So stubborn.
Another movie, this time a comedy called How to Train Your Dragon. Obvious fiction, and yet entertaining, nonetheless.
When it finished, Nicky said, “I’m going to put Zaza to bed. Wanna watch another movie?”
“We should probably preserve the battery for tomorrow in case the power is still out. The car’s down to half a tank and I don’t want to run out of fuel. I’m going to read in bed, I think.”
“Okay. Goodnight,” Nicky murmured while casting Bruce a lingering look.
The man just nodded and said, “See you in the morning.”
Sigh.
I had my work cut out for me if I was going to get these two to realize they wanted to be together, and very little time to do so because in the middle of the night, not only did the power finally return, but a rumbling noise indicated a big machine passed by.
In the morning, Bruce was only gone for a few minutes before he returned to say, “The road’s been plowed.”
Chapter Eleven
With the road cleared, it was only a matter of time before Nicky and the kid left. I should have exulted that I’d soon get the chalet to myself once more. After all, I had work to do and didn’t need the distraction she and Zaza posed, pleasurable as it might be.
I’d probably be bummed when I came downstairs in the morning and didn’t get that bright smile. I’d miss the tiny, grubby hands that liked to grab hold of my leg and those big eyes that would stare into my soul until I lifted and held Zaza as if she belonged on my hip.
I’d survive. I’d been alone for years before meeting them and managed just fine. However, that was before I’d acquired a dragon that I hadn’t the slightest clue what to do with.
The initial surprise of Percy’s existence had worn off, and now reality set in. How the hell would I care for a dragon? Not to mention, how the fuck would I keep Percy a secret? While small now, she’d indicated she’d be growing and sprouting wings and possibly breathing fire. It wouldn’t go unnoticed. How long would I have with Percy before someone—the government—took her away? I wasn’t dumb enough to think for a single moment I’d be allowed to keep such a rare creature. There were laws protecting species. Greedy people who’d want her for themselves.
However, did I mention any of this to Percy?
No. Of course not, because I wanted Percy to enjoy her freedom while she had it.
“What are you doing?” Percy asked as Nicky went around picking up Zaza’s toys and stuffing them in the diaper bag.
“I told you, Percy, when the road cleared, Zaza and I would have to go.”
“Go where?” Percy demanded.
A good question. “Where are you planning to stay?” I asked, because as far as I knew, Nicky had nowhere to go. Her plan had been to hide out in this chalet.
“I’m sure I can find a hotel with a vacancy while I look for a job.”
The reply had me frowning. “A hotel’s daily rate will siphon your funds.”
“I’m aware.”
“What if you don’t find employment right away?”
Her shoulders rolled. “I don’t know. Maybe try another town if I can’t find anything here.”
“Leave to go even further?” Percy exclaimed.
“Leave how?” was my query. “Your car was demolished.” Pointing that fact out turned her lips right down, and I didn’t like it one bit. Made me feel like an ass.
“I’m sure there’s a bus I can take.”
Her plan sucked. Make that lack of plan. No home. No job. Limited funds. No transportation. And a child that would require minding. If she were a grunt in the army, I’d be yelling at her and calling her stupid. However, Nicky didn’t need to be torn down any further. What she needed was a helping hand.
“May I use your phone to call a taxi?” she asked.
