Blowing them a kiss in their sleep she tiptoed away and let Tiffany know she’d be back within an hour. She went to the dorm for her coat, then outside to her car. She twisted the key in the ignition switch, but nothing happened.
A groan rose from her stomach, but she squelched it. After everything she’d gone through, she wouldn’t let this bring her down. She popped the hood and checked the battery cables like Carl had shown her how to do several weeks ago when her car wouldn’t start. Both cables were secure. She wiggled them for good measure, then tried to start the car again.
Still nothing.
Frustrated, she scrunched her nose and bit down on her lip. If she didn’t fix whatever was wrong by tomorrow, she’d need a ride to work. Under normal circumstances it wouldn’t be an issue, but she hated to ask anyone this close to Christmas. She banged her head against the seat and closed her eyes. “Help me, Lord. I’m trying but every time I get ahead something else comes up.”
A knock against the window jarred her and she startled. She jerked her head to see Carl standing at her door.
She rolled down the window but didn’t say anything.
He wore a black bomber jacket zipped to his neck and a knit Ravens beanie. “Battery giving you problems again?”
“I checked the cables. They are connected like you said they should be, and I even jiggled them, but it didn’t help.”
“Mind if I try?”
“Be my guest.” She exchanged spots with him and watched him cram himself into the seat.
His long legs barely fit, and he had to keep one hanging over the edge. He tried turning on the car, but nothing happened. “I’m afraid your battery is dead this time. Has it been slow to start lately?”
She nodded. “I thought it had to do with the weather.”
“I can give you a jump to get you to the auto parts store, but if you’re battery is bad, that won’t give it enough time to charge and you could end up sitting at the store.”
“How much does a battery cost?”
He quoted her a wide range. “It all depends on the quality and brand.”
She gulped. There went the extra money she had to get the girls a gift. She wouldn’t cry. She absolutely wouldn’t. This was nothing but a blip. “Hopefully they have a cheap one.”
Getting out of the car, his eyes darkened, and he locked eyes with her. “I can help you with the cost.”
“No.” She hadn’t meant to answer with such force, but she couldn’t continue accepting help from him. It was time to stand on her own two feet.
His jaw flexed, but he didn’t press. “Why don’t I give you a ride at least, and then you don’t have to worry about getting stranded.”
A refusal tipped her tongue, but he made a good point. “All right.”
“Don’t sound so enthused.” He gave her a weak smile. “I won’t bite, promise.”
A nervous laughed squeaked out of her. “It’s been a rough day. I’m sorry.”
“No worries.” He leaned inside her car and grabbed her keys and purse. “Anything else you need in there?”
“That’s it,” she said, taking the keys and dropping them in her bag. “Do you have to tell anyone you’re leaving?”
He hesitated for a split second before shaking his head. “It’s my lunch break, and Tyson’s here if anything comes up.”
She locked the door and shoved it closed. “Has the temperature dropped in the last few minutes?”
“It’s supposed to lower throughout the day.” He removed the battery and closed the hood, then his eyes traveled the length of her. “Do you have a hat or scarf?”
“I forgot them at work.”
“Congratulations on the promotion, by the way. I overheard Christy and Tiffany talking.” His expression reflected hurt that she hadn’t told him.
“Thanks.” She walked in stride beside him with her hands tucked warmly in her pockets. “I meant to tell you, but I’ve been busy.”
