Page 15 of Real Forever
“Later.”
When Jake got down to the lobby of his building he was surprised to see Madison driving the same Chevy truck from outside the coffee shop. She smiled and waved. His heart pounded in response, and he sternly reminded himself to keep it professional as he headed out to the parking lot.
“Hey,” Jake said. “Cool truck. I didn’t realize it was yours.” Goddamn. She was even prettier than he’d remembered. The truck smelled just like her. Like warm vanilla and coconuts.
“Thanks.”
“What year is it?”
“Fifty-seven.”
“What’s the story with it? Did you buy it like this, or did you fix it up yourself?”
“Let’s get going,” Madison said. She put the truck into gear and pulled out.
Jake hoped he hadn’t said something wrong. He wondered if maybe the truck wasn’t hers and found his chest sinking at the thought it could belong to a boyfriend.
“So, what’s the plan?” Jake asked, changing the subject.
“I don’t know. I thought we could go check out Tammy’s place and maybe you could explain more about the financial documents you mentioned the other day.”
“Sounds good to me.”
They drove quietly for a few moments, the truck slowly filling with crackling tension.
Madison broke the silence, “Music?” She pressed the power button on the truck stereo.
“Who is this?” Jake asked.
“The newest Sheepdogs.” Madison checked over her shoulder as she changed lanes.
“Huh. I’ve never heard of them.”
“Really?” She glanced over at him. “They’re pretty popular.”
Jake smiled. “Well, I like it. A lot.”
“What kind of music do you normally listen to?”
“I don’t know. I listen to a lot of podcasts. I’ve never been a huge music buff.”
“Podcasts?” Madison made a sour expression. “Ok, well who did you listen to before? Like, in high school? Who were your favorites?”
“I didn’t listen to music much in high school. My parents didn’t really allow music in the house. Well, classical music was allowed. But that’s it.”
Madison’s head snapped over to face him, her eyes wide. “What? Holy, shit. That’s insane. I can’t imagine high school without music. Music was my fucking life in high school.”
“Aren’t your feet cold?” Jake asked, noticing Madison’s Birkenstock sandals and rainbow painted toenails.
“No. Why?”
“You’re wearing a knit hat and you have the seat warmers on.”
Madison smiled and crinkled her brow. “Knit hat? You mean my toque? You obviously didn’t grow up around here.”
“No, Ontario,” Jake laughed.
“What brought you out here?”
