Dorothy? As in the local librarian?
Wow. The way it sounded, Cassiehadinvited everyone.
And they were all waiting. Why? Because I'd tried to do something nice for some jerk who didn't even appreciate it.
Soon, Derek would be saying, "I told you so."
As usual.
Dreading it already, I asked, "By any chance, is Derek there?"
"Um. No. Actually, he isn't." She hesitated. "I invited him to stop by, but, uh…"
"That's okay," I assured her. "We're kind of on the outs, anyway."
"Oh. I guess that explains it."
Explains what?I was dying to ask, but the birthday clock was ticking. So all I said was, "I'll see you in a little bit, okay?"
I only prayed I was telling the truth.
When the call ended, I turned my reluctant gaze to the car window. The painter was still there, looking mildly irritated. I rolled down my window and forced an awkward smile. "By any chance, do you know anything about cars?"
Chapter 8
With the window's glass no longer between us, I could see his face more clearly now. Of course, it was annoyingly beautiful, which just made everything worse when he said, "You meanyourcar?"
What other carwouldI mean? Still, overly conscious that I was about to ask him for a favor, I tried to sound more polite than I felt. "Yes, actually." I winced. "It, uh, won't start."
His voice was deadpan. "I noticed."
God, did he have to be so awful?
Screw politeness.
"You know," I said, "I'm only out here because IthoughtI was doing you a favor."
His expression didn't change. "You mean the check?"
"Of course, I mean the check." I glanced toward the darkened fire pit. "Not that it's worth anythingnow." Under my breath, I muttered, "Well, except as firewood."
His mouth twitched at the corners. "Be a pretty small fire."
Oh, so he was making fun of me now? "Fine," I said. "I'll just check the engine myself."
I opened the driver's side door and pushed it outward until it bumped against his legs. When he made no move to get out of my way, I said, "Are you going to let me out or what?"
"Nope."
"Why not?"
He flicked his head toward the front of my car. "Pop the hood. I'll give it a look."
I bit my lip. I didn't knowhowto pop the hood. Probably, I should've considered that before threatening to check my own engine. With growing embarrassment, I lowered my head to study the car's interior. Maybe the hood-popping thingy was near the floor or something?
Sounding almost amused now, the guy said, "Check under the steering column."
Praying he meant the steering wheel, I ducked my head for a better look. Finally, I spotted the latch near my left knee. I gave the latch a pull and heard a metallic pop.
