Page 88 of Line Change

“Unfortunately not. The alternator and battery both need replacing.”

“Okay.” That’s not too bad.

“We also found oil leaking from the manifold, and the transmission is starting to slip. We recommend fixing both.”

At this point, I might as well buy Sutton a new car. I’m sure the cost of fixing hers is going to be astronomical.

“How much is all of this going to cost?”

“Around six thousand dollars.”

I cringe. I have the money. It’s no problem to fix it, but at the end of the day, what else is going to break next month or the month after?

I pace around the hotel room. It kind of makes more sense to buy her a new car.

“Let me talk it over with my wife and call you back.” I check the time. “Are you open tomorrow? I might not be able to call you back today.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Henderson, we’re open until two tomorrow. I’m hitting send on an email with the quote and all the pictures so you have that.”

“Sounds good. Thank you.”

I hang up the phone and finish getting dressed. Sitting on the bed, I open my email and read through the quote to make sure I have all the information to give to Sutton. Why do I have this feeling she’s not going to like the idea of me buying her a new car? I want to make sure she has something reliable to drive and that she and the baby are safe. I’m sure she’ll understand. She’s a reasonable woman.

I hit the Call button next to her name.

“Hiya, love,” I greet her.

“Hi, Bash. Made it to Pittsburgh?”

“Yep, just got out of the shower. How are you? How are you feeling?”

“I’m good. Tired, as usual. I miss you.”

“I miss you too. The mechanic called …”

“Oh.” There’s rustling in the background, and I wonder what she’s doing.

I run a hand through my hair. “It’s not good, love. The reason it wouldn’t start was the battery and alternator are both shot.”

“That’s not too bad, right? It’s not a fifty dollar fix but nothing I can’t manage.”

“There’s more.”

“Oh?”

“You also have an oil leak, and your transmission is starting to slip. You could probably drive it as is for a little while longer without fixing the transmission, but one day in the very near future, it’ll break and leave you stranded.”

“How much is this all going to cost me?”

“A lot.”

“How much?” she asks, and I picture her sitting in her office playing with the ring she always wears on her thumb or twirling her favorite pen.

“Six thousand, give or take.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah. I don’t think it’s worth it at this point. Let’s go shopping for a new car on Friday when I’m back home. I’m sure we can find something you like.”