The Mighty Quinns: Riley by Kate Hoffmann Read Free Book Online Page A

a jerk, the engine dying. “And I’m going to ruin your car in the process. This can’t be good for it.” She turned to Riley. “Are there no cars in Ireland with an automatic transmission?”
    â€œOf course there are. I just don’t happen to own one. So this car will have to do, unless you plan to see Ireland by bicycle or on foot.”
    She drew a deep breath. “All right. One more time. But if I kill it again, we’re done. At least for now.”
    â€œCrossed fingers,” Riley said. “Just a nice smooth switch, one pedal out, then the other in. Feel where the clutch catches.”
    She did as she was told, focusing on the clutch as she let it out. And suddenly, she realized what he wastalking about. She felt the clutch engage and gave the car a bit of gas. To her astonishment, they started off down the road, the ride smooth.
    â€œOh, my God!” Nan cried. “I’m doing it. I’m driving in Ireland. I’m driving in Ireland.”
    â€œAll right, now let’s shift.”
    â€œNo, no, no. Let’s just stay at this speed.”
    â€œNan, we can’t drive in first gear forever. Shifting isn’t hard once you get going. Just push the clutch in, shift and let it out slowly.” He put his hand over hers on the gearshift. “Ready?”
    Nan winced. “Ready.”
    â€œClutch in. Shift. Clutch out. And there we go.”
    She laughed. “All right, now we’re moving. This isn’t so hard. What’s next?”
    â€œThird gear,” he said. “Speed up a little. Clutch in. And shift. Clutch out.”
    They rolled along on the deserted road, Nan’s mind spinning with all the things she had to remember. The steering wheel was on the wrong side of the car and the car was on the wrong side of the road. And she had three pedals where there were usually two. And the gearshift made things nearly impossible. But now that she could drive, her adventures could begin.
    The truth was, as long as she couldn’t drive, Riley would be required to accompany her wherever she wanted to go. “Stop sign,” she said, pointing down the road. “Stop sign!”
    â€œDon’t worry. Just do what you do in your car. Take your foot off the accelerator and put it on the brake.”
    To her relief, the car began to slow as it approached the stop sign. But then it began to shudder.
    â€œClutch in, clutch in,” he said.
    But she wasn’t quick enough and the engine died. They slowly rolled up to the stop sign, the car silent. “I think this would be a good place to stop for today,” she said.
    He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “You did a fine job of work there. A few more lessons and you’ll be ready to go solo. Until you’re ready, I’ll drive you wherever you want to go.”
    Nan smiled. “Don’t you have to work?”
    â€œNah, my brother Danny is going to work for me. He’s barely worked all summer, so he owes me some time.” Riley reached over and grabbed her waist. “Come on, let’s switch.” He pulled her on top of him, wriggling toward the driver’s seat.
    But the car was ridiculously small and their limbs tangled together until it was impossible to move. “Now I know how those clowns feel,” she said, laughing.
    â€œWait,” Riley said. “You’re coming very close to un-manning me.”
    â€œYou’re the one who wanted to do this!” Nan cried. “We could have used the doors like normal people.”
    â€œOh, but it wouldn’t have been half as much fun.” Riley finally pulled her legs on either side of his hips. His face was pressed into the side of her chest. “I think maybe we should rest for a bit,” he murmured. “Just like this.”
    â€œWhy do I get the idea that you planned this?”
    â€œOh, I think this is one of those happy accidents,”he said. “And now that