Page 2 of Tucker
“Noproblem. There may be too much here for one shelter though. We just got ashipment of produce.”
Afterconsidering it for a moment, she says, “Why don’t you call Tucker? He’s beenhelping out at Striking Back. You know, the domestic violence shelter? Theycould probably use it.”
Myheart leaps a little at the thought of talking to Tucker. I don’t know why Ireact the way I do around him. Okay, so maybe he’s hot as fuck and has thatwhole broody smoldering thing going on, but he’s also about ten years olderthan me. He calls me kid, for hell’s sake. I’m not around him a whole lot sincehe lives ninety minutes away. I was surprised when Derek told me they werethrowing me a birthday party at Tucker’s, but I guess since he lives on a farmoutside the city, it’s a good place to get together.
“Thanks,I’ll give him a call.” Derek, being the overprotective brute that he is,programmed all the ISH guys’ numbers into my phone in case I need something andcan’t reach him.
Vincegreets Zoe and instructs the shelter owner to back his box truck up to the backdock while I slip off to the storeroom to call Tucker. He answers right away.
“What’swrong?” His voice is gruff.
Wow,not even a hello. “Nothing’s wrong. Does something have to be wrong for me tocall you?” I tease. All I receive in return is a grunt. Okay, then.
“Thegrocery store I work for is closing down and we’re trying to find charities totake the stock. Zoe suggested I call you since you work with Striking Backsometimes. Maybe they could use the food at the shelter.”
Aftera pause, he replies. “Text me the address. I’ll pass it along to Mason. I’msure they’ll take it off your hands.”
“Okay,thanks.”
“Welcome,”he grumbles, hanging up.
Zoegrins at me when I return and grab a pallet jack to help them load the truck.“That was fast.”
“Youknow Tucker. He talks your ear off.”
Zoelaughs and continues splitting up the inventory, leaving half for StrikingBack. “I’m meeting the girls for lunch at one. Why don’t you join us?”
SinceI moved back, Zoe, Ayda, and Sadie have gone out of their way to include me andmake me feel like a part of the group. They don’t seem to mind I’m Derek’ssister, or that I’m a few years younger than them. “Sounds good. Where?”
“Maurice’s.”
“I’llbe there.”
Myphone beeps with a text from Tucker.
Tucker:Mason is sending his brother, Alex. He’s on his way.
Afterconsidering it for a moment, I reply.
Me:K
“Mason’sbrother is coming for the rest,” I tell Zoe.
“Good,I’ll see you at one, then.”
Hoppinginto the passenger seat of the truck, she waves before they take off.
I’vemet Alex before, but never really talked to him. It doesn’t take him long toshow up, and I return his contagious smile. Damn, he’s cute. I’m pretty sureAyda mentioned he’s married, though.
Afterhe leaves with a truckload of food, Vince walks up and hands me my paycheck. “Ipaid you for the full day today, but there’s no reason for you to come backafter lunch. I’m taking off too.”
“Thanksfor everything, Vince,” I tell him, and his face turns red when I give him aquick hug. “Good luck.”
“Youtoo,” he mumbles.
Yeah,I might be a little overly affectionate sometimes. My ex used to complain thatI was overly everything. Overly excitable, overly enthusiastic, overlyoptimistic. I used to try to tone it down, but screw it. It’s who I am.
Andright now, I’m eager to get to lunch and catch up with the girls.
