Red Truck Rendezvous

that the bright light, harsh angles and stark décor of her home was what made her love all things old. The painted lady Victorian house, just down the beach, glowed softly from within and beckoned her like a siren’s song.
“Maybe that cute mechanic will show me around if I ask nicely,” Portia mused as she pulled a lightweight green dress from her closet. Making haste, she applied minimal makeup, and shoved her feet into soft sandals, hurrying out the door as her stomach began to rumble.
***
Pablo watched the young woman with the luxurious golden locks step out of the old trailer under the soft ambient flicker of her awning lights. Each small globe of light appeared to be a prospect’s lantern, painted in the exact shade of red as the wide stripe down the middle of the trailer. He had to admit that the whole set up was very becoming, but what drew his attention was the woman walking toward him with long, swaying strides.
Even from this distance, Pablo could see that the willowy woman walked like a model, her blonde hair flowing around her shoulders like waves of flaxen gold. She wore a light green dress that seemed to wrap around her, swaying like seaweed on the tide, with every step.
Pablo pulled himself away from the window and hurried to the pull-up bar on his closet door. He would get his routine workout in, shower, and meet the family for dinner. He didn’t need a woman mussing up his thoughts.
***
“You look nice,” Jamie grinned as Pablo walked into the kitchen that served the family living quarters of the Inn. “Do you have a date?” She giggled at his hard glare.
“No,” Pablo snapped. “Would you all stop trying to marry me off? I’m too busy with the garage to think about marriage.”
Jamie Jimenez turned toward the stove winking at her grandmother, a bright smile on her pretty face. “I’m soooo sorry,” she teased, pushing a lock of dark blonde hair behind one ear.
“Where is everyone anyway?” Pablo asked. The table wasn’t set, his little nephew Christian was nowhere to be seen, and Carlos had yet to make an appearance.
“We are all eating in the dining room tonight,” Mrs. Walton, Jamie’s grandmother, said. “They are serving beef wellington, my favorite.” The older woman grinned, settling a tea kettle back onto a burner. “I’m just fixing myself some tea before we go.”
Pablo rolled his eyes. He had hoped for a quiet supper and a chance to catch up on his paperwork, but he knew that everyone would take their time over the lovely meal prepared by the hotel staff.
“At least you aren’t all covered in grease tonight,” Jamie said, slipping her arm in his as she cast a glance back at her Gram. “Come on, Gram, Carlos will be getting impatient, and you know that Christian does not like to wait for food.”
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Gram Walton grumbled shuffling up behind them. Something told her that tonight would be unique.
“Where are Nita and Dev,” Pablo asked as he seated Gram at a chair in the elegant dining hall and took up an empty seat. “I thought she’d be here tonight.” In reality, he was surprised she wasn’t there pestering him about the gift he had received. She had wanted him to open it immediately, and it wasn’t like her to wait.
“Devon is taking her out tonight,” Carlos looked up from his place at the head of the table and grinned at his younger brother. Although several years older, and a bit stockier than Pablo, it was apparent the two were brothers.
“Uncle Pab’o,” three-year-old Chris called, grinning, his chubby cheeks aglow. “I hungry,” the tot chimed. The little boy was such a joy to the family, and secretly Pablo hoped that Chris would have a brother or sister soon, but so far Jamie was staying mum.
“Let’s pray,” Carlos spoke, taking his son’s hand on one side and his wife’s on the other. Pablo and Gram joined the group, and Carlos offered grace ending on Amen, just as their meal was served.
***
Portia stepped into the entrance of the old house and sighed. It was exactly what she expected, all tall pillars, hardwood floors, and wallpaper. Smiling, she followed a host to the dining room, soaking in the spirit of the house with each step.
In a matter of moments, Portia was seated at a small table by a bank of windows that looked out over the vast expanse of Lake Michigan and handed a menu by a girl not long out of her teens.
Portia had just placed her order for the night’s special when her eyes fell on the handsome man who had current custody of her truck. Rising, she made her way through the crowded room to the table where he sat with what must be his family.
The man looked even better all cleaned up, with his black hair brushed to a peak above his forehead and the dark green shirt setting off his bronzed skin. This would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him further about her plans for Sweetie. She was sure he wouldn’t mind if she crashed his little dinner. Portia had never been good at waiting for things, and there was no time like the present.

Chapter 6
Pablo’s eyes grew wide as the pretty Portia approached the table, wondering what she had on her mind. Standing, he placed his napkin on the table and started to leave the table. He didn’t need business mixing with family.
“Ms. Princeton,” he greeted as she reached the table. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” Portia’s bright eyes scanned the table, smiling as the family turned to look at her. “I thought we might discuss the work on Sweetie while we eat. You can join me at my table.”
“Nonsense,” Gram practically shouted, pulling the chair beside her back from the table. “You can join us.” The older woman grinned innocently up at Pablo. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be sitting all alone in