“Some things never change, do they?” He waves to the trunk. Pop it, let’s see what condition your spare is in.”
He pulls it out. “Needs a little air but that’s an easy fix. I’ve got an air compressor in the back of my truck. Why don’t you go sit with Ayla. I’ll swap this one. We’ll leave the car jacked up and we’ll take both of the flats to the tire shop and see what we’re up against.”
I nod and climb into the backseat with his little girl who’s sound asleep cuddling a stuffed Ernie. In the restroom, she was very watchful and never said a word until I showed her how to play with the soap and water. Then she laughed.
I know a little about kids. Did a lot of babysitting when I was younger. Then when I was commuting to Blue Spruce, the next town over, and taking classes, I worked in a day care and babysat for instructors when I could during the day. I love kids.
She sure has her daddy’s eyes and beautiful hair. His was longer back in the day. Someone said he joined the military, so I guess that’s why it’s short.
Sayer climbs in behind the wheel and holds my gaze in the rearview mirror. “Car should be fine here for a little while. If you don’t have a preference I’d like to go to my friend Brody’s shop. I trust him.”
“That’s fine.”
“Seat belt please. Do you know who owns the truck on the other side of you?”
I huff, “Yeah. It belongs to Greg.”
“Thought as much, still has the same truck nutz. Too bad he never grew a brain to match the size.”
I snort. He smiles at me in the mirror.
“What did you do at the restaurant?”
“Bookkeeper. Kept his expenses, did payroll and I scheduled the help and kept track of hours. I’ve got an associate’s degree from the community college in Blue Spruce.”
“That’s great!”
“How about you?”
He snorts. “Ten years in the Army. I got a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Planned on going up in rank.”
“Are you still in the Army?”
“No, I transitioned to the reserves.”
When he pulls into the auto shop, Brody comes out and they bro hug and walk to the truck bed. He comes to the door next to me and motions for me to roll the window down. “I’m going to leave the truck running so you have the AC for you and Ayla and help him take the tires inside. Do you have your phone?”
“Yes.”
He pulls his out. “Can we exchange numbers in case she wakes up so you can call me? She sometimes can get a little scared if she wakes up with strangers.”
“Sure.” I give him my number, and he texts me. I save his number, and I see him save mine.
Twenty minutes later he comes out with Brody rolling two new tires. I start to get out and he holds a hand up asking me to wait. He climbs in front and Brody waves goodbye.
“What happened? Couldn’t he fix them? How much?”
“It’s all good.” He starts the truck and pulls out. “They weren’t worth fixing. I noticed the front were in about the same shape. He had some old stock, they’re new just an older model. He made me a deal on four. I’ll put these two on, then you can drive back to his shop and he’ll put on the other two. He’ll be quicker with the tools he has.”
“How much? I don’t have a lot in the bank, and I just lost my job.” I don’t want to admit that my credit card limit is low and I’m almost maxed.
“I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh hell no. Pull this truck over. Now!”
I see how wide his eyes go in the mirror. “Oh god, no! Not that kind. Aw shit. Wrong word.” He pulls over, throws the truck in park and turns in his seat.
I reach for my door handle.
