Page 28 of Second Time Around

“Great. I’ll meet you there.”

She opened her car door and was about to get in, but he stopped her by clearing his throat.

“What is it?” she asked.

“You still have my shirt.” After her initial reaction to holding it, she’d clutched it to her chest while he’d changed the tire. When they were teens, she used to love wearing his shirts. She’d looked damned good in them too.

“Oh. Right. Here you go.”

She handed him the shirt, slid into the car, and drove away. He watched her go, mostly to make sure the spare tire held up okay. Then he turned and walked across the parking lot to his own car. As he went, he lifted his shirt to his nose and inhaled. He detected the scent of her perfume and smiled.

Instead of putting it on over his sweaty T-shirt, he decided to go without. Besides, she hadn’t seemed to mind seeing him “all sweaty.” He wasn’t sure the other customers at Dairy Queen would agree, though.

A few minutes later, he pulled into the parking space beside her, and they both rolled down their windows.

“What’s your order, and I’ll go in and get it,” she offered.

“I’ll have a chocolate shake.”

“Large?”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Be right back.”

While she was gone, he blasted the air conditioning and took a napkin from the glove compartment to wipe the sweat off his face. By the time she returned with their treats, he’d cooled off some, although his shirt was still damp.

She opened his passenger door and slid inside, just like she had dozens of times before. It was a different year, different car, and different circumstances, yet it felt surprisingly familiar.

She handed him the shake and said, “Still ripped and drinking chocolate shakes. It just isn’t fair.”

He chuckled, enjoying the compliments, even though they were said offhandedly. “I see you’re still a fan of Oreo Blizzards.”

She nodded enthusiastically and then took a big bite. “Mmm…delicious! How’s yours?”

“Same.”

“Funny how some things never change,” she said while dipping her spoon in again.

Truer words had never been spoken, and he wasn’t just thinking about his preferred treat from DQ. Sitting in a parked car and having ice cream together brought up a host of memories. They’d often eaten in his car on their way to and from parties and high school events. He’d learned all her favorite restaurants and food preferences, and vice versa.

Tonight the only difference was that she’d ordered a smaller size than she used to. He guessed it had something to do with maintaining her figure, but he didn’t dare ask. Regardless, her current self was just as beautiful as her teenaged self, but he kept that to himself too.

Soon their desserts were gone, and they both spoke at the same time.

“Thanks—”

“Ladies first,” he said.

“Thanks again for changing my tire. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem, and thanks for the shake.”

She paused and looked like she was about to say something else. Instead, she opened the door and stepped out.

“Don’t forget to get your tire repaired. Any tire store should be able to fix it.”

“I will. Have a good night.”

“You too.”

He watched her walk away and felt just like he had as a teenager—bummed out that she was leaving and anticipating when he would see her again.