Page 10 of Loving Kai

Abe looked at the water running behind her house. “This is really close to the water. Did you get flooded out last time?”

“We were evacuated, but only a few of the houses took on some water. Most of the bad flooding was near Fairfield.”

“Right. I hope you’re not planning on staying here this week.”

She turned in her seat and looked at him. “I really don’t have anywhere else to go.”

“How about your brother?”

“He lives in White City.”

“You may not be so lucky this time. I think you should figure something out.”

“I’ll try.” She opened her door. “Thank you for the ride.”

“No problem. Do you need a ride in the morning?”

“I’m off tomorrow.”

“Oh, right. Monday. Okay. If you need a ride on Tuesday, let me know.”

She nodded and started to get out, then looked back at him. “Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?”

Abe shrugged. “I don’t know. Do you want me to stop?”

She smiled. “No.”

“Okay, then. I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

He waited until she went inside, then drove away. He cursed when he realized he hadn’t paid enough attention to how they had gotten to her home. After a few wrong turns, he managed to find his way back to the highway and headed home.

He was confused as she was about his change in attitude towards her. Nothing had really changed. She was still just Maggie the waitress.

The road followed the river, which was currently flowing slowly, reflecting the red colors of the setting sun. In three days, it would be a very different river.

Chapter three

“Your Highness, let me see.”

On Tuesday morning, Abe drove past Rocco’s and through town to pick up Maggie and bring her to work. Since he was opening, she would be coming in earlier than her usual shift. But she, of course, was just thankful for the ride.

When he arrived in front of her house, he let her know he was there with two short honks on his horn. A few minutes later, she came through the door and hurried to the car. The wind was blowing hard, and the sky was cloudy as the predicted storm approached.

Maggie got into the truck, then ran her fingers through her hair to straighten it. “Jeez, the wind is crazy.”

“Yeah. This is the type of wind that knocks down trees.”

“Well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen on our way to work.”

“I’ve got four-wheel drive. We’ll be fine.”

“Maybe. But I’d prefer we didn’t need to go off-road to get there.”

They arrived at Rocco’s without incident, and the phone was ringing when they went inside. Abe went to answer it while Maggie went to the bathroom to comb her hair and pull it back off her face for work.

“Rocco’s.”

“Hey, this is Gentry. I tried your cell.”