“That’s right,” I remind him, glancing in the mirror at my girl sleeping behind me, “None of your damned business.”
It’s soured the mood but Mike’s not the type to put me out on the side of an icy road just because he doesn’t approve of something I do.
Serena’s old enough to make her own choices, and if anything I only feel salty from his comment because it reminds me of the impending reality we’ll all have to deal with once Greg finds out.
Once you tell him. There’s nothing to ‘find out’ you haven’t hurt anyone or done anything wrong, neither has Serena.
I sigh sharply, forcing myself to relax, and gradually, for the rest of the way, Mike and I make small talk about the days we had on the rigs for all those years.
We drive in silence for a while after that, slowly following the plow as it makes its way through its regular route, with the driver up front checking in with Mike occasionally.
By the time I hear Serena stirring behind me, we’re back on sealed roads that are still icy, but Mike’s got us through the worst of the snow.
He parks his rig in a rest stop and we unload Greg’s SUV from the back. The plow’s moved on ahead, off to another area to do his important work.
Before I fetch Serena from the cab, there’s an awkward silence before Mike shoots his hand out to meet mine.
“Glad I could help,” he announces, laughing to himself. “And Carter? Sorry if I judged you back there… If you can find happiness in this world, then God bless ya,” he says thoughtfully as I squeeze his hand harder in reply.
“Amen to that,” I hear myself saying aloud, relieved to see some black tar for a change and glad I’ve almost got Serena safely back home.
Walking Mike back to his rig, Serena opens the door and leaps into my arms. She feels warm and smells like something I want to wear for the rest of the week.
Her eyes are misty from sleep but brighten once they’re closer to mine.
“You ready?” I ask her, not wanting to set her down but she tells me she’d like to try putting some weight on her ankle.
Shooing me away, she seems determined to make it as far as her dad’s SUV on her own and gives me two thumbs up once she lets herself in before closing the door.
“She’s a lucky gal,” Mike muses, noting my own proud look as I watch her.
My Serena.
Reaching in my pocket, I feel for the wad of cash I set aside for Mike and his plow driver.
Thumbing them with satisfaction after I press them into his hand I know it’s more than enough, but he’s done well by Serena and me.
“You take care, Mike. And thanks again,” I tell him, eager to get out of the cold but really wanting Serena closer to me more than anything else right now.
“Anytime, Carter… and uh. Well, sorry again for…” he tries to say, but I wave him off with my hand.
“Drive safe,” I remind him and don’t even wait for him to leave first. I want to get Serena home and us both alone again like I know we both should be as soon as possible.
Serena picks up on my mood, which still lingers long after Mike’s out of view.
“Anything wrong?” she finally asks, but I won’t tell her about what Mike said.
“How’s the ankle?” I ask in reply, changing the subject. Relieved when she leans over and kisses my cheek.
“What’s that for?” I ask, holding my hand against my face before reaching over to take hers in mine.
“Just for looking after me, and getting us out of that crazy frozen wasteland back there.” She sighs as she squeezes my hand in hers.
We both look at each other for a moment.
“And for having a ton of snow dumped on that witch,” she adds casually until we both can’t help but laugh at the memory.
“Hey!” I protest, “That wasn’t my idea, all those people were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
I love seeing her laugh though, watching her smile and her eyes shine because she’s so happy.
I don’t even have to look at myself to know I have the expression of someone who’s head over heels in love for the first time, just like Serena.
It’s not too long before I need to take those chains off the tires either, and we have a quick stop to do just that.
It’s cold, even a little light snow but the roads from here to home will be ice-free from now on.
Turning after stowing the chains in their rightful place just how Greg would, I’m met with Serena hugging my waist as she tries to favor her sore ankle.
Holding her so close, at any time and in any situation always has this effect on me.