Chapter Nine
By the last week of June, Markie was stressed out. She had to go to her mother’s birthday party this weekend. She put her hands over her face, just dreading the thought of it.
“Are you okay?”
Markie put her hands down and stared at Tess, standing in the doorway, and shook her head.
“I am just sick about this weekend.” She had told Tess all about Jarrett and the party coming up.
“I know you are, but what can you do?”
“Nothing. I have to go. At least Nate is going with me.”
“I’m sure Jarrett won’t bother you with Nate around, unless he’s bigger.”
Markie shook her head. “He’s tall but not as tall as Nate and he’s not built like him either. I’ll feel better with Nate there, but he can’t be around me twenty-four seven, and anytime I’m alone, Jarrett will be around. I can guarantee it.”
“I hate men like him. My first husband was that way, and he also hit me.”
“I didn’t know you were married before Sam.”
Tess walked to the chair across from her desk and sat down.
“When I came here, I was still married and I won’t even say his name, but I was hiding from him. I was afraid if I filed for divorce, he’d find me. Eventually he did and by then, I was seeing Sam.” Tess sighed. “You talk about pissed; Sam was livid because I didn’t tell him I was still married. He broke it off with me and I was sure I’d lost the one man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”
“What happened?”
“My ex tried to kidnap me. There was a party one night at the town hall for Betty Lou Harper’s birthday and I had operated on a dog earlier so I wanted to check on him. I told Sam and he had Brody come with me. Sam didn’t want anything to do with me. When we got here, I checked on the dog, and my ex was in here, waiting for me. He shot Brody—”
“Oh, my God! Obviously, Brody survived but what happened to your ex?”
“Sam shot and killed him. He came looking for me and Brody when we didn’t return to the party. He stood out there in the middle of the street and shot through the glass, killing him instantly. He saw my ex standing over Brody getting ready to shoot him again. Sam couldn’t let that happen.” Tess shrugged.
“I’m glad you and Sam worked it out. He’s a great guy.”
Tess smiled. “He is. It took a while because he was so hurt by me lying to him, but we got through it. I love that man.”
“I know you do, and he loves you. I can see it every time he looks at you.”
“I know he does. I’m sorry you have to go to your mother’s party, but she’s your mother, and you can’t disappoint her.”
“I know. Trust me, I’ve thought of a ton of ways to get out of going, but I can’t lie to her. She’d be devastated if I didn’t show up.”
“Does she know you’re bringing Nate?”
Markie grinned. “Nope. I didn’t want her to tell Jarrett. I want to surprise him.”
Tess laughed. “That’s a good idea.” She stood. “I’d better get back to work. We’re busy today. Lots of appointments.”
“Let’s get busy then. Maybe it will take my mind off this weekend.”
Saturday afternoon, Markie sat silently in the passenger seat as Nate drove along the street leading to her mother’s house. She was dreading this.
“It’ll be fine,” Nate said.
“You can tell me that all you want, but I guarantee you will not like him either.”
“I probably won’t but let me meet him first.”
Markie shook her head. “I wish I didn’t have to be here, but I love my mom, and I cannot hurt her by not showing up.”
“I get that. I’d feel the same way.”
“You’ve never talked about your parents. Are they still living?”
“Yep. Alive and well in Clifton.”
“So, you grew up there?”
“I did. My parents used to own a boarding stable and I grew up helping out. I’ve always loved horses.”
“They don’t have the boarding stable anymore?”
“No. My dad was in a bad car accident, and it put a strain on their money. They sold the place and bought a smaller home. They missed it for a while, but they’re happy now.”
“Any siblings?”
“I have two younger sisters.”
“Oh, boy. I bet you were hell on their boyfriends, weren’t you?”
Nate chuckled. “You have no idea. Even at the age of seventeen, I was over six feet tall. I hadn’t filled out yet, but it didn’t matter.”
“I’m sure it didn’t. Are they married?”
“Yeah, both are. Cathy and Tom have two little girls, and Tina and Mick have twin boys.”
“Twins run in your family?”
“Yes. My mother is a fraternal twin.”
“It’s the next driveway,” Markie said as she pointed to it.
Nate pulled over to the curb, put the truck in park and looked at her.
