Page 26 of Trucker
“You don’t really think that.’ I told him. “Most men see their trucks—especially ones they put this much work and money into as an extension of themselves.”
“I don’t have an issue in that department.” There was laughter in his voice. “I don’t need to compensate.”
“That wasn’t…” I gasped haughtily.
The truth was, I wasn’t even thinking that before. But I was definitely thinking it now.
How big is he?
“I wasn’t really thinking that. I’m sure you’re fine.” I flushed.
I glanced at him to see he was looking out the window.
Smiling, I relaxed and enjoyed the first leg of our journey.
I parked the monster truck in a spot under some trees close to the new firehouse. Trucker exited and rushed around to the side to open my door for me. Taking my hand like a prince would his princess, he helped me down and closed the door before releasing my hand.
“This is it, huh.” He looked around. “It’s nice. Shiny”
I laughed.
“It’s all brand new.” I explained, escorting him toward where a sparkling firetruck was parked in the sun.
The ground around it was wet—someone had just washed it and left it in the sun to dry.
“We never had any of it before.” I continued, hooking my fingers at his elbow. “But new is good.”
Trucker nodded. “New is good.”
“Hey! Taji!” A grinning indigenous man stood from where he was washing a rag by hand. “I didn’t know you were coming by today.”
“I wanted to show Trucker around.” I explained. “Mayson Calhoune, meet one of your cadets, Lennox Kane.”
The two shook hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” Lennox told him.
“Call me Trucker.” Trucker grinned. “I’m not your captain. I’m just here to make sure you and your crew go home after your shifts.”
“Thank you, sir—er I mean, Trucker.” Lennox grinned then went serious. “Trust me, that means a lot to us. They kind of just threw us into the deep end here. No complaining, you see? We have no idea what we’re doing.”
Laughing, I craned my neck to see inside the bay.
“Are you the only one here?” Trucker asked.
“No, Andi is making sure the other engine is stocked.” Lennox replied. “We only have two. They don’t think we need more than that. I think most of the budget went into the medics.”
I patted his shoulder and escorted Trucker to meet the lone female on the small crew.
Once he had a chance to walk the training course, I drove him down to the local beach.
After buying a couple of ice cream cones, he reversed the truck so we could sit in the bed of it and watch the water and the people.
Mostly the water.
“This is nice.” Trucker sighed. “You don’t get this in the city. I haven’t heard one horn since I’ve been here.”
I chuckled. “Small town living. It’s not for everyone though.”
