Page 70 of Drive
A gulping noise came over the line. “You’d… you’d dothat?”
“Why wouldn’t I do that? Archie’s great. We used to take my dog Ace with us on trips all thetime.”
“And you don’t mind having him in the car?” sheasked.
“Nah. It’scool.”
“Or having to stop to walk him every fewhours?”
Jacques chuckled. “Nope.”
He heard her give a long exhale. “Thank you. Thank you so much,” she said, her voice going soft withawe.
“It’ll befun.”
“Okay.”
“See yousoon.”
“Okay.”
They hung up again. Jacques stepped through the living room and into the kitchen to find Floyd at the table with Pal. Floyd looked up at him and gave a jolt ofsurprise.
“Give it to me,” Jacques said, ready to hear Floyd’s threewords.
Floyd’s stunned eyes blinked at him. “Berry, Birmingham, and BestWestern.”
Pal frowned, but Jacques could only grin. Apparently, he and Rainey would be staying in a Best Western for the night. One less thing to worryabout.
“You goin’ somewhere, T-boy?”
“Yeah, I am. I’ll be gone two or threedays.”
Pal tucked his chin in surprise. “With daband?”
“No,” Jacques shook his head. “With agirl.”
“De same one you been neckin’ wit coupla weeks ago?” Floyd asked, the drapery of his wrinkles lifting up into asmile.
“Or was it de same one you skipped breakfast fa yestaday?” Pal asked, narrowing his eyes atJacques.
“There’s just one girl,” he said eyeing both men so they knew further questions — especially aboutneckin’— weren’t welcome. “And I have topack.”
* * *
Jacques stoodin the candy aisle at Albertsons, weighing the merits of Starburst verses KitKat. Rainey seemed to like snacks that Jacques hadn’t consumed since childhood, and he wanted to surprise her with something sweet. As he stood deliberating, his phonebuzzed.
Rainey:Are you gettingice?
Jacques: Yep. Need anythingelse?
Rainey: Don’t thinkso.
He studiedthe candy shelves in front ofhim.
Jacques:Tangy orchocolaty?
Rainey: In whatcontext?