“Markie, I’m here for you. Don’t let him worry you because if he makes any kind of inappropriate comment or touches you, I will knock him on his ass.”
She laughed. “I would love to see that.”
Nate grinned. “I promise you I will. All he has to do is say something or even look at you the wrong way and I will take care of it. I’m not a fighter. I don’t think fists solve anything, but he sounds like it’s all he would understand.”
“I didn’t tell you he called me to make sure I was going to make it to her birthday.” She shook her head. “I told him he knew I was going to be there, and he said my mother didn’t say. I told him that was a lie, and he knew I was going to be there. That prick said he was looking forward to seeing me. I said, fuck you, and he said, anytime.”
“Now, I do hate him. What an ass.”
“Nate, I’m so sorry for even thinking you were like him.”
“It’s okay, Markie. We’re past that now. You don’t have to worry about him while we’re here, and I’ll make sure he knows it.”
“Thank you.”
Nate leaned over and kissed her lips. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Let’s get this over with.” He pulled onto the street, then into the driveway and stopped in front of the garage.
“Damn. Could they have bought a bigger house?” Nate shook his head.
Markie grinned. “My mother fell in love with this place before she even met my father, but when they were dating and he was getting bigger clients, he bought it for her. I never saw the appeal of such a big house, but she never went without when he was alive. He paid the house off years ago. He left her all the assets he owned, along with money for both of us. I wish she’d sell it.”
“It’s way too big for just two people.”
“I agree.” Markie grinned. “Jarrett’s going to be so surprised to see you with me.”
Nate chuckled. “I can’t wait to see the look on his face.” He opened the door, stepped out, then walked around to her side and opened the door. He took her hand and helped her out, then opened the back door and removed his duffle bag and her overnight case. She took the case from him, then he took her hand, and they walked toward the house.
****
The front door opened, and Nate watched as an older version of Markie stepped out. Surprise registered on her face, but she ran down the steps to hug her daughter. Markie let go of Nate’s hand and hugged her mother. He looked toward the door to see a man staring at him and he didn’t look happy. Nate smirked at him.
“Nate, this is my mother, Stella… Knowles. Mom, this is Nate Jefferson. I hope you don’t mind that I brought him with me.”
“Of course, not—”
“You could have told us you were bringing a guest, Markie,” Jarrett Knowles said as he walked down the steps.
“Oh, it’s fine, Jarrett. I’m happy to see that Markie has a new man in her life.” Stella smiled. “And a very handsome one at that.” She looked at Markie. “One or two bedrooms?”
“One,” Nate said, keeping his eyes on Knowles and almost grinned when he saw his jaw clench. Nate shook Stella’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I can see where Markie gets her looks.”
“Oh, my. What manners you have. It’s wonderful meeting you, Nate.”
“This is my husband, Jarrett. Hon, this is Markie’s friend, Nate Jefferson.”
The two men stared at each other, then Nate put his hand out to him, daring him not to shake it. When Jarrett did, he gripped Nate’s hand tight, but Nate grinned at him.
“Mr. Knowles.”
“Jefferson.”
“Well, let’s get inside out of this heat.” Stella took Markie’s hand and led her inside.
Before they entered the house, Nate removed his hat, wiped his feet on the mat, then followed them inside. He almost whistled at the place. It looked like a damn museum to him. He could never live in a place like this even if he had all the money in the world.
“Mom? We’re going to take the bags up to my room. Maybe relax a little before dinner.”
“That’s fine, honey.” Stella smiled.
“I hope you brought your swimsuit, Markie,” Jarrett said.
“No, I didn’t. We’re leaving early in the morning.”
“That’s too bad. You could always skinny dip,” Jarrett said with a laugh and Nate wanted to lay him out.
“If she does, she’ll be doing it with me,” Nate said, then looked at Markie. “Lead the way, baby. I’m tired. A nap sounds good.”
“It does, doesn’t it. Mom, we’ll see you later.”
“The party starts at six. We’ll see you then if not before,” Stella said.
As Nate followed Markie up the stairs, he looked down to see Knowles staring up at him. Nate stopped and raised an eyebrow, then chuckled when Knowles huffed and walked off.
At six, they walked downstairs. Nate could hear laughter and music as they made their way through the house. Markie wore a red skirt with a white blouse, and red stilettos on her feet. She had her hair up in a ponytail and Nate wore dark blue jeans and a red dress shirt.
