The rest of the week was pretty boring for Danni. She finished the paper that was due, along with a few open-book quizzes, went to her classes, worked her shifts at the diner, and even picked up the last minute one. Did her best to stay out of Mike's way as well. 

The phone call he got that night Dustin was there really set him back. After a day or so he usually cooled off. He would figure things out and moved on. Not this time, he was still yelling at people over the phone. Apparently, this week's shipment was a complete screw-up as well and there was no coming back from it. That is what she gathered from the bits and pieces she heard over the phone.

Danni knew more than well not to ask Mike about anything when it came to runs. That wasn’t any of her business. She personally liked it that way. Though it caused her to worry all the time. Worry about him and the others. The life they were living wasn’t the safest being present on many occasions where Mike’s life was threatened. However, it was the only life they knew.

The last time she saw Dustin she made him promise that he would meet her to study for his driving test. Knowing that he would have to retake the written as well as the actual driving portion. She mentioned meeting at the clubhouse but told her that wouldn’t be a good look from him if his parole officer happens to be around. 

Deciding to have him meet her at the diner she worked at once she finished her shift. To her surprise, he showed up early taking up the booth all the way in the back away from most of the customers. His back to the wall scanning the place. Dustin learned a long time ago you never put your back towards anyone. He liked being able to see all that was around him. Being able to spot anything that might come his way.

“My shift is almost up. Want me to grab you a coffee or something to drink while you wait?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“A piece of pie then? The apple crumble is the best.”

Stating no again that he was fine just waiting for her, personally, he was watching her as she worked as she flowed from table to table happy to be here, flashing that smile of hers. Danni finished out her shift, glancing over at Dustin a few times to make sure he was still there. Dropping off a piece of apple crumble pie and hot coffee before she clocked out even though he said no to the both of them. If he really didn’t want it she would at least eat the pie herself.

Changing out of her uniform back into her fitted and faded jeans with a simple blue tank top that caused her eyes to pop. Grabbing her bag out from underneath the front counter and sat down next to him in the booth. To his surprise, she sat next to him verse across from him. Feeling the side of her thigh resting against his own made his mind wander to other things.

“So I probably went overboard but I made note cards along with flashcards for you. I think I covered everything you need to know even looked up any new laws that might be on the test.” Danni could see that she was starting to ramble, only coming to a stop when Dustin placed his hand over hers.

“It’s not that huge of a deal. I’m sure what you’ve done is plenty.”

Calming herself, she readjusted the note cards as he pulled the slice of pie closer to him.

“I knew you’d want it.” She teased pushing the coffee his way too. “So I figured we could start with signs and move into the harder stuff?”

“Whatever you want to do,” He spoke as he took another bite of pie.

Danni went through the signs. Twice just to make sure. Not that he got any wrong the first go around. She asked him questions about certain laws for their states and even a few for the town that could be asked. Moving on to if certain situations came about what was he to do about it. Going over the test in the back of the book they provided. Halfway through she could see that he was bored and was just answering them to please her. Dustin had actually studied the night before. Not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of Danni. Seeing she liked to ask the same questions just in a different wording to see if she could trip him up.

“Well, I guess you didn’t need a refresher after all.” She spoke picking up all her note cards putting them back into her bag on the floor next to her.

“I told you I was good.” Dustin finished off his coffee.

Danni gave a pouty look to him, “Well it’s always good to make sure.”

“You get upset too easily. Have the same temper as your brother.”

“I do not.” Danni snapped at him.

“There it is.” He spoke pointing at her, validating the point he just made.

“Oh shut up. I’m just trying to help you.” Raising her voice a little as she stood up.

“Damn! I’m just messing with you.” He looked out the window as the sun started to set, “Wanna go for a walk?”

“A walk?” she asked, confused.

“Yes, a walk.”

He wanted to get out of there. Enough studying and being inside for him. Dustin shooed her out of the booth, grabbing her backpack for her. Unlocking her car so Dustin could put her backpack in the trunk. Looking over at him wondering what next. Hanging back for him to take the lead on things since this was his idea after all. 

Her hands playing with the bottom of her tank top before he pulled one away lacing his fingers with hers like it was nothing at all. Her breath catching in her throat as the hot heat from him passed through to her. Danni had to walk a few paces faster than her normal walk to keep up with him. His long legs taking bigger strides than her. Smiling once he finally noticed he needed to slow down letting her fall back to her normal rhythm.

“Sorry.”

Dustin hadn’t realized that he was almost making Danni run alongside him to keep up.

“So how’s the job hunt going? Did James pan out?”

“Shit, no one wants a felon on their payroll. James is just a no go for me personally. Even though I’m hurting I’m not working for a man that beats his wife.”

That was just something Dustin wasn’t willing to do. I had respect for women; no man should be hitting a woman no matter what. It was a well-known fact that the whole town tended to overlook even though it was staring them right in the face. Telling himself something will pan out.

“Any news on what Mike wants from you?” Danni asked this lightly knowing it was probably an off the table topic.

“Yes and no. I told him the other night I needed to lay low. Not have my presents around the gang like before. He currently doesn’t care that my parole officer isn’t some guy wanting a paycheck but someone who means business that seems to care what becomes of me.”

“Maybe I can talk to Mike about it.”

Her words barely left her lips before Dustin cut her off telling her no.

“I can handle Mike. I don’t need . . want you in the middle of it.” He spoke correcting himself.

Not wanting Danni to get mixed up in want was going on between Mike and him. That was something he could handle. Feeling like he had Mike a bay for now. If everything went well for six months he could appeal his parole and get rid of the short leash they had him on.

The wind blew sending goosebumps up along her arms stepping closer to Dustin as they walked. For the first time, he seemed to realize that he was holding onto her hand feeling his grasp loosen as if to let go then tighten back again. Dustin didn’t remember grabbing her hand, but when he went to release it he didn’t want to. Her touch soothed him and made his mind ease.

“I didn’t think about it being chilly out, we can head back.”

“No, I want to walk.” She wanted to stay there holding his hand, listening to him.