“Not really. I’m not a huge drinker, but I wouldn’t mind hitting the tequila right about now. Sometimes this life shits on you, and then it shits on you even more just for good measure. I mean, I know I’m an asshole and everything, but I try to do the right thing.” He throws his phone at the chair in front of him and it lands face down on the floor.
“I get it. I don’t know what’s happened, but I know this world is far from fair, and I don’t think you’re that bad. A little rough around the edges and blunt to the point of painful, but that’s you. Whatever is going on, I’m sorry it’s causing you so much… discomfort.”
“Damn, you are so polite. You won’t even ask me what caused this. Looks like I picked the right girl after all. I like that you care but don’t pry. I guess Darius is right, you really aren’t like the rest of them.” He gives me a smirk before he leans back and nothing more is said. Not until we pull up to whatever city we’re in, and he climbs out of the car and offers me his hand.
“Okay, so… I may have an ulterior motive for inviting you out. I kind of need to buy a couple of things, and I haven’t got a fucking clue where to start.” He lets out a loud groan, and I can’t help but chuckle just a little.
“Not a problem, but I have to ask. How did you get rid of Tom? I was almost certain he would join us.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I told him he can fuck off. I have already given up a few nights, I’m not about to go shopping with him as well. He is unbearable, wants to go in every shop, try on ridiculous outfits. Last time, he dragged us into the same shop four times because he couldn’t decide if he wanted whatever shirt he had found or not.” He shakes his head and I grin at him. I wish I could see that side of Tom, but I don’t mind being alone with Tucker.
“I’m not disappointed, I enjoy being out with you.” I shouldn’t, but I think I need to stop worrying about what I should and should not do or feel. Clearly, I have no control over it.
“Okay, so I need to buy something for my… niece. She’s three and I have no idea what she likes. I’ve tried to find out, but no one is helping me, and I just want to get it over with.”
“Okay, I can feel your frustration from here. It’s okay, I’m no expert on kids, but I can help you find something. Maybe some clothes or a book,” I suggest, and I can see his nose turn up as he scowls at my ideas.
“It’s so impersonal, I want it to be more, well just more.”
“That will be hard at her age, maybe get something to do with unicorns. Little girls love them.”
“Yes, let’s do that.” He grips my hand and drags me inside the first kid store we come across.
We spend ages looking at all the unicorn paraphernalia until I grab the largest stuffed one they have and shove it into his chest.
“Just get her this. She’ll love it, and if it’s not enough, then you could get a unicorn watch or something. I have no idea if it’s age appropriate though.” I ponder that for a moment as he stares at the unicorn before marching up to the checkout counter and pays extra to have it wrapped.
He pulls me into a phone store after and I guess he is bored with looking at the same one so God damn much.
“Okay, what about you? Anything you want to get?”
“I don’t have any money, but it’s okay. I’m just enjoying being outside,” I say with a genuine smile, but again, he shakes his head at me.
“Come on, you must want something.”
“I’m easy, I don’t really do gifts. Usually my mom will get me a new recipe book or a notebook for me to write my own concoctions in. I don’t need anything else.”
“You perplex me, but fine. Come on, let’s grab a bite to eat, and then we can move on to the next store.” He takes my hand again and leads me into a greasy spoon.
I order a chocolate shake with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top, and a chili dog with fries. Tucker gets a burger and fries with a coffee and then relaxes back into the seat and stares out of the window.
“So, Tom, hey. I guess I can see it, although, I always thought it would be Aeron.” that’s a little out of the blue.
“It wasn’t planned, but I don’t regret it, he’s brilliant. He makes me laugh and he can hold a conversation.” I’m trying not to sound too wistful, but I don’t know if I’m pulling it off.
“He’s a good guy, a bit of an adrenaline junkie and perpetually bored, but he doesn’t seem as bored when you are around. I wonder what it is about you that drives them all crazy. I guess I’ll have to include myself in that as well.” Did he just admit, in some convoluted way, that he likes me?
“I have no idea, but if you ever figure it out, please let me know,” I say with a sugary sweet tone, and cheeky smile.
“Don’t you worry, I will, and I expect the same from you.” We share a grin at that, and then get stuck in when our plates are set down in front of us. It’s been strange, but I am enjoying myself. I wonder where he’ll drag me to next.
We pick up some kind of print that he ordered for his dad, a locket for his sister, and a crystal frame for his mom. I expect to go back to his car, but instead we walk until we find a park and sit down on one of the benches.
“You wouldn’t let me buy you anything, so I’ve decided to be creative. It’s a first for me, but I think you’ll like it.” I don’t know what he’s talking about, and I can’t help but roll my eyes when he pulls out his phone.
“Where would your mom be right now?” A bit random, but I’ll play along.
“It’s Saturday, so probably working a shift at the diner.”
“Do you know the number?” I nod my head, and he stares at me, waiting for something. “Are you going to give it to me?” I say it out loud, and watch as he types it into his phone.
“Hi, can I speak to Mrs. Carter, please? That’s great, thanks.”
What the hell is he doing?
“Hi, Mrs. Carter, I’m Tucker Harkwright and I have your daughter here for you, but you can’t tell anyone this happened. Yes, okay. I’ll pass you over to her.”
He holds his hand over the mouthpiece before drilling his eyes into me.
“No one can know, Luna. I’m breaking all kinds of rules right now.” He passes me the phone, and I take it with trembling hands.
“Mama,” I say through a thick voice, overwhelmed with so many feelings right now.
“Luna bean, I can’t believe it’s really you. How are you, my darling?” She sounds as emotional as I feel, and my heart is fit to burst.
“Oh mama, I miss you so much. I didn’t know I’d get to speak to you today. I have no idea what to say.” Tears are falling from my eyes, but they are the good kind, the happy kind.
“I’m going on break,” she calls out before the noise on the other end disappears. “I don’t care what we talk about, I’m just so happy I get to hear your voice.”
“Me too, how is Poppy doing?”
“Surprisingly well. It’s amazing what happens when you have more money coming in.” I can hear and feel her frustration from here. “They think an imbalance in her brain caused it, so they’ve put her on some new medication, and she’s having better days. Talking occasionally and moving more. I know she can’t wait to see you.”