“When we get to work, I can ask around and see if I can find a good place for you.”
“I’d prefer to do it myself.”
“Yeah, you’re very independent. I get that, but it never hurts to ask. Sometimes it’s good to get more than one opinion.”
“I don’t have time to get a second opinion. I need it fixed so I can go back to my routine.”
“You know I’d be happy to drive you until it’s fixed. It’s really no trouble.”
I turn my head to regard him and think through what I need to say. “While I truly appreciate your kindness, like I told you before, I prefer to be alone.”
He glances over at me. “I can’t bethatbad.”
He’s staring at me nervously. He’s either searching for a compliment or wounded. I go with the latter. “Don’t be so easily offended.”
He strains his neck as he sits upright. “Don’t assume I am.”
“Don’t act like I hurt your feelings and I won’t.”
He leans back into his seat and his shoulders relax. “I’m not the least bit upset. It would take more than you’ve got, Eliza.”
“What’s your deal?” I ask, facing him.
“My deal? Well, I don’t offend easily. Probably because I’ve learned that—”
“I don’t want to hear your life story. Why do you insist on calling me every derivative of Elizabeth rather than the name I prefer?”
His eyes widen incredulously. “That bothers you?”
“Ding, ding, ding. Boy, you guys from marketing sure are smart. What gave it away?”
He smirks. “You might be just what I need.”
I cross my arms. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? I’m not here for your entertainment.”
He scrubs his hand over his face. “That’s not what I meant.”
I turn toward my window. This ride can’t get over fast enough. I don’t do well with others. This is further proof. I vow to get to work and never speak to him again.
“I apologize. I really didn’t mean to anger you.” He hesitates, waiting for a reply. “When I said you might be what I need, I meant that—”
I can’t take it anymore. “I don’t care what you meant. I don’t know you, you certainly don’t know me, and you don’t owe me any explanations. Let’s just get through this drive and be done.”
“I realize how it might have sounded and I’d like to explain if that’s alright.”
“Please don’t. I really don’t care.” I take out my earbuds and stuff them into my ears, turning on my music as loud as I can without causing myself to go deaf. I pull out my notebook and start writing my story of the day. It just happens to be about a guy named Finn who pushes my buttons in a way I’ve never experienced. It’s cathartic and when I’m finished, we’re almost to work.
I turn off my music but leave the buds in my ears so he won’t try to talk to me. I feel a little bad for being so curt, but I’m afraid to say anything to him because I don’t want him to think we could ever really be friends. He and I are just way too different. I’m not easy to deal with and I don’t want to explain why.
Attempting to look at him without him noticing, I angle my eyes in his direction without moving my head. He’s on the third coffee and shuffling a bit in his seat. I wonder if he has to pee. I stifle a snicker.
He turns to regard me, smiling brightly. “Are you still angry with me?” he asks.
Shrugging, I remove the buds from my ears. “I told you not to drink all that coffee.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you? Because by the way your leg is shaking and you’re squirming in your seat, I’d say you’re about to piss your pants.”
