The Quarter by Suzanne D. Williams

Author:Suzanne D. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian fiction, historical fiction, 20th century, inspirational romance, religious fiction, southern romance, small town romance, women's fiction, clean & wholesome
Publisher: Suzanne D. Williams
Published: 2016-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

The night was surprisingly cool for early summer and the cab of the truck incredibly uncomfortable no matter which direction Colton turned himself. A shiver passed over him and he tucked his hands into his armpits in hopes of finding even a tiny bit of warmth. But the air sank around him and the chill magnified. Frustrated, he sat upright and cranked the engine, flipping the heat on. But ten minutes in, he was sweating and equally miserable.

This wasn’t working. Last thing he needed was to show up tomorrow sleepwalking. But his only options were a long drive into town and a rented room from Mama and Papa Fische at the local motel, or returning to Benji’s. And he couldn’t possibly do that. Rylie needed this time with her family, and he’d only smother her.

Leaning his head back on the seat, he stared through the windshield into the tranquil night at clouds scudding over the moon and the hurried flutter of a bat. Over time, his mind numbed and exhaustion overtook him. He nodded off, his head bobbing on his chest and awakened to the glare of headlights through the frosted window and rap of knuckles on the glass. Gripping the plastic-wrapped metal handle, he rolled the window down.

“Colton? Man, what are you doin’ out here?”

Shading his pupils, Colton attempted to focus on the head outlined in front of him.

“It’s me, Eldon,” said the shape.

Eldon. Rylie’s youngest brother.

“Hey. Tryin’ to sleep,” Colton answered, his voice thick. He swiped a finger in the corners of his eyes.

“Your mom throw you out?”

“In so many words.”

Eldon curved his fingers over the window frame, leaning in. His hair lit his neck in a halo. “Dude, listen, you can’t sleep out here. Ry’d kill me for leaving you. How ‘bout you follow me back. Benji’ll make room.”

“I can’t. I mean, that’s ...” What he wanted to avoid. He opened his mouth to say so but shut it again. Who was he to argue? He’d rather sleep in his truck?

His shoulders slumped, and he ducked his head. “Okay.”

Eldon slapped the door and stepped back. “Awesome. Just follow my taillights.”

Colton cranked the truck and slipped it into gear. Rambling over the uneven soil, he pulled onto the road in Eldon’s wake and concentrated on staying awake for the short drive. Moist air and car exhaust whistled in the open window, rousing him further. At the turn off, he flipped his blinker left and swiveled the wheel.

The house he’d left only hours ago reappeared in front of him, transfigured by the light of their headlamps and the flittering dust. Parking behind Eldon, Colton exited his truck and followed him to the door. But upon entering the house, he waited, his hands at his sides, while Eldon disappeared around the corner.

It was but a minute before Rylie appeared, her eyes crinkled at the corners, her mouth pursed. Colton tried his best to smile.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “Eldon said you were sleepin’ in your truck?”

He gave a short nod, twisting his neck with the fingers of his left hand.

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