The Rules of You and Me Read Free

done me a huge favor.
    “ Wait,” I said as I hurried after him. He stopped and I skidded to a halt a safe distance away.
    “ Thank you,” I said.
    He nodded again. “No problem.” He started walking toward his truck, reaching for the handle.
    People didn’t just do things for other people without getting something in return. My dad had always taught me to never be indebted to someone. Rule #21: Even the score as soon as possible.
    “ Do you want money?” I blurted out.
    He looked at me, crinkling his nose. “Money?”
    I held up a finger to him and then dashed back to my car, reaching in for my purse. I found my checkbook and then walked to my trunk as I opened the little book.
    “ How much do I owe you?” I asked, clicking my pen.
    He raised one eyebrow. “For what?”
    I shrugged. “For my changing my tire. Isn’t that how this usually works? There are people out there who get paid to change tires every day.”
    He shook his head and opened his door. “You don’t owe me anything. Just doing my good deed for the day.”
    “ You’ve got to want something.”
    “ You’ve already said thank you, that’s enough.” He pulled the truck’s driver side door open, which squeaked in protest.
    “ I’m not looking for a boyfriend,” I said.
    He wrinkled his nose. “Neither am I.”
    My neck flushed hot. “I mean, I’m not going out with you for changing my tire. Just so you know.”
    “ That’s a little presumptuous,” he said. “What makes you think I’d want to go out with you?”
    I sucked in a breath, stung. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    He looked me up and down. “Maybe you’re not my type.”
    “ Maybe you’re no one’s type,” I snapped back. I realized I sounded like I was five years old, but I was unable to keep my mouth shut. How had I gotten into this argument?
    The guy smirked and then climbed into the truck. He turned the ignition and the truck groaned, but didn’t start.
    I edged closer to the unpainted truck. There were dents and scratches along the side and the back window was cracked all the way across.
    “ Let me just pay you,” I said. “You look like you could use the money.”
    Now his easygoing expression disappeared, replaced by a deep scowl. “Keep your money,” he snarled at me as he slammed his door shut.
    I jumped back, blinking at the sudden change in his demeanor. The truck sputtered to life and the tires squealed as the guy put it into drive and pulled back onto the road, kicking up dirt and rocks toward me. I coughed, watching as he disappeared down the dip in the road.
    Maybe Natalie was right about hillbillies.
    I tossed my checkbook into the passenger seat as I got back into my car. I would probably never see the guy again, so it didn’t matter if I hadn’t settled the debt.
    Leaning over the console, I shoved my hand into the tiny space next to the seat and managed to fish my phone out. I drove until a signal bar finally appeared on the screen. I scrolled through my contacts, looking for the number I had stored there but had never called. Before now, all of our contact had been through a couple of short emails.
    She picked up on the second ring.
    “ Aunt Lydia?” I said, feeling butterflies erupt in my stomach. “It’s Hannah. I think I’m lost.”

 
     
     

CHAPTER TWO
     
    Aunt Lydia had downsized in the last four years. The beautiful Victorian home she had owned in Willowbrook had been replaced with a small, red brick home. It was all one floor and sat nestled at the edge of the steep hill that rose behind it. Pine trees stood over the house, providing a little privacy from the neighbors.
    Aunt Lydia sat in a swing on the front porch, her feet propped up on the cracked wooden railing, as I slowly pulled into the driveway. I cut the engine off, but didn’t move from the car. I studied her through my windshield. She was older than my mom, but something about her looked younger. Aunt Lydia’s blonde hair was pulled back into a