless enough.

“Okay,” I agree, though my voice comes out smaller than I intended.

“Alright!” His enthusiasm is contagious. “First question: If you had to fight a hundred duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck, which would you choose?”

The absurdity of the question startles a laugh out of me. “What? That’s… who even thinks of these things?”

“Hey, these are the important life questions! Now, tiny horses or giant duck?”

I actually have to think about it, which makes me laugh even more. “Um… the duck-sized horses, I guess? At least I could probably outrun them.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong,” he says, gesturing with a fry. “They’d overwhelm you with sheer numbers. The giant duck is the way to go. One target, plus ducks are actually pretty chill.”

“Pretty chill? Have you met a duck? They’re evil!”

“Your turn,” he says, still grinning.

I rack my brain for something equally ridiculous but mine doesn’t feel as quirky. “Okay… if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, but whatever you pick would magically contain all the nutrients you need, what would it be?”

“Easy. Pizza.” He doesn’t even hesitate.

“That’s such a cop-out! Pizza can be anything!”

“Exactly why it’s the perfect choice. I’m both practical and strategic.”

We go back and forth like this, questions getting sillier. Favorite mythological creature. He picks dragons, I choose phoenixes. Would you rather be able to teleport or read minds? We both choose teleport, minds are a scary place. Best superpower to have while grocery shopping.

Then Gavin’s tone shifts slightly. “So… what made you want to move to Texas?”

The question hits me like a bucket of ice water. My hands freeze mid-fry-dip, ketchup dripping back into the container. In my mind, I see Matt’s face, contorted with rage. Feel the sting of his hand. Hear Sophie’s crying from the other room.

“I… just needed a change.” The words taste like ash in my mouth. I hate lying to him, hate the way my voice goes flat and defensive.

He must notice the change because he glances over, concern etching lines around his eyes. “Hey, I didn’t mean to pry. We can stick to the silly questions.”

“No, it’s…” I stare out the window, watching the darkened landscape roll by. Part of me wants to tell him everything. About Matt’s escalating anger. About the first night he hit me. About grabbing Sophie and running with nothing but what we could fit in my car. About how sometimes I still wake up in a cold sweat, certain I hear his footsteps approaching.

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