“It’ll probably cost more than option one.” He leans back, gripping the countertop tightly.
“Is there a third option?” I keep drumming my fingers on the counter.
“There’s a third option.”
I take another vicious bite of my muffin and glare at Arlo.
“You won’t like it.”
“I didn’t like the other options that cost me more money than I have.” I spent all of my money on this move, I have nothing left. Not even a career.
“They were the shorter options though.” This time he leans on the countertop, taking me in with his piercing blue gaze.
“You’re delaying.”
“Because you’re an easy read, Birdie, and I know you won’t like this.”
I pause with my muffin halfway to my mouth. Am I easy to read? Yes, yes, I am. “Rip the Band-Aid off, my knight in flannel armor.”
“I’ve been toying with the idea of getting certified to be a Volkswagen mechanic, but I had no reason to.” He pauses, eyeing me for some kind of reaction, and when he doesn’t get one, he pushes forward. “That same friend will help that happen.”
“How?” If there are no options nearby, then how is this even an option?
“The internet.”
“The internet?” I parrot, punctuating each word carefully.
“Yeah, see, there’s this incredible invention where you can call someone over the internet and see them.”
I toss a chocolate chip at his head. “Carry on.”
“Right, so he’s willing to make it happen. I already know most things, I just need the specific training, and that’s where you come in.”
“Me?” I question around a mouthful of muffin.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” He steals my muffin for a moment. “I need your complete attention.”
I grab my coffee. “You have it, carry on.”
“I’d use your car as a learning tool.”
“You want to learn on my car?” I was not expecting this.
“No one else has a Volkswagen for me to learn on, so yes, your car.”
“Does it mean it gets fixed?”
“Yes, and…” He trails off. “I’ll do the labor for free if you purchase the parts you damaged when avoiding mother moose.”
I roll my eyes at the mention of mother moose. “So it’s the cheapest option.” I nod. “I like this option.”
“You won’t like it.”
“Give it to me.”
“The training is eleven weeks, maybe longer since it will be virtual.” He rushes the words out in one string where they melt together. “Unless, of course, I figure out what is wrong with it sooner,” he tacks on.
“Repeat that.” I snatch my muffin back, using the chocolate for comfort.
