Sierra looks at me and I shrug my shoulders. I’m not sure why she’d think I would know but I volunteer to go back out and snap a picture with my phone. It’s the least I can do while she finishes up the paperwork with Mearle.
When I return, I can’t help noticing the saddened expression on her face. Did something happen while I was away? I was literally gone for two minutes, three tops.
“Is everything okay?” I whisper when Mearle steps around the corner..
“He says he won’t be able to even look at my car for at least two days. Once he’s had a chance to assess the damage, he’ll then have to order the parts, which will take another couple of days to get here. What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if she’d be willing to fill in as my fake plus-one, but I don’t want to scare her away. We’ve hardly known each other, what, a couple hours at most. Then again…
“Can you see about renting a car?” I suggest. “Surely there’s a rental place nearby.”
“Closest place is at the airport,” Mearle walks back into the room and give her cards back. “I suggest calling ahead, though. It’s a good possibility they’re sold out.”
I think about the car my brother has reserved that he’ll likely not be able to use now. I haven’t gotten any updates from him in a while, but I really doubt the rental company wouldrelease the vehicle to her. Not if there’s others ahead of her on a wait list.
It’s a great idea, but then I’d have even more explaining to do. If the situation weren’t already bad enough, I don’t need to make it any worse.
“I’d just book a flight it that were the case. But then I’d have to figure out how to get back here when my car was fixed.” She rubs her forehead as if she’s giving the situation a little more thought.
“I’m sorry this hasn’t exactly been the best trip home to surprise your family.” I’m truly at a loss for words. She’s such a nice girl and I hate that she’s having to alter her plans. If only there was something more I could do for her.
“What about hotels in the area?” she asks Mearle. “It’s been such a trying day. I think I’ll just get a room for tonight and figure out a different plan in the morning.”
“Hotel?” he sneers and slaps his hands down on the top of the counter.
Sierra rests her head against the back of the chair and sighs. “Let me guess. You don’t have any places to stay, either?”
“We have a few inns. They’re usually booked this time of the year, though. It’s peak tourist season here with the holidays and such.”
Mearle might be doing her a favor with her car but he’s not helping with anything else. Talk about being a real jerk!
Noticing how sad this has made her, I brush my hand against her arm. “We’ll find you something. If it comes down to it, you could stay at the cabin we’ve rented in Black Hill Bend.”
“You wouldn’t mind?” she asks and sits up straight. “I’ve already kept you away from meeting with your family, so I’d hate to put you through anymore trouble.”
“Trouble?” I try and laugh it off. If she only knew the ideas that had already crossed my mind. “It’d be fun to have some company. Come on, let’s get your stuff out of the car.”
My phone begins to vibrate in my pocket and I check to see which brother is calling. To be fair, I’ve been worried about them both.
“Did you know there’s a snow storm moving in early tomorrow?” Mason blurts before I’ve had a chance to properly answer.
“Uh, no. I haven’t exactly been paying attention to the weather though.”
“What’s it look like in Black Hill Bend?”
I don’t want to tell him I’m not there yet, that I’m still an hour away, so I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Dark.”
“You’re such a smart ass,” he smirks. “No kidding, Miles. Of course it’s dark.”
“Well, you asked. Did you manage to get a flight?” I open the door for Sierra and she follows me over to where her car is. She pops the trunk and begins to take some things out.
“No. I’ just over it. Now they’re saying it could be two or three days, depending on how much snow falls. They’ve put us in a room for the night and will access things tomorrow. I swear, we should’ve scheduled this trip for some other time. Did you have any trouble getting the keys to the cabin?”
I hadn’t even thought about it, not until he mentioned it. “I’ll let you know in a little bit. I haven’t…I haven’t quite… made it there yet.”Please don’t ask where I’ve been. Please don’t make me have to explain.
“We’re about to grab some dinner. If you need Caysee to call the owner, let me know but I think you should be able to get to the lock box without any issues. Just use the code he gave us.”
“Will do, bro. Look on the bright side. We have the rest of the week.”
