Page 31 of Heartbeats & Highways

“It came up in conversation.” I shrugged.

She looked like she was about to ask another question, but then a door opened and Roman entered the main room.

“Ah, fuck yeah,” Roman said, walking over to us and reaching into the box of donuts and pulling one out.

Brielle poured another cup of milk and handed it to Roman.

“Carton’s almost empty,” she said.

“Evie can run out and grab another,” Roman said.

I stood up. “I can do that. Just point me in the direction of the nearest grocery store and the bus stop.”

Brielle looked at me. “Bus stop? Is your car broken down or something?”

“I don’t have a car,” I explained.

Roman pulled a set of car keys from his pocket. “You can take mine.”

I stared at his outstretched hand but didn’t make a move to take the keys. I bit my lip before finally admitting, “I also don’t know how to drive.”

Roman and Brielle quickly exchanged a look.

“So, you’re taking the bus every day to work?” Brielle asked.

“I plan to. I mean, I didn’t this morning. Savage gave me a ride.”

“What did I do?” Savage asked, startling me as he swaggered back into the main room, eyebrows raised. “Ooo, is that a bear claw?”

“Yep.” Brielle lifted the box of donuts toward him.

“You gave me a ride,” I explained.

“Is he going to drive you here every morning?” Brielle asked.

“No,” I said at exactly the same time as Savage said, “Yes.”

I glared at him.

Savage took a bite of the bear claw. After he swallowed, he said, “I don’t like you riding the bus.”

“That’s not your choice,” I stated.

Roman reached back into the box of donuts that were quickly disappearing.

“Save some for Homer and Virgil,” Brielle stated. “They’re going to want some.”

“But they’re not here,” Savage announced. “Homer left out the back. It’s just us.”

“See, I can eat their donuts if I want,” Roman stated and then took a comically large bite.

“Where did he go?” Brielle asked.

“And is he—is he coming back?” I questioned.

Roman patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t let Homer’s surly nature worry you. He’s a good guy, but?—”

“But he’s very much a crotchety old man,” Brielle said with a grin. “And it’s really fun to annoy him. I’ll teach you how to get under his skin. It’s easy.”

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