Page 20 of Weather the Storm
Magnolia starts to shake her head no, but I speak up. “Sure do.”
Stuart and I discuss the numbers while Magnolia watches on, looking apprehensive and maybe even a little mad. Worried, I ask Stuart if he’ll give us a few minutes to talk while he brings around the first car for her to test-drive.
“What’s wrong, Goldilocks?” I ask, taking a piece of her hair between my thumb and forefinger.
“S-Simon, I know you mean well, but I can’t afford a car this nice.”
“You can.” She opens her mouth to protest, but I lay my finger on her lips, silently shushing her. “Think about it: living with me, you have no rent payment.”
“That’s another thing! I have to pay you something.”
“The house is mortgage-free. Dad paid it off a year or so before he passed away.”
“Well, what about other bills?”
“Seeing as how you cook just about every meal we eat, and more than once I’ve caught you cleaning up after me and doing my laundry, I’d say you paying a third of the utilities would be fair. That has to be less than you were paying in rent, even in that dump.”
“Are…are you sure?”
“Positive. So, that leaves your cell phone bill, and we will make sure your car note is affordable. As for your insurance, you already pay it on your other car, and I’m sure a newer one won’t be that much more. Only other thing I can think of is your bill from the hospital, but they have payment plans, too. You’re gonna be just fine, pretty girl.”
§
MAGNOLIA
Don’t ask me why, but for some reason when Simon tells me I’m gonna be just fine, I believe him. His words settle me, and just in time, too, because Stuart is back with a cute little 2013 Honda Civic.
We listen as Stuart highlights several features before tossing the keys to Simon. I slide into the back seat, allowing our salesman to ride shotgun while Simon takes us on the pre-marked test-drive route.
He handles the car expertly, testing the acceleration as well as the brakes, along with various other things I’d have never thought of. Sometimes I wonder if he’s real. Maybe he’s an angel or something, because my God, he is good to me, and I’m soundeserving.
Back at the dealership, Simon pops the hood and inspects the engine while rapidly firing question after question at Stuart. When he’s satisfied with his inspection, he pulls me to the side. “Whatcha think?”
“I think if we can work out the payments, it’s perfect. What do you think?”
“Great minds, Goldilocks. Great minds. Let’s go talk figures with Sir Stuart.” I laugh at his silly mood and follow him over to where the salesman is waiting.
“So, what are you folks thinkin’?”
“Well, Stuart,” Simon begins, “that all depends on you.”
Together, we walk into the dealership, and Stuart guides us to a small round table with four chairs. I listen intently as he and Simon discuss the details. Twice our salesman runs off to chat with his manager before we finally settle on a price. It’s a tad more than I was hoping for, but I know I can swing it, thanks to Simon.
We leave the dealership hand in hand, my free hand clutching the keys to my new car. “You think you can safely follow me home?” Simon asks, playful but serious all at once.
Biting my lip, I give him a half smile. “If you go really slow.” He shakes his head at me, but all the same, I follow behind him at a snail’s pace until we safely make it back to his house.
Inside, I hang my keys next to his on his key rack, and I feel giddy at the thought. We both collapse onto his couch, where Simon pulls me closer and wraps me in his strong arms.
“I don’t know how to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me—everything you’re doing.”
“You just being you—being here—is thanks enough.” We lapse into a comfortable silence while Simon plays with my hair, until finally the grumble of my belly prompts him to ask me what I want for dinner.
“I was thinkin’ I could make us some potato and sausage soup. It’s quick and yummy.”
“Sounds just right, Goldilocks, and while we eat, we can talk about you learnin’ to drive.”
Chapter Eleven
