Forever Wild (Wild 2.50)

“Whatever he says, don’t take it personally,” I warn her, though I told him long ago that I might put up with his bullshit, but if he tried it on my loved ones, he’d be dead to me.

“That is a winch,” Agnes says over the rumbling engine, nodding at the front grill where something that looks like a spool of wire is mounted.

“And that’s a grinch,” I counter quietly, earning Mabel’s giggle.

The driver’s side opens with a creak and Roy hops out, tugging that Davy Crockett raccoon-fur hat Jonah loathes so much onto his head. He rounds the front of his truck. His weathered face looks none too pleased as he inspects my predicament.

I decide on humor to kick things off. “My first foray into off-roading didn’t go as planned.”

The corner of his mouth kicks up a notch. “I see that.”

Agnes offers him that wide smile. “Hello again, Roy. I don’t know if you remember us. I’m Agnes. That’s my daughter, Mabel. We met in August.”

He makes a grunting sound that could be considered an acknowledgment, but then adds, “The night Calla shot that bear.”

Agnes nods. “That was quite the night.”

I gesture toward my mother. “Roy, this is my mom, Susan.”

“Roy.” She forgoes offering a handshake—her arms wrapped tightly around her body for warmth—and dips her head in greeting. “Calla has told me so much about you. She took me to see the cabin. Your work is impeccable.”

He studies her a moment before nodding once, and then he turns back to my Jeep. “Everyone all right?”

“Yeah, we’re fine. Just a little shaken up. Could have been worse, though, right?”

“You goin’ too fast, like usual?”

“See? I told you! I told her,” my mom exclaims triumphantly.

“And then she hit the brakes. You never hit the brakes like that when you’re sliding,” Mabel adds matter-of-factly.

Roy frowns at her. “How old are you again?”

Mabel adjusts her stance as if she’s trying to make herself appear taller. “Thirteen and a half.” Though she could pass for sixteen, with her sleek chin-length bob and angular jawline.

“Sounds like you’re already a better driver than Calla.”

Oh my God. “Okay, are we done here?” I snap.

Roy smirks. “Jonah on his way?”

“Yeah, that’s a safe bet.” And I’m sure he’ll be here momentarily.

Roy eyes my Jeep, then his truck, then the winch, and then finally his gaze lands on my mother, who chose to wear her lighter shopping jacket instead of her parka and is shuddering uncontrollably. “You should go on and sit in my truck where it’s warm.”

She rushes for the passenger side, uttering a breezy thank-you.

“You, too, if you want,” he adds to Mabel.

“Nah, I’m good. My friend’s on her way here to get me. I think that’s her.” She points to a small approaching light in the distance.

Roy slips on his gloves and, stooping in front of his truck, unfastens a heavy-duty orange hook. “What were you guys doin’ out in this, anyway?” If I didn’t know better, there’s a touch of scolding in his tone.

“Shopping.”

“Actually, we were out looking for a wedding dress for Calla. Did you hear the good news yet?” As usual, Agnes speaks to him as if he cares. “They’re getting married on New Year’s Eve!”

He merely grunts in response.