“I hate dressing up,” he muttered as they walked out onto the patio.
Markie laughed. “You’re not dressed up. You’re wearing jeans, a shirt, and cowboy boots.”
“I’m wearing a dress shirt.”
“Whoa, look out cowboy, you’re getting all gussied up.”
“You’re a damn smartass.”
Markie laughed and Nate shook his head, took her hand, as they stood on the patio looking around.
“Damn, what a crowd.”
“She loves to have parties.”
“It seems like everyone loves her.”
“She’s an amazing woman. She just hates to be alone, but I’d rather she be alone than be with that dickhead.”
“I agree with you on that. Come on, let’s get some food in us.”
As Nate stood back from the crowd later, holding a beer, he watched Markie talking with people and he couldn’t help but smile. She looked beautiful tonight.
“Are you her bodyguard?”
Nate glanced to his right to see Knowles standing beside him.
“Does she need one?”
Knowles shrugged. “Not that I know of, but I know why she brought you.”
Nate grinned. “Why is that?”
“I’m sure you know.”
Nate faced him. “You’re damn right I know. Stay the fuck away from her.”
“I’m not afraid of you. Not one bit.”
“I couldn’t care less if you are or not. But if you touch her, at all, I’ll make sure you never do again.”
The two men stared at each other until Knowles smirked and walked off. Nate wanted to punch him so hard that he’d be out cold for a few hours. He took a swig of his beer, then kept his eyes on Markie.
****
The party was still in full swing at midnight. Almost no one had left, and Markie was dead on her feet. She saw Nate talking to a brunette and headed toward him. When the woman put her hand on his arm, he stepped back, making Markie smile. He looked her way and grinned when he saw her, then put his arm around her when she reached him.
“Markie, you look lovely as always,” the woman said.
“So do you, Eliza. It’s good to see you again.”
“Do all the men look this good where you’re living now?” Eliza asked with a laugh.
“Most of them.” Markie grinned. She watched Eliza look at Nate, then back to her.
“I just might have to visit. You two have a wonderful evening.” Eliza kissed Markie on the cheek, nodded to Nate, then disappeared into the crowd.
“I’m going to start clearing the dinner plates. I’m tired.” Markie sighed.
“Me too. Do you want my help?”
“No, finish your drink, then I’ll meet you upstairs.”
“Okay, sweetheart.” Nate kissed her lips.
Markie walked toward the tables, picked up plates, then walked to the patio doors. She entered the spacious kitchen, placing the dishes in the sink with a clatter. She turned to head back outside but stopped short when she ran into Jarrett.
“Get out of my way,” she said, her voice tight and filled with irritation.
Jarrett braced his hands on each side of her, blocking her in and pushing her back against the counter. The cool marble chilled her skin through her shirt.
“You know you came in here alone so I’d follow you,” he whispered, his breath hot against her cheek.
“You know that’s not true. I can’t stand you,” Markie retorted, trying to push him away.
“It’s all an act, Markie. I can see how you look at me,” Jarrett said with a smirk, tracing his fingers lightly up her arm.
“With detest is how I look at you. One day, my mother will see you for what you are.”
She slapped his hand away in disgust.
“You think bringing Jefferson with you would make me jealous.”
“Stop touching me,” she snapped.
“I thought I told you to stay away from her. You need to remove your hand before I do it for you.”
Markie breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Nate’s voice. She looked over to see him standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms folded and ankles crossed. Though he appeared calm, Markie could tell from the intensity in his eyes that he was seething with anger.
Jarrett removed his hand, stepped back and faced Nate. He grinned, and it made Markie’s stomach turn.
“You know how women are,” Jarrett said dismissively. “They say one thing and mean another.”
Nate shook his head in disbelief. “Is that right?” He turned to face Markie. “What did you say to him?”
“I told him to leave me alone and stop touching me,” Markie replied firmly, looking directly at Jarrett, then she watched as Nate turned back to face Jarrett.
“And you took that to mean… what?”
Jarrett shrugged nonchalantly. “She was playing hard to get.”
Nate’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Jarrett. “When a woman says leave her alone, and stop touching her, you do it. You don’t try to convince her otherwise. Men like you give the rest of us a bad reputation. I don’t know who raised you, but they did a piss poor job of it.”
