“I do.But I wish…”
“I do, too.Did you figure out your schedule for tomorrow?”
She blew out a sigh.“Taryn asked me to work a split shift, and Tiff said she’d come over here to hang out in between.So…”
“That’s okay.I knew it was asking a lot for you to fit me in again so soon.”He looked so disappointed that she didn’t want to leave it there.
“But I will ask Taryn about getting next Saturday night off.And if you want to go…” She hesitated, wondering if she was over-offering.
“To watch Clay sing?I’d love to—but only if you’re going.It’s not a problem if you have to work.”
“Hi, Jake.Hi, Savannah.”
They were making their way back up toward the parking lot and stopped when someone called them.She smiled when she spotted Cara waving as she came toward them with her dad in tow.
“Hey,” Savannah called back.
“Hi, Cara.Hi, Mr.Bennett,” Jake greeted them.
Cara’s dad extended his hand.“Call me Troy.I’m glad we’ve run into you.I’ve been meaning to call again to say thank you for getting this one home safely the other night.”
“There’s no need.We were glad to be able to help,” said Jake.
“You guys were awesome.Thanks so much.I was so scared till you turned up.”
“You were doing fine,” said Savannah.“You did everything right.”
“Youwere amazing, I love that you knew how to fix it,” Cara told her.
“It was only because I used to drive a Civic just like that when I was about your age.”She smiled at Jake.“This guy would have fixed it if I wasn’t there.”
She didn’t want Troy thinking she’d known something Jake didn’t.
“Oh, I know that,” Cara added hurriedly, and from the way her cheeks turned pink when she glanced at Jake, Savannah guessed she might have a little bit of a crush on him.
“You’re both awesome.”
Troy chuckled beside her.“I’m not often as enthusiastic as my daughter—especially about people—but in this case, I have to agree.You guys really were awesome.I was in a tough spot.I’d had to go down to Sacramento for the day, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to get back and get to Cara before it got dark.”
“Like I said, we were happy to be able to help,” said Jake.
“I hope you mean that,” said Troy, “because in the future, we’re both going to be calling you for anything and everything to do with our vehicles.I planned to call you on Monday about getting the relay fixed on Cara’s Civic.My truck could use a service as well—I’ll get that booked in whenever you can do it.”
“Okay, we’ll talk on Monday,” said Jake.“I should be able to fit you in whenever suits you.I’m getting a bit busier, but I think it’ll take a while for the business to build to the point where you have to wait long for an appointment.”
“Well, how about we just go ahead and call me one of your early regulars then,” said Troy.“I’d guess that with your attitude, it won’t be long before people catch on that you’re the guy to go to.”
“I hope you’re right,” said Jake.“But in case you are, I’ll make a note that you and Cara both get priority scheduling if ever you need it.”
“Thanks, I’d appreciate that.But we won’t hold you up.I’m glad we ran into you, but we need to be heading over to the mall next.”
Cara grinned at Savannah.“It’s my birthday weekend.Dad brought me over here to get my gift.Do you want to see?”
“Oh, I’d love to.”She knew they couldn’t stay too long, but Cara was so excited there was no way Savannah was going to hurry away from her.
Cara was already digging in her huge purse and pulled out a small bag.Savannah recognized theHayeslogo and smiled.No wonder Cara was excited —Hayeswasn’t exactly a regular stop for most folks in town.She didn’t know Troy well, but the thought of him splurging there for his daughter made her heart happy.
Cara took out a beautiful jewelry box and flipped it open.It held a gorgeous turquoise pendant on a silver chain.
