The Truck Driver

You Been Mine

Tank helped Kayla out of the Uber, and they both stood on the sidewalk, taking in the view of Oak Street Beach. The city stretched out before them, towering buildings in the distance and the lakefront offering a serene contrast with the sound of waves lapping against the shore. The air was warm, but there was a cool breeze that made it feel just right. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and Tank felt a sense of peace as he looked over at Kayla.

"You ready?" Tank asked, his eyes bright with excitement.

Kayla nodded, grinning as she slipped her sandals off, feeling the soft sand beneath her feet. She couldn't help but let out a content sigh. The weight of the road, the long hours, and the cramped truck seemed to melt away in an instant. She felt free, like she could truly breathe again.

"This is perfect," Kayla said, glancing up at Tank with a smile.

Tank, too, felt at ease. The chaos of his usual schedule was put on pause, and the only thing that mattered right now was being here with Kayla. He led her toward the water, feeling a sense of anticipation build in his chest. It wasn't just the beautiful surroundings; it was the fact that they were finally outside the truck, not worried about a deadline or the road.

As they walked along the shoreline, the cool water splashed against their feet, and they both let out laughs as the waves teased them. Tank couldn't help but notice how lighthearted Kayla looked, the way she smiled and played with the waves. It was a side of her he hadn't seen much of, and it made his chest tighten with affection.

They spent the next hour walking along the beach, enjoying each other's company and taking in the view of the skyline that contrasted with the calmness of the lake. Tank was content, feeling an unusual but welcome sense of peace in the moment. He hadn't had a break like this in a while—no deliveries, no truck stops, just time to focus on something else for once.

Eventually, they found a spot on the sand, and Kayla sat down, leaning back to soak in the warmth of the sun. Tank joined her, stretching out next to her. For a while, they simply relaxed, listening to the waves and enjoying the silence between them.

"I could get used to this," Kayla said, breaking the silence. "Being away from the truck... away from all the noise."

Tank turned to her, his gaze softening. "Yeah, me too," he replied. "But it's nice, ain't it? Just the two of us, no rush."

Kayla nodded, smiling as she stretched her arms above her head. "Definitely," she said quietly. "I'm glad I'm here."

Tank felt a warmth in his chest. He wasn't sure what had drawn him to invite Kayla along in the first place, but now, he couldn't imagine doing it without her. It wasn't just about the companionship—it was the way she made everything feel a little brighter, even in the middle of their busy lives.

They spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach, the time slipping by faster than either of them expected. Tank was grateful for this break, and even more so for the way Kayla had become a constant in his life, making the journey a little less lonely.

When the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the water, they both knew it was time to head back. But as they walked back toward the Uber, Tank couldn't shake the feeling that this day, this moment, was something they would remember for a long time.

"Chicago's not so bad," Kayla said with a grin, as she glanced up at him.

Tank chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, it's got its charm," he replied. "But you know what? I think I like the company more than the city itself."

Kayla looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Me too, Tanky Me too."

As they climbed back into the Uber, Tank felt a sense of contentment settle over him. They were heading back to the truck, to the road, but for now, everything felt perfect.