“Markie has been pursuing me ever since I—” Jarrett’s words were cut off by Nate’s derisive laugh.
“You’re delusional,” Nate stated firmly, pushing off the doorframe and taking a step closer to Jarrett. “She’s not into you at all. She would never want someone like you.”
“You haven’t spent enough time here to know,” Jarrett argued defensively.
“I know what I see, and I know what she told me,” Nate shot back with conviction. “And it wasn’t flattering for you, you prick.”
“You’re just fooled by her act,” Jarrett retorted smugly. “I know when a woman wants me.”
“And you should also know when one doesn’t,” Nate countered. “Markie is not interested in you. It’s pathetic that her own mother can’t see you for what you really are and kick you out for trying to get close to her daughter. You think women are beneath you and can be treated however you please.”
As Nate spoke, Markie could see his frustration growing, evident in his clenched fists and tightly set jawline. He stepped closer to Jarrett, and though Jarrett was tall, Nate was taller and broader.
“What is all the shouting about?” Stella asked as she entered the kitchen, breaking up the tense confrontation between the two men.
“Nothing, honey. Nate and I were just having a talk,” Jarrett said smoothly as he stepped closer to Stella, slipping his arm around her waist possessively.
“Yeah, how about we finish this talk outside?” Nate suggested, his voice laced with thinly veiled anger.
Markie watched as Jarrett’s face flickered with something akin to fear before he regained his cocky composure.
“I think we’ve said enough,” he stated with a smug smile.
Nate nodded in agreement. “I’m sure we’ll have more chances to talk. It might not be tonight, but we will talk again.” He extended his hand toward Markie with a smile. “Come on, sweetheart, I’ve had enough excitement for one night. Let’s head to bed.”
Markie placed her hand in his with a grateful nod. “Me too. Goodnight, Mom. Happy birthday,” she said.
“I wish you would stay up a little longer, Markie,” her mother pleaded.
“We’re tired, Mom. I’ll see you in the morning, if you’re up before we leave,” Markie reassured her, planting a tender kiss on her cheek, ignoring Jarrett as if he were invisible.
Nate paused beside Jarrett, casting a cold gaze over him. “She won’t always be there to protect you,” he warned in a low tone. “You and I will finish this conversation another time. That’s a promise.” With that, he led Markie out of the room and up the stairs.
Nate opened the door for her, and they entered the bedroom. She jerked when he slammed the door.
She figured he was still angry over the confrontation with Jarrett. She watched him walk toward the bed, sit down, and take off his boots. When he dropped them onto the floor, he stood, unsnapped and unzipped his jeans, and she knew he was pissed.
“I’m sorry Jarrett upset you.”
Nate stared at her. “I cannot believe you thought, for one fucking second that I was like him.”
“I’m sorry. You know I changed my mind.”
“But I am nothing like him, Markie. Damn.” Nate ran his hand around the nape of his neck. I have, never in my life, wanted to punch someone as much as I wanted to punch him,” he growled.
“Nate, I’m sorry. It was just that our first meeting, you came across…”
“Cocky. Yeah, I get it. You have to know I’m nothing like him.”
“I do. I promise you; I do.”
Nate stared into her eyes, then nodded. “I believe you.”
“I’m sorry that he upset you,” she repeated.
“It’s not your fault, Markie. That man is an ass. I can almost promise you that it will come to a head one day between me and him.” He sat back down on the bed. “If he ever touches you again…”
Markie sat beside him and put her arm around his shoulders.
“Just take deep breaths.”
Nate looked at her. “How do you stand it?”
“I don’t. He’s why I left Idaho. He’s why I rarely come home.”
“I don’t like him. Not one bit. I wanted to hit him so bad.” Nate clenched and unclenched his fists, and she placed her hand over his.
“I know. I don’t know how you held your temper. I could see the anger on your face.”
He looked at her and shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever been that mad. When I saw him with his hand on you, I could have killed him and felt good about it. How does your mother not see it?”
“She doesn’t want to.”
“Damn. I’m going to take a shower. Maybe that will calm me down.”
“Okay. I’m too tired to even do that. I’m going to wash my face, then get in bed.”
