Driving Lessons: A Novel by Zoe Fishman Read Free Book Online Page A

myself aloud. “Get ahold of yourself.” Spending most of my days alone had me talking to myself quite a bit—a habit that did not alarm me like it probably should have. The doorbell rang and I opened the door.
    “Ray?”
    “That’s me.”
    “I’m Sarah.”
    “Yeah, I figured.”
    “Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”
    “No worries, I get it.”
    “I’m from New York,” I declared. What? Why did I say that? Ray looked at me blankly.
    “Sorry, I don’t even know why that matters. It’s driving. Just the thought of it gives me Tourette’s.”
    “Well, Sarah, hopefully I can help ease some of your stress. And my cousin has Tourette’s, by the way, so please don’t joke about it.”
    “Oh God, she does? Or he does? I’m an asshole. Please forgive me.”
    “Naw, I’m just playin’.” He smiled wryly at me. “Just wanted to freak you out a little bit.”
    “Mission accomplished.”
    “You ready to go?” he asked.
    “Really? Right now?”
    “Yeah. Unless you made me lunch. Did you?”
    “Oh no, sorry, I didn’t. But I have some cold cuts in the fridge if you’d like tha—”
    “Sarah, I’m playing! You’re gullible, huh?”
    “Oh God, sorry. I’m normally a very funny person, I promise.”
    “Sorry to prey on your anxiety. That’s the last bad joke you’ll hear from me. Scout’s honor. Now, you ready?” I nodded, locked up, and followed him to the car.
    “Minnie’s not much for subtlety, huh?” I asked as we stood in front of it.
    “You’re lookin’ at Minnie.”
    “What?”
    “Me. I’m Minnie.” He smiled broadly. “Clever idea, huh?”
    “Oh, so who’s the lady I spoke to on the phone?”
    “That’s just my wife, Vanessa. She handles the appointments. You thought there was a real Minnie?”
    “Yeah, I guess I did.”
    “That’s funny. But I guess, why wouldn’t you? Anyway, I just started this business about a year ago, so I’m still on a learning curve of sorts. Never had an accident, though. Don’t worry.”
    “God, I hope I’m not your first.”
    “You won’t be,” he replied assuredly. “So, you like the concept? The Mouse Mobile? Pretty dope, right? My oldest son and I came up with it.”
    “Very dope,” I answered, because saying otherwise would have been impossibly cruel. The lumberjack was a teddy bear.
    “Cool. Thanks. Now go on, get in the driver’s seat. I’ll hop in beside you.” Minutes later, we were creeping along the road—mirrors adjusted and seat belts strapped.
    “We’re just going to cruise around the neighborhood for a bit,” said Ray. “See how you handle the basics.”
    I nodded in reply. My nerves were such that speaking without bursting into tears was not an option. My anxiety astounded me. Never had I been this riled up about anything.
    “So what brings you to Farmwood?” asked Ray.
    “Husband got a job,” I replied through chattering teeth.
    “Hey, you all right? Pull over. Right here, that’s it. Now put the car in park.” I did as he instructed, suddenly freezing in the air-conditioning and longing for a sweater.
    “Sorry, Ray, I haven’t been behind the wheel in almost twenty years.”
    “Hey, hey—don’t apologize. I understand. It’s a big deal to be drivin’ again. It would be crazy if you weren’t nervous.”
    “Yeah, you’re right, it would.” I exhaled. “Okay, I feel less like a lunatic. Let’s try this again.” I put the car in drive and started back up.
    “You know, you’re not even a bad driver,” said Ray. “This woman I took out yesterday—she wouldn’t stay in her lane.”
    “No way.”
    “Yeah, she just couldn’t get it. Two of the longest hours of my life. Hey, make a right here. Nice. Very good.” A wave of pride washed over me, followed by immediate embarrassment that a completed right-hand turn was the highlight of my day.
    “Hey, Sarah, you have to make a complete stop at the stop signs. Don’t get cocky on me, now.”
    “Oh, of course. Sorry. I can’t even imagine