Going Full Throttle

Chapter 23

I tapped my fingers nervously on the steering wheel as I drove toward the Evans' home. Finn and his grandparents had gotten back late last night and had asked if he could spend the night there. To be honest, that worked better for me so I hadn't pushed back even though I wanted Finn home so badly. I didn't think it was a great idea for the Evans to meet Grace and Jedd. Plus, I worked today so I would have had to leave Finn right away.

I pulled into the familiar driveway and pressed my hand to my chest. My heartbeat was erratic as it pounded against my ribcage. Why was I nervous? I'd been chomping at the bit all morning at work. Gwen had tried to send me home early because I drove her crazy but I said no. As much as I wanted to rush here, I couldn't afford to lose any more hours after all the time I'd taken off in the last week.

Now that I was here though, I was scared to go in. What if Finn didn't want to leave? What if he begged to stay with his grandparents? What if they'd spent a week showing him how great life could be with them? I couldn't compete with the amount of money they had. I would probably never be able to afford name-brand snacks let alone a freakin' RV.

I steeled myself to whatever might come and climbed out of my truck. My feet carried me to the door even though my heart wanted to turn and run in fear of rejection. Before I could listen to it, I sucked in a breath and knocked on the door.

"Pia!" Mr. Evans smiled as he pulled open the door. He stepped aside instantly to welcome me in and I returned his grin. He gestured to the bags at the front door as he said, "These are all Finn's, do you want me to load them in the back?"

"Sure," I said as I inspected the bags. In addition to his luggage and backpack that I'd sent with him, there were now several bags overflowing with toys and new clothes.

I stepped aside as Mr. Evans called into the house that I had arrived then left to pack up my truck. Upstairs, I could hear a small shriek then the pitter-patter of speedy little feet running down the hallway.

"Aunty!" Finn shouted as he ripped down the stairs toward me. I laughed as he flew over the steps, barely seeming to even touch them. His hair was covered in sudsy shampoo and he only wore pyjama pants that clung to his soaking wet legs. It looked like he'd just jumped out of the tub and thrown on the closest thing to him.

Tears stung my eyes as I knelt down and opened my arms. Finn's excitement as he crashed into me and knocked me onto my butt quieted my fears of rejection. I got splashed with shampoo and water as he clung to my neck but I couldn't care less. I squeezed Finn as tightly as I could, relieved to finally have him back.

"Dear Lord, this boy," Mrs. Evans sighed as she clambered down the stairs behind him. I didn't let Finn go as I looked up and smiled politely at her. I tried not to let it turn triumphant when I noticed how tired she looked. Her hair was a mess and her face sagged with exhaustion. The shirt she wore was soaked and I could only imagine that she got the brunt of Finn's splash when he jumped out.

"Aunty awe we going wight home?" Finn pulled his face out of my neck to ask.

"He's been talking nonstop about going to see Tyler and Petey?" Mrs. Evans interjected. I could tell by her tone she wanted an explanation.

"Our neighbours for the summer," I said as I smiled at Finn. He was bouncing on my lap with so much excitement I was sure to have bruises from his boney knees. "I know for a fact Petey has missed you so much," I added to Finn. "Get ready for a million puppy kisses."

"This dog is safe?" Mrs. Evans asked as she wriggled her fingers together. She looked acutely uncomfortable and I assumed Finn had described Petey's build to her.