Page 161 of Ice Darling
“Count of three?”
I burst out laughing. “Why does that sound like something you’d tell Gordie?”
“You caught me.” He chuckles. “What are you doing tonight?”
“Studying car wiring diagrams. Why?”
“Can I pick you up? I’d like to cook for you.”
I blink in surprise.
“Or I can take you out to a proper restaurant,” he says. “I just thought?—”
“You thought right. I’d take your food over five-star dining any day,” I assure him.
“You say the sweetest things to me.”
“I’ve beendreamingabout that grilled chicken you made the first time I came over.”
“Then I’ll make it again.”
“Seriously?”
“Your wish is my command.”
My heart flutters, and my stomach cheers in anticipation.
I lick my lips. “You don’t have to pick me up.”
“I want to,” he says in a low voice.
“I don’t know when I’ll be finished with this car. I’d rather ride my bike.”
He backs off. “If you insist.”
“I can’t wait to see you,” I admit.
“Same here. Ride safe, and I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you.”
He hangs up, and I resist the urge to call him back just to chat about something random, like the weather. It’s mind-boggling how easy it is to talk to him. I could talk for hours, and it wouldn’t be enough.
A soft wind tugs at my hair, and I stare past the tent to the beautiful horizon. Have the clouds always been that white and puffy? Has the sky always been that vibrant blue? Why are the birds so… Wait. The birds are quiet. And so is the garage.
Something seems off.
Why can’t I hear either Rebel or April working?
I spin around and find three women staring at me.
My bosses are lounging against the car I was running tests on. Rebel’s leaning one hip on the bumper, her pink jumpsuit a stark contrast to the gleaming black paint on the car. April’s leaning on the open front door, one hand draped over the lowered window.
And May is smirking at me as she pops gum.
“May!” I look away guiltily from my bosses. “When did you get here?”
“Just now. I took my final exam this morning. I’m officially done with college! Well, if I pass Economics.”