“Alright.” He kissed her lips.
After Markie washed her face, she glanced at Nate behind the shower doors, then walked into the bedroom. As she removed her shoes and skirt, she kept glancing at the bathroom door. Maybe she wasn’t so tired after all.
****
Nate dried off, wrapped the towel around his waist, then entered the bedroom, he stopped in his tracks when he saw Markie standing in the center of the room, wearing nothing but her blouse. He unhooked the towel and let it fall to the floor, then strode to her, picked her up, and placed her on the bed. He walked toward the foot of the bed.
Nate wrapped his hands firmly around her ankles. With a slow and deliberate motion, he spread her legs, and his eyes drank in the sight of her, his own desire raging like a fire as he climbed onto the bed between her legs.
He hovered above her, anticipation turning the air electric. Lowering his head to meet her waiting lips, their mouths collided in a passionate kiss. His tongue explored the depths of her mouth, their breaths tangling as they shared their hunger for one another.
He slowly unbuttoned Markie’s shirt, revealing her skin. As he traced his fingertips down her chest, he felt her shiver in response. His own arousal grew as he sat on his heels, unhooking her bra, removing it, and tossing it across the room.
Nate’s eyes remained locked on Markie’s as he put his face between her legs. He gently parted her slit with his fingers, inhaling her intoxicating scent. Her legs involuntarily spread further apart, inviting him in. He placed soft kisses on her inner thighs, working his way up to her most sensitive spot. With one hand, Nate massaged her clitoris.
Markie’s back arched off the bed as she moaned in pleasure. Her hands tangled in Nate’s damp hair as he continued, and she whispered his name between gasps of air. Encouraged by her response, he sucked on her clitoris.
As Markie’s moans became louder and more frantic, Nate knew she was close. He intensified his efforts, sucking on her harder, his tongue moving against her clitoris. Her body stiffened and then convulsed against him, waves of pleasure coursing through her body. She quickly reached for a pillow to cover her face as she climaxed with a loud cry.
Nate removed the pillow and grinned at her. “I don’t think that did much good.”
“Oh, God! They probably know we’re having sex.”
“So? Maybe if he knows how good it is, he’ll leave you the fuck alone.” Nate got off the bed, picked up his wallet and removed a condom, then rolled it on. He moved between her legs again.
“Let’s do that one more time… or two.” Nate inched into her and groaned when her legs wrapped around his waist. He moved his hips in a rhythmic pace, gritting his teeth, trying to make it last. When he felt her clench around him, he slammed into her over and over until they both groaned as their orgasms hit them, then collapsed onto the bed in exhaustion.
The next morning, Nate got out of bed and looked at Markie as she lay there sleeping. He entered the bathroom to brush his teeth, reentered the bedroom, quietly dressed, then headed downstairs for some much-needed coffee.
When he entered the kitchen, he sighed when he saw Knowles getting something from a cupboard and noticed it was a prescription bottle.
Knowles tapped out two pills, he tossed them into his mouth and took a drink of water, then he noticed Nate standing in the doorway. He held the medication bottle up.
“Bad back,” he said.
Nate ignored him, then walked toward the K-cup machine, made himself a cup of coffee and kept his eyes off Knowles. It was early but he wanted to punch him already. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the man lean against the counter, fold his arms, and stared at him. Nate waited.
“So, you and Markie didn’t go right to sleep, huh?” And there it is.
Nate picked up his cup when it was ready, took a sip, and looked at Knowles.
“We were in bed.” Nate watched him smirk.
“Yeah, I heard.”
Nate huffed. “If you’ve got something to say, say it.”
Knowles shrugged. “Nothing to say.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Knowles cocked his head. “You don’t like me for some reason, do you?”
“Oh, there’s a reason.”
“Good morning,” Markie said when she entered the room, and Nate noticed Knowles’ eyes light up.
“Good morning, baby.” Nate kissed her forehead.
“Good morning, Markie,” Knowles said.
Markie looked at him. “Good morning.”
“Jefferson and I were just discussing when you got to… sleep last night.”
“We were doing no such thing,” Nate snapped and noticed Markie’s hands wrapped tightly around a cup she removed from the cupboard, then looked at him.
“I know you weren’t.”
