Page 9 of Torqued

“Thanks, y’all, this was better than being pissed off all the way home.”

Margo adjusts herself in the seat. “We do what we can. Except for Tongue Tickler back there, he’s just gross.”

“Ain’t that the truth, disgusting fucker.”

“I can hear y’all!” He thumps me in the back of the head.

“I’m driving here.” Margo snorts from laughing so loud, and there’s no holding us back. Someone once said laughter is good medicine. I think it’s best for the soul.

We fall silent for the next few hours, each of us in our own worlds. I don’t want my friends to know, but I’m still reeling from Lane’s news. He’s a good driver, and even I have to admit he’s better than Chase.

But anyone on the track with us will tell you, I’m the best there is out there right now. Some call it cocky, I say I’m only hardworking and rough around the edges.

Five hours later, we cross into South Carolina. Just a little further, and we’ll be home for a few days. Margo’s dozing beside me and Crank is playing on his phone. Neither realizes we’re about to be in our own beds.

“Wakey, wakey!”

Crank leans over her seat, goosing her. “Now, woman.”

“Keep it up and you’re gonna pull back a nub.” Margo snatches Crank’s hand, twisting it. They fight and bicker like an old, married couple. It’s fantastic.

Crank winces, trying to get away from her. “Oww… Oww… Ow. You’re mean.”

“Yes, I know.” She scowls, turning on him in her seat. “Wanna know what else I can do?”

Crank shrinks into the backseat. “Not really! Rush, get this woman. She’s about one hateful person to wake up.”

“You know something that might help?”

Crank peeks past her as I glance in the mirror. “Uhh, yes.”

“Stop calling her woman.”

“Yeah!” Margo way-lays Crank in the thigh, giving him a Charlie horse.

“Kids. Children. We are almost home.”

Crank yells from behind me. “Well, tell her to stop touching me.”

“I’m about to lay hands on you, and it won’t be for prayin’.” She growls at him as she spins, sitting back in her seat. Margo has always been high strung, but after today she’s been off the charts.

I make the turn off Highway Seventeen and onto our street. Crank lives over my garage and Margo across the street. She bought her home after living with me for about five years.

She mentioned something about my revolving bed, and she needed her own space. Honestly, I think we worked our way into it. First, we fixed up the garage like we needed it.

Then, it was my house. After we finished the apartment over the garage, and it was perfect for Crank. Margo had her eye on the place across the street for years, but it hadn’t gone on the market.

The driveway is up ahead, but I drive past it, so I can deliver Margo to her door. It’s one house down and the opposite side of the street. She’s on her phone texting when we come to a stop. She doesn’t look up, just keeps typing away with a smile.

“Who are you talking to at this hour?” I reach for her phone, trying to grab it. She jerks it away, snarling at me.

“Rude much?” Margo opens her door, then Crank swings his wide.

He hands her bag to her. “Here ya go, Beast Master.”

“Shush!” She narrows her eyes at him. “Trailer’s gonna be late, they had a flat. Sounds like four before they’ll be here.”

“Right, because who needs sleep?”