Page 10 of Torqued

“I told them to park it and go home, we’ll get it tomorrow. We’re only traveling to Charlotte this week. We can handle it.” Margo shrugs, taking her keys from her pocket.

Crank shuts his door. “Yeah, we’ll get it.”

“Later, babe.” I toss my hand up as she shuts the door and wait for her to get inside. “Text her and remind her to lock her door.”

“How do you know she didn’t?” Crank types on his phone. I wait, knowing she’ll appear at her door. Another minute and her hand is in the window.

“Told ya.” I flash my lights and back out of her driveway. I cross the street and pull into mine. Some weeks, I feel like I could stay away forever, but after this weekend, I’m happy to be home.

Crank is up and opening the front door by the time I get the truck turned off. “Just let me know when you’re ready to get started tomorrow.”

“Will do.” I climb out of my side, grabbing my bag as he shuts the other door. “Crank, I appreciate everything you do.”

“Sure enough, and don’t sweat it, yours is coming.” He throws his hand in the air and takes the stairs two at a time.

I know mine is coming, but I’m starting to wonder if it took a wrong turn and how long it’ll be delayed. I trudge up the steps of my porch with my keys in hand and open the door.

Before stepping inside, I look back over my shoulder. The lights blink at the house down the street, putting a smile on my face. I reach in to the right, flipping mine on and off.

“Night mom,” I whisper as she does it for a second time. It doesn’t matter how old I get. I think my mom will always wait for me to get home when I’m on the road even though I live across the street from my parents.

At this point, I’m so tired I could sleep right here by the front entrance. I drop my bag and head straight for the shower. Margo, the hooker she is, yanked me out of the hotel so fast this morning, I didn’t have enough time to get cleaned up.

That’s until the smell from my kitchen wafts through and hits me square in the gut. I make a bee-line to the stove, opening it up as my phone begins to ping. I take it out to find the others are already throwing down.

Margo: Yummo!

Crank: Damn, she’s the best!

I grab a dishtowel, reaching in to pull out the first of two covered pans. I set one on top and reach in for the second, putting it to the side. Once I close the oven, I pop the lids and find heaven in a baking dish.

Margo: Please tell me you’re eating?

Crank: Yes.

Margo: Not you!

Have I mentioned how amazing my mom is? Well, she’s the best. Not only do we have chicken and dumplings waiting, but she also made apple crisp. I’m about to get my grub on, shower, and sleep until noon tomorrow.

Rush: Dear God…

Margo: Yes?

Crank: You rang?

Rush: Find me a woman like my mom.

Margo: Gorgeous, intelligent, and can cook?

Rush: YES!

Rush: I’m going in.

Rush: Later!

Margo: Same.

Crank: Yup!