Nate grinned and winked at her, then noticed Knowles clench his jaw. Nate wrapped his hand around Markie’s nape.
“Once you’re finished with your coffee, we can hit the road. We’ll get breakfast along the way.”
“Alright.”
“Morning, everyone,” Stella said as she entered the kitchen.
“Good morning, Mom.” Markie kissed her mother’s cheek.
“Morning, Stella,” Nate said, and he noticed Knowles didn’t even acknowledge her.
“How are you this morning, Mom?”
“My back’s bothering me a little. I’ll take a pill for it after you two leave.”
“Okay. Have you been seeing the doctor?”
“Yes, honey. I just got my pills refilled.”
Nate looked at Knowles, but he wouldn’t look at him. Nate would bet money the pills he saw him taking were Stella’s, but he had no proof of that.
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“We’re going to leave soon Mom. We want to get home so we can relax.”
“I wish you could stay longer.”
“Yeah, Markie, we wish you could stay longer,” Knowles said while looking at Nate, making him hide a grin behind his coffee cup. Dick.
“Well, we both have jobs to get back to. Maybe another time.”
“What is it you do, Nate?” Stella asked.
“I’m the manager at a horse ranch. My boss raises and sells Appaloosas.”
“A horse ranch?” Knowles asked then chuckled.
“Yeah, I actually work for a living.” Nate smirked when Knowles clenched his jaw.
“Do you work out?” Knowles asked him.
“No.”
“I do. Every morning. Stella was gracious enough to let me have a home gym. I’m in great shape.”
“I’m happy for you,” Nate said.
“Nate doesn’t need a gym for that. Trust me, he’s in fantastic shape.” Markie winked at Nate.
“Just working on a ranch doesn’t do that.”
“You try throwing eighty-pound bales of hay, mucking out stalls, riding a horse, and doing maintenance around a ranch and see if it doesn’t.” Nate stared at him.
Knowles folded his arms across his chest. “If you say so. I don’t see how sitting on a horse is much of a workout.”
Nate smirked. “You use more muscles riding a horse than a workout in a gym. It takes all of your muscles to ride a horse. Trust me on that.”
When Jarrett shrugged, Nate shook his head. He really wanted to punch the man.
“Markie, when are you leaving?”
“As soon as I finish my coffee, Mom.”
“I hate to see you leave so soon. We could have spent today together. I’m sure Jarrett and Nate could find something to do.”
Nate laughed. “Yeah, like finish the conversation from last night.”
Knowles walked toward him. “I’m going downstairs to work out.” As he passed by Nate, he lowered his voice. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“So you said.” Nate stared him in the eyes.
Knowles looked at Markie. “Come say goodbye before you leave.”
Markie just stared at him, then muttered. “Yeah, that won’t be happening.”
“Are you all packed?” Nate asked her.
“Yes. I’m ready when you are.”
“Markie, when will you be back?”
“I’m not sure, Mom, but you can always come visit me.”
“Well, I would love to see where you moved to.”
“Come anytime, but just you, so we can have some quality mother-daughter time.”
“I’d love that.” Stella walked toward Nate. “It was wonderful to meet you. You seem to have made my daughter very happy,” she said, then hugged him.
“It was my pleasure, Stella. I hope we’ll see each other again.”
Markie hugged her mother, then Nate walked upstairs to get their bags. When he came back down, she and her mother were standing by the door.
“We’ll see you soon, Mom. Happy birthday. It was a great party.”
“I’m glad you could make it. Both of you. Be careful driving back.”
“Yes, ma’am. Happy birthday.” Nate put his hat on his head, opened the door for Markie, but her mother hugged her again, and said something making Markie laugh.
“Bye, Mom.” Markie walked out the door and then Nate followed her.
After climbing into the truck, Nate started it and backed out of the driveway. He saw Knowles staring out a window on the lower level. Nate grinned, touched the brim of his hat, backed onto the street and headed home.
“What did your mother say to make you laugh?” Nate asked.
Markie shook her head and laughed. “She said, she could tell how happy you made me after we went to bed.”
Nate chuckled. “I told you the pillow didn’t do much good.”
“I’m thirty-eight years old and never screamed like that before.”
“Glad I could be of service.” Nate laughed when she did.
After stopping for breakfast, they got back into the truck, and Nate drove them home.