“The car’s fixed,” he continued. “No charge.”
“What? What do you mean, ‘no charge’?”
“Generally, it means that currency in the form of money won’t be exchanging hands.”
“You’re funny.” I couldn’t stop a smile. “But the sad fact is that I don’t have five-thousand dollars and I don’t really feel comfortable asking my dad for it. He’s bailed me out too often over the past few years.”
Austin sighed. “Babe. It’s covered.”
“Explain to me exactly how it’s covered. What do you want in return?”
“We can talk about it when I drop your car off.”
“I knew it,” I snapped. “Forget it. You can keep it.”
I hung up and threw my phone in my purse, my sleepiness leaving my body faster than it had arrived. Seething, I grabbed my purse and jacket, and headed out of my classroom through the outside door. I locked up, passed by the office, and waved to the janitor who was grabbing the trash from the front of the school.
I needed to walk. My apartment was about three miles from the school and not having a car was a good excuse to walk off my anger and maybe a few calories as well. I’d been lazy of late and had gained close to thirty pounds after Steven’s betrayal. I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and do something about my weight. I texted my brother and told him I didn’t need a ride again and then headed toward home.
The temperature had dropped since lunchtime, so I zipped up my coat, shoved my hands in my pockets and put my head down against the wind. I had gone about a block when I regretted my decision to walk home in the cold.
I no longer wanted to lose weight. I wanted to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine. This thought brought to light the fact that I didn’t have a tub worthy of soaking anymore, which then reminded me I also didn’t own a car anymore, which led me down the rabbit hole of anger and irritation at the drop-dead gorgeous man who’d interrupted my plan. I was getting my life back... at least I was trying to, but now Austin wanted to mess with that plan. I had to figure out a way to come up with the money without asking my dad.
The large fir trees that lined the private drive leading to my apartment came into view and I sighed with relief. I was home. I would call my brother and work out a game plan. He’d know what to do.
I turned down the road and quickened my steps. I was now officially freezing and wanted to get inside and wrap myself in a blanket. The parking lot came into view... and so did my car. I stopped walking, confused. Movement out of the corner of my eye had me turning to see Austin climbing from his truck.
He frowned. “Did you walk home, Dani?”
“Huh?”
“Did you walk home? Alone?”
I looked up at him. “Um, yeah. I don’t have a car.”
“Fuck.” He shook his head. “Did you walk yesterday as well?”
“No, my brother has been driving me, but—”
“Here.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out my car key.
I shook my head. “I can’t pay for it, Austin.”
“Take the key, Dani.” I did and he swore again. “Babe, your hand is like ice.”
“Generally happens when it’s cold.”
“You don’t own gloves?”
“I didn’t bring them, on account of the fact I didn’t expect to be walking home,” I admitted.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“WhywouldI call you?”
He took both of my hands in his and rubbed them together. “I would have picked you up.”
“Why would you have picked me up?”
