Page 41 of When In Doubt

I take the opening and forge on. “I have the truck, and I can drive you there and help you set up. You’ll probably need an extra pair of hands, which I have.” I hold all ten fingers up and wiggle them, instantly wishing Jamie Riley were here to knock my teeth in.

“No thank you, but I appreciate the offer.”

“Please.”

“Oscar, I’ll be fine.”

“I know, but just let me, okay? It’d make my mom feel better, and you wouldn’t have to carry all the stuff by yourself.” I know I’m being an ass by playing the mom card—I have plenty of experience with how terrifying the thought of disappointing Valerie Murphy can be—but if it means she lets me go, then I’ll play whatever cards I have.

“You can just tell your mom you offered, and that I said no.”

“I don’t think that’s gonna cut it.”

She chews on her lip.

I try again. “Let me help you. I’ll be there just in case you need someone.”

Her shoulders slump. “You’re really not gonna let this go, are you?”

“Probably not.”

The sigh she lets out could blow over a tree. “Fine.”

“Really?” Is she serious?

“Only if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all.” I mean, I’ll probably have to bribe one of the guys to cover whatever shift I have that weekend, but I don’t care.

“Then, yes,” she says, relief creeping in at the edges of her voice. “It would be great to have help.”

“Awesome, it’s gonna be fun.”

“I don’t want to drag you out there overnight, though. We can drive up and back on Saturday.”

“I thought it was a whole weekend thing?’

“No, just one day. I have the store closed a day either side so I can prep, and then, Sunday to rest.”

“I don’t mind staying if you need to.” It’s a four-hour drive to Denver. Going there and back in a day isn’t impossible, but it’ll be a lot.

“Nah, it’ll be better. I prefer sleeping in my own bed.”

“Only if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” She nods. “And I’m paying for gas.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I’m paying.” She turns toward me, a frown marring her features. “I can expense it to the store anyway, and you’re already doing too much by offering to drive.”

The steel in her eyes tells me I’m not going to win this. “Sure.” I give her a half smile.

“Who’ll watch your rabbit?”

I grin. “My mom.”

“She won’t mind?” I catch sight of her fingers, twisted up in the strap of her purse and I have the urge to take them in mine, to rub all the tension out of them and hold them until she’s home and warm again.