Bear
The streets are busy and people are pouring in and out of the shops. I just finished having brunch when people are hunting for places to sit down for dinner. Glancing down at what I’m wearing, I inspect my clothing. I don’t want to go back home and change, but I will if my clothes are stained. It doesn’t matter how careful I am when I eat, I always happen to stain myself without fail. My light blue long sleeve sweater is tucked into my white skirt. I’m surprised to find them still spotless despite the hole in my chin.
Pulling my bun loose, I let my hair free from the bun I’d put it in this morning. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always preferred my hair down. Letting out a sigh of relief because I was worried I’d have to go back and walk in on Leo and Gabe getting it in. My phone dinged, pulling me from the unwelcome vision of my best friend dominating Leo. I cringe as I lift my phone. The screen lights up with Donny’s name. Unlocking it, I opened his message.
Donny: Hey, Pepe. Wyd?
Me: Hii. I’m in town.
Donny: What’ve you been up to?
Me: I had brunch with a friend.
Donny: A friend, huh?
Me: Yup.
Donny: What friend? I thought I was your only friend. ;)
Me: Someone from work.
Donny: Mm, a barista?
Me: Yes.
Donny: Cool. Where are you? I’ll pick you up!
Me: You don’t have to do that. I have my car with me. Just let me know where you want to meet and I’ll be there.
Donny: It’s not trouble, Pepe. I’ll pick you up and you can save on gas. I’ll drop you back off tonight.
Me: Okay.
Quickly, I send him my address and slide my phone back into my pocket. I walk to my car and put my bag of books inside. I don’t know where Donny’s taking me and I won’t take the chance I might get them dirty, or even worse, dirty. After I lock my door, headlights flash and I turn to find Donny’s baby blue lifted 1974 Ford 100. She was rough for wear when he first got her, but he’s taken good care of her since then. She’s lifted and he redid the interior all on his own. I remember the first day he drove her to work. The other girls made fun of him, but I always had a thing for trucks. The truck pulls to a stop and the door pops open. The bear of a man steps out, I see his massive shoulders first and then his brilliant smile. Big brown eyes light up as he makes his way toward me. I can’t help but smile when I see Donny. His hair is down, but is out of his eyes thanks to a black thin head wrap. He’s like me, needing it down and free when he isn’t at work. I remember twirling his hair around my finger the first night we spent together and my cheeks flush at the memory. Wide muscular tatted arms open and scoop me up in a tight hug, thankfully pulling me from my thoughts of that night.
“You look beautiful,” he breathed.
“Thanks. So do you,” I tease.
“That’s what all the girls say,” he joked as he released me.
“Oh, I bet. A man like you?” I giggled.
He offered me his arm and I took it. He led me back to his truck. Opening the passenger door, I was reminded of Shane. One ride and all trucks remind me of him now. I sighed and did my best to banish the obsidian eyed god from my thoughts. Looking down at the side steps, I knew if I tried to climb into the truck my skirt would ride up and show more than I wanted. Large bear-like hands gently grabbed my waist and hoisted me up.
“Donny!” I gasped. He placed me down on the seat and smiled at me.
“No need to thank me,” he murmured.
“Mm,” I hummed just before he shut the door.
Black leather and more space than you would think was possible for an older car. These cars were built different. I watched as he strode in front of the truck and over to the driver’s side. Pulling open the door, he hopped in and flashed me a smile before putting the truck in drive.
“Where are we going?” I asked as he pulled onto the main road.
“Somewhere that feels like home,” he said.
I knew he had to be talking about his home because he didn’t know what mine was like. He turned on the radio station and country music played as he rolled down the windows. Our hair flew in the wind as he sang along to a song about an achey-breakey heart. I rolled my eyes, and he blew me a kiss. When we got on the freeway, I turned to look at him.
“We’re leaving Auburn?” I asked. He turned down the music and glanced my way. When he noted the nervous expression on my face, he nodded and focused on the road.
“You think there’s anything in that small town that feels like home?” Donny asked.
“Mm.. other than it being a small town? No, I don’t think so,” I said.
“Don’t worry. We aren’t going across the country,” he teased.
“I’m not worrying. I just haven’t left since…” I trailed off.
“Since you came to Auburn?” he asked.
“Pretty much,” I said.
“So a few years?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I answered.
Folding my arms across my chest as I remembered the night I left home. I’d begged my sister to leave with me, but she wouldn’t leave Father. She held to our name and pack life, thinking it was the only chance she had of meeting her mate. I haven’t seen or heard from my little sister since. Same went for my Father. I didn’t even know if he was still alive. Donny switched lanes and took the exit. For the first time today, I was excited for whatever he had planned. I could use the distraction.
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