Page 54 of Without You

“Boy, that girl can eat.” She giggles.

“Yes, she can. But, this isn’t for Katie tonight. Got a friend in town and he was hungry.”

“Sounds like it.” She winks. “You got all that, babe?” she hollers behind her to her husband who always works the grill during the week. Their son tends to do it more on the weekends because Junior’s knees can’t handle much.

“Of course I do,” comes Junior’s raspy voice. “Comin’ right up, kid!”

Estelle rings up our order and I pay, then she hands me two bottles of Coke. I take a seat at a table in the corner while I wait and scroll through email on my phone, responding to what I can and making notes of what I need to.

A text from my mama pops up and I debate for a few seconds about whether or not to open it. Especially when the preview showed three simple words that could mean pretty much anything in her world.

Mama: I need help.

Groaning, I know that I’ll answer her eventually so I figure now’s as good a time as any.

Me: What’s up?

Mama: I am having trouble with my washer and wondered if you could come by to take a look at it?

Me: Is it under warranty?If so, the company you bought it from should come out and service it.

Then, because I’m an asshole and can’t help myself, I add: Or did you not actually purchase it?

Mama: That was hurtful. Of course I purchased it.

Me: Warranty? I know I’m being a jerk, and I should just offer to go over there and help her but she’s honestly one of the most selfish people I’ve ever met. She only texts or calls me when she needs something.

Mama: I really don’t want a stranger in the house.

Me: I can’t come tonight but I can stop tomorrow before I go to the shop.

Mama: You’re such a good son. Thank you! See you in the morning! Maybe bring some doughnuts with you when you come. And don’t forget your tool kit because I really don’t have any here. And while you’re here, do you mind looking at the heater? It’s getting colder at night and I’m not sure it’s ready for winter.

I don’t respond. This is why I hesitated tohelp her. I give an inch and she’ll take a mile every single time. I’m honestly surprised she didn’t send me a grocery list, too. Though, it wouldn’t surprise me if that came in before the morning.

“Brody! Your order’s up!” Estelle calls out.

I thank her, grab our food, and head out to Chase’s new truck. He hops out as soon as he sees me and I show him the hidden cooler in the floor behind the driver’s seat. “Seriously coolest fucking truck I’ve ever driven.”

“It’s pretty badass,” I admit.

Once we’re back in the cab and he’s backing out of the parking spot, he turns to me and says, “I saw yours sitting in front of the shop. It ain’t too shabby.”

“Thanks, man. I agree. I love that thing.”

“Where we headed now? I’m ready to see what this thing can do. Those tires look like they can eat a lot of dirt.”

I direct him where to go and within three minutes we’re running down a gravel road, kicking up dust behind us. Within ten, we’re at Johnny’s pa’s cabin. I’ve had the keys to this place since I was eighteen. Johnny’s parents died in a car accident when he was twelve and his pa raised him. Pa died a few years ago, leaving Johnny a wreck for about six months. His only saving grace was this cabin and the memories it holds.

“This is incredible. Yours?”

I shake my head and climb out of the truck. “Nah. My bud’s. We practically grew up here, though. Spent our summers out here having bonfires and fishing. It didn’t have plumbing so we stunk to high heaven.”

“Probably loved it, too.”

“Absolutely.”

We settle on the tailgate and dig into our food. I watch him closely as he takes his first bite of the best burger he’ll ever eat.

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