Joe closed his book and stretched his arms. Unlike most students, he took his time after the final bell because he knew even if he did make it outside first he would still have to wait for the buses to depart before he and Frank could leave the parking lot.
Joe got leisurely to his feet and picked up his book. He exited the room and made his way down the hall to his locker where he exchanged books for the one he actually had homework in.
"Joe, I'm sorry." Joe spun around in surprise to see a contrite Callie Shaw behind him.
Joe raised a hand to his chest and sank back against the stack of lockers. "Callie Shaw apologizing?" he asked in pseudo shock. "My heart can't take it!"
"Joe," Callie said, ignoring Joe's attempt at levity. "Be serious. I'm trying to apologize here."
"For what?" asked Joe, grinning and standing up straight.
"For being pushy this morning," Callie said. "And all the other times I tried to force you to mingle."
"Don't sweat it," Joe told her, touched. "I know you, Frank, and the others only do it because you care."
"Yeah, well, it's still wrong to force you to go out with someone you may not want to," Callie said. "And I'm sorry. I won't interfere again."
"Yes, you will," Joe replied. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides," he added. "No one is forcing me into anything. I like Camille."
"This is cozy," Frank said, rounding the corner and seeing his brother and girlfriend deep in conversation.
Joe quickly wrapped an arm around Callie's shoulders and pulled her close. "You snooze, you lose," he declared, trying to look fierce.
Frank broke out laughing and Joe released Callie. "Seriously, what's the heart to heart about?"
Callie moved to Frank's side and began to speak but Joe interrupted her before she could begin. "I'll meet you outside," he said.
"Sure," Frank agreed before giving Callie his full attention.
Joe stepped outside and walked up the sidewalk to the curve. The student's parking lot was behind the school but Joe had taken the nearest exit choosing to be out in the sunshine. He saw Camille putting her backpack into the trunk of a green Cadillac and waved as he continued up the sidewalk.
Turning to look straight ahead once more, his eyes narrowed as a familiar figure exited the passenger side of a van at the curb. Briefly contemplating turning around and going back inside, he chose instead to forge ahead and meet whatever fate had in store for him.
It took only a minute to reach the curb and when he did he came to a complete standstill and looked Piers squarely in the eyes. "I thought we weren't going to meet like this anymore," Joe quipped.
"I promised to return your motorcycle," Piers replied with a shrug. "And when I first attempted to do so you were out of town."
"Thanks," Joe said, smiling. "You really didn't have to."
"Ah, but you were a part of the family," Piers countered. "It was my duty. And now..."
"And now it is ended," Joe finished for him. "Thank you. And please thank Mr. Sorrel for me."
"I shall," Piers replied, stepping to the back of the van and opening the doors. He reached in and pulled a plank down on which the bike could be rolled out. "It's all yours," Piers said, moving aside for Joe to enter the van.
Joe climbed into the van and put his hands on the bike. He looked up in surprise as the squeal of tires drew his attention to the road. He saw the Cadillac that Camille had gotten into tearing out of the lot going at least three times the allowed rate.