“No thank you!” both girls shouted simultaneously.
Feeling deflated, Aiden focused on just driving behind Troy who was building up more speed for the last hill climb.
Aiden stood on the brakes and slid to a stop.
“What was that?” Jen asked worried.
“He needs space to make this climb” Aiden said as he proceeded to back up to the start of the block.
Troy backed up all the way to the front bumper of the truck. Aiden locked his differentials and floored the truck. Troy launched as well. Both vehicles picked up a full head of steam. At the foot of the hill, Aiden hit the brakes and watched Troy attempt to climb.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as Troy crested the hill. Aiden quickly raced up to meet Troy. As they crested, the saw the nose of the car halfway into the driveway. Traction was lost and Troy was standing around the car kicking snow out of the way.
The road was too narrow for Aiden to fit behind the car and push. The depth of the snow would have changed their bumper angles. It could be done, but Aiden could also get stuck badly.
With everyone gathered around the car kicking snow and assessing things, it became clear that they would need more than just a shovel to get this drifting tank free.
“Couldn’t get the deal closed?” Aiden poked at Troy.
“Not enough momentum” Troy confirmed.
“Didn’t you floor it” Jen asked.
“Nope” answered Troy matter of factly. “Was too busy trying to control the drift”.
After more kicking of ice and snow, it was clear that they needed help. Ice picks and strong shovels was in order.
As the fellas made their way to the garage to find proper tools, Jen looked at Sally inquisitively.
“I already feel good about Troy… you need to secure your deal with Aiden” Sally spoke first.
“So… how do I do that?” Jen timidly asked, afraid of the answer.
“Go wild girl. Go wild” Sally teased.
“OK.” Jen replied and jumped behind the wheel of the Impala.
Aiden stood stiffly at attention with a wild look in his eyes. Troy instinctively recognized the look. Aiden had slipped into his knight’s armor while enjoying the sudden surge of testosterone that was short circuiting his brain.
Sally was making her way towards the garage as Jen started jabbing the gas pedal frantically and liberally.
“Excuse me” Aiden blurted as he rushed by Sally.
Troy turned his attention back to gathering the right shovels and ice breaking tools he needed… while acutely aware that Sally was slowly walking up to him while deeply studying him. His secret was deeply at risk and the feeling of vulnerability was making Troy grow irritable and angry.
Sally slowed her approach. She had seen Troy get very military exact with his movements before. She had seem him get into a furious zone. He was in it again. This time, slightly unsettled. His eyes dark and deeply focused while scanning for tools. His stockpile growing larger than necessary.
“Troy” whispered Sally in-between one of the frantic revs Jen was levying on the heated tires.
Watching Troy stiffen then relax intrigued Sally. The man was muscling around his emotions and compartmentalizing them. But what feelings were they?
A calm and very collected Troy turned to face Sally with a charming smile.
“I would appreciate if you told me what you’re thinking” Sally asked as her eyes narrowed in focus.
“Jen’s using your driving style today” Troy flatly answered.
“She is” Sally stepped closer. The garage started to feel very warm.
“Whenever she’s done entertaining Aiden, we’ll just join and help break up the ice” Troy finished.
Sally watched and studied Troy. Whatever he was hiding, it was very close to his heart. The way his eyes searched her soul, Sally knew trust was critical.
“Would you prefer I tried before you put your back into shoveling?” tested Sally while licking her lips.
“Would that make you happy?” deflected Troy.
Shallows of the Deep 