“You know, I am feeling a little bit sick. I think the fresh air and ride will do me good. ”
“Are you sure? I mean, maybe you shouldn’t eat a cheeseburger if you’re feeling sick. ”
Shit, that went south. “Nah, really, I’m fine. ”
We drove in silence for a few minutes before she started to talk.
“So, how have you been?”
“Good. I’m pretty much taking over my dad’s business. I just made this really cool desk for Ari’s dad’s home office. ”
“Really? I bet he’ll love it. ”
“I hope so. If he does and recommends me, that could be huge for the business. I even have a client in Fredericksburg who ordered a few things. ”
Heather looked over at me and gave me that drop dead gorgeous smile of hers. My heart broke all over again as I thought back that morning at her apartment. Her blue eyes captured mine, and then she looked away.
“Lynda, I’m sure, must be very proud of you. ”
I let out a small laugh. “Hardly. She hates that I make furniture for a living. She wants me to go back to school. ”
“For what?”
“Law. ”
“Oh no, don’t do that, Josh. Don’t give up your dream because that’s what she wants. You have to do what makes you happy. ”
I nodded my head and looked out the window. I knew Lynda would never make me happy. Only Heather would.
“So, how’s school? Ellie told me that you’re going to graduate this summer. Wow, you must have doubled up on classes,” I said.
“Well, I didn’t really have anything else to do with Ellie and Ari living in Mason now. So I took more classes at UT and on-line. I have an interview with the Mason Independent School District next week. ”
I snapped my head up and looked at her.
“For teaching?” I asked.
Heather smiled. “Yeah, I just have to finish some classes this summer and take the state test, but they’re looking for three elementary teachers for next year. That’s why I doubled up on the classes. It’s killing me, but it’s worth it. ”
“Wow, Heather I’m really impressed. I always thought you would make a wonderful teacher, prin…umm, yeah. I always could see you doing that. ”
She smiled but didn’t say anything else. Fuck, I almost called her princess.
She pulled up to the drive-through and ordered ten cheeseburgers.
“Ten? I said I only wanted one, Heather. ”
She threw her head back and laughed.
“I know, but as soon as I hand one to Ari, Jeff and Gunner will wish they had one, too. ”
I let out a laugh. “Smart and beautiful. ”
She smiled as she drove up to the window to pay. I handed her a twenty, and she pushed my hand away.
“I’ve got it Josh. ”
“Please, I insist. ” She took the twenty and paid while killing the rude girl in the drive-through with kindness. Only Heather would be extra nice to some rude bitch.