Page 52 of Valentine Dare

“Yeah,” she whispered, as if all the energy had been sucked out of her.

“It’s just after four.” I acknowledged as I looked at my watch.

“I’ll be there in a few hours. Do you think you can hang tight till then?”

“Prent, you can’t drive all the way here.”

It was at least a four-hour drive, not the longest I’d done, but it wasn’t too much to do in one night. “Watch me! Text me the address, and I’ll see you soon.”On that note, I hung up.

Steve was with me. “Damn, this is the most exciting thing you’ve ever done. Here, take this,” he said as he fished out his wallet and took every bill out of it.

“I can’t do that.” I pushed it back to him.

“Call it worth every penny knowing you’re doing it in the name of love!”

I was so fucking excited, not knowing whether to laugh or cry about his generosity, but I did need the money. Unlike my brothers, I didn’t work at the country club. Even though that had stopped for now, they still had a stash after it closed for winter. Working at Wendy’s one night a week, and the bakery cutting down my shifts to only once every two weeks didn’t amount to much. I didn’t have savings, not like them two, and mom didn’t want me to get stressed because going to school isn’t as natural for someone like me who has difficulties, as it is for most students.

“Go get your girl!” He clapped as I headed to the parking lot. I wasn’t just getting my girl, but my brothers’ too. She was a part of our lives, one we welcomed with open arms. She needed our help, and I couldn’t wait to have her back in my embrace again. My next exam wasn’t until Monday. I didn’t have to study, besides, even if I did, I couldn’t concentrate. Hearing her words and voice replayed in my mind over and over again. I had to stop a couple of times, not only for gas, but to stock up on Redbull too. I hated the shit, but right now I needed as much energy as possible to get me through the night. I had hundreds of miles to burn, and there was no doubt in my mind I wouldn’t sleep, not until I had Jenny back in my arms. Until I knew that she was alright, then I would be too.

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