I dropped my head back against the headrest.I’d have to get it towed, and hope it wasn’t too expensive to repair.
“It’s not out of gas, is it?”Dorian asked.
“I filled it up on the weekend.Unless someone’s been driving it when I’m sleeping?”I could see when I turned the key that the tank was half full, but it was a chance to remind them they should pay for what they used.
He shrugged.“Maybe it’s the carburetor.Or the starter.”
He had as much mechanical ability as I did.“I have no idea.I’ll get it towed.”
Cora sighed dramatically.“So no one can go anywhere?”
“I’m taking the bus tomorrow.It works for almost everyone.”
Cora glared at me and stomped back into the house.I followed Dorian in.Arne was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing up his homework.
“Mommy!”He at least was happy to see me.“I’ve got almost all my homework done, so I’ll be ready for soccer.”
Right.That meant another rideshare, unless I could work out transit.“I’m going to change, sweetie, and then I’ll be right down.”Change and look up the bus schedule.Arne at least wouldn’t complain about using the bus.
If we really rushed, we should be able to get pretty close to the field by game time.When we’d get home was another matter—the buses only ran every hour after rush hour.Maybe we’d have to leave early, just to be sure Arne got anything like a proper sleep.
I called Arne’s coach to let her know he might be late.There was no answer, so I left a quick message.Would she get it?She never had her phone with her on the field—too dangerous with the erratic way the kids kicked the ball around.I huffed a breath and planned for a backup.I scrolled through my contacts, stopping at Tonya.I hit the call button.
“Mia?”
“Hi, Tonya.I just wanted to let you know Arne and I might be a little late.I left a message with Coach, but in case she doesn’t get it, could you let her know?”
“Of course I will—anything wrong?”
“We have to take the bus because my car died, and I’m not sure we’ll be there as soon as we should.”
“We’ll pick you up.”
“I can’t ask—” I would never do that.
“You didn’t.You weren’t even hinting.It’s not a problem, and it’s gotta be better than taking transit.”
“It’s out of your way, and the bus is perfectly fine.”
I heard a sigh.“Mia, you’ve always got a million things to do.Admit it, a ride would be easier.”
“I’m perfectly okay?—”
“Admit it…”
I looked at the time.“All right, I admit it.”
“See?Didn’t even hurt.I’ll let Barney know we’re leaving a little early to get you, and I’ll message you before we arrive.”
“I can pay you for gas.”
“It’s an electric car.And no, I’m not going to charge you for whatever that might cost.Just be ready for us to pick you up.”
“Thanks.”I ended the call, torn between relief at the easy solution, and guilt at needing help.
Arne, of course, was thrilled.I had to remind him to take his bag with him before he rushed out of the door to greet his friend—the one he hadn’t seen since he got out of school a couple of hours ago.
Once he was buckled in, I slid into the front passenger seat.