Chapter Three
“What do you mean there’s no one available to tow the car until tomorrow?” Bridget’s voice matched the tense features of her face.
“I’m sorry ma’am, but Randy had a family emergency and can’t do it until tomorrow, and his assistant is on vacation.” Joel held up his phone. “You saw the sign on the garage door and heard the conversation.”
Cassidy intervened. “Is there another company who could come?”
He drew in a breath and twisted his lips. “There is, but it will cost you a fortune because they aren’t close by.”
“The rental company will cover the cost, won’t they Bridget?” She glanced at her friend holding the rental paper in her hands.
“Yes.” Bridget squeezed the papers. “I read the entire contract carefully before signing.”
Joel rubbed his nose. “Are any of you willing to front the money? I’m not trying to make this situation worse, but I know for a fact, any company you call will require payment at the time of service.”
“I can.” Lark, who had been largely silent since leaving behind the SUV, stepped forward. “I don’t mind, as long as we’ll definitely be reimbursed.”
Bridget tucked the papers in her purse, her face more relaxed than moments ago. “At this hour, nothing can be done about fixing the car until morning, anyway, right?”
“No.” Joel tilted his head in the direction of the garage. “I know you don’t have any reason to take my word, but I’d suggest waiting for Randy. He’s a good, honest, man who runs a tight shop. He can get your SUV here tomorrow and have his mechanics look at it by noon.”
“Are you all okay with that?” Bridget’s gaze circled the group.
“Fine with me.” Rain tapped on her phone. “I have a signal, but can’t connect to the internet.”
“Me either, but I’m okay with waiting until tomorrow if there’s a place we can stay the night.” Jessica covered a yawn with her hand.
Cassidy looked at Joel. Since she’d been the one to have that first interaction with him, she’d unofficially been designated as the go between with him. “Are there any hotels in town?”
“There’s a few motels to choose from.” He shifted his weight to his right leg, seeming to have more to say. “However, I’m not sure you’ll find a vacancy.”
“But we’re in a sleepy little town. How can they be full?” Lark’s eyes showed genuine confusion.
“I’m afraid you ladies picked the wrong weekend to break down.” He pointed to the lit marquee sign across the street.
Plastered in large block letters was written,WelcomeRouteminiscers.
“What in the world is a routeminiscers?” Jessica continued staring at the sign.
“It’s a nationwide club of people dedicated to keeping alive the spirit of Route 66. Every year they have a convention somewhere along 66, and this year, it’s here.”
The fondness in Joel’s smile intrigued Cassidy. “How large is this group?”
“Their official membership tops one hundred thousand.”
A chorus of groans echoed in the parking lot.
Joel held up a hand. “Don’t worry. They don’t all attend the convention. If so, we wouldn’t have nearly the facilities to house them all. As it is, there are about two thousand who will come, but many are local, and some are staying in outlying towns.”
“I’m sorry.” Cassidy pinched the bridge of her nose. “Trouble follows me lately.”
“This isn’t your fault at all.” Bridget narrowed her eyes and dared her to disagree.
“I know you’ve had a rough time since everything with your dad, but trouble’s not following you.” Jessica slipped an arm around her shoulders. “This could have happened to anyone.”
Cassidy arched a brow. “Really? Anyone could have gotten stranded in the middle of nowhere with a bum transmission and ended up in a small town the one weekend of the year they’re having a conference?”
Jessica laughed. “I didn’t say it was likely, but hey, stranger things have happened. Regardless, it’s not your fault.”
