Page 53 of Drive Me Crazy

"Rumor," I call to her as I enter the room. "let's get you to school. Your Momma's gonna beat us."

She slides out of the chair onto the floor. "Why? Please let me stay with you and Aunt Harper."

"Shhh." I tap my lips with my finger. "You can't say things like that, Boo."

She lowers her chin. "Like you ain't trying to kiss her, Unc?"

"Rumor! Stop that. Harper's not your aunt and you can't say things like that." I place my fists on my sides to get my point across.

She crosses her arms. "Whatever, I know I'm right. I saw y'all making googlie eyes at each other. Kids see everything, Unc."

"Kids are gonna get in trouble if they don't get in gear, so I can get them to school." I fold my arms over my chest.

She slowly stands, glaring at me. "If you didn't want to be alone with her, you'd let me stay home today. But you're wanting to smash mouths."

"Child! Your Momma's gonna hear about this." I spin on my heels, ready to bail on her and run right into Harper.

"Huh? Kids say the darndest things." She giggles.

My eyes widen. "You-you heard that, did ya?"

"Hilarious! All this time, I thought smash mouth was a band." She whirls around, swinging those fine hips in front of me, sashaying down the hall.

"Here we go again!" Rumor slaps her forehead, groaning.

"C'mon." I grumble. "You women are gonna be the death of me."

"You sound like my dad." Rumor cackles as she squeezes past me, catching up to Harper, who takes her by the hand.

I snatch my keys from the table by the door and a ball cap from the closet, double timing it to catch up to them. "Hey, I'm thinking this might help." I place the cap on her head.

"You're right, totally incognito." She nibbles the corner of her lip and all I can think about is doing it for her.

I tug it down over her eyes. "Smartass."

"Are we taking the car?" Rumor bats her lashes at me, she loves riding in the car.

"Yes, and you get to have some company today." I hold the door open for them. "All the windows are blacked out, except the windshield."

She quirks her brow. "How is that legal?"

"It's old." I lift my shoulder, letting it fall easily. I brush past her, dragging the tarp off my baby.

Her eyes light up. "Are we taking this?"

"Yeah, she's my favorite." Harper's eyes snap to mine as she grins mischievously.

She backhands my stomach as she passes by me. "After all this time, I finally learn the truth."

"You know you love her." I grab the handle, opening the door for them.

"I know I love her, Unc. She's so pretty." Rumor quips as she climbs in the back seat.

A smile spreads across my face. "Tell Harper what she does, Boo."

"She purrs!" Rumor yells as she buckles herself in.

"A '69 Impala, Jet Black with a white racing strip." Harper crowds me against the door. "Like I don't know where you got this idea."