Page 94 of His North Star
“You’re welcome,” he teased.
“I’m choosing to be graceful about that remark rather than cutting,” I retorted, making my way to the bathroom.
“So very grown-up of you.”
“I try.” I slammed the door.
“Yep, definitely a grown-up,” he hollered. “I’ll be out in the truck, Your Highness.”
I took three deep, long, steadying breaths. It won’t be awkward today.It won’t.After taking care of business and locking my front door, I bounded down the stairs into the passenger seat of Ty’s Ford F-150.
“I’m officially ready.” I clicked my seatbelt into place.
“As copilot, I’m delegating music duty to you. Don’t let me down.” He handed his phone over.
I clicked open his music app and scrolled through the dozens of playlists he had. “What are you in the mood for?”
“Something fun. We’re road trippin’, baby!”
I laughed. “You’re not too worried about how late I’ll keep you up? Or how bored you’ll be?”
If I had my way, very little sleep would occur tonight. Instead, we’d soak up the night until dawn. Ty would be miserable. And despite the complaints I was in store for, it would be worth it.
“Nah.”
“I like this side of you,” I said. “If only you always agreed to everything I said.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
I shoved his shoulder.
“Hey.” He pushed back. “No roughing up the driver. You’ll get us in an accident.”
“Sorry.”
“You’re forgiven. By the way, how’d your interview go today?”
Pushing shuffle on his phone, I let the device choose at random what we listened to. I angled my body so I could face him easier.
Smiling, I said, “Pretty good. She’s a little reserved, but I’ll take it since she has the experience we’re looking for.”
“Are you going to offer her the position?”
“We already did. That’s why I ran late. She starts on Monday. It’ll be so nice to get my weeknights to myself again. And Mom’s healing up quite well. If everything continues as it is, I’ll get my usual Tuesday and Wednesday mornings off too.”
“Do you even remember what that’s like?”
“To have a day off?”
“Yeah. You’ve been working yourself ragged for months now.”
I snorted. “You’re one to talk. It will be nice. Although. . .” I hesitated. If I confided in Ty, would he try to swoop in and save me? He did it enough as it was. Not that I wasn’t grateful for it. I one-thousand percent was. But admitting this out loud was a little too vulnerable.
“What?” When he stopped at a light, he took my hand, shaking it lightly.
A lead ball filled the pit of my stomach. “Without work or your house to occupy my time, I’m afraid to be alone. I’ve done my best to move on, but when I’m by myself, I get caught up in my past.” My words were tight, heavy.
“You know you’re more than welcome at my place anytime.”
