“You ready to go?” he asks.
I nod. “Did you get the tree out of the road?”
“We did so let me put everything in the SUV and let’s blow this popsicle stand!”
“Joey, put your shoes on, buddy.”
Joey looks up from where he’s coloring. “Are we going to West’s house?”
“We are.”
“Yay!”
“Kid’s ready for an adventure,” West says with a chuckle.
“I’m ready for a shower.”
We laugh together as we start bringing everything out to his SUV. I’m a little nervous about meeting West’s friends but also excited about going somewhere with power. And a hot shower.
Not to mention getting to spend a little more time with West.
I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.
Chapter
Thirteen
West
Serena seems more subdued today and I can’t tell what’s bothering her. She was quiet as we loaded up my SUV and then she ran over to tell Rudy and Gemma where she was going. I said goodbye to them too, thanking them for their hospitality last night.
Now we’re slowly heading for my house and she’s still not saying much.
“Everything all right?” I ask. “You seem quiet.”
“Just thinking about my car, wondering if it’s even where we left it.”
“I’m willing to bet no one towed it with the condition the roads have been in.”
“I didn’t think to leave a note.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll head out there this afternoon to check things out.”
“I’m worried about everything,” she admits. “The car situation is going to be a problem if I need a new engine or something.”
“I can help—” I begin but she cuts me off.
“You’re sweet but I’m not taking money from you. We’ve gotten…close, the last few days, but not close enough where I’d take money.”
“What about an interest-free loan?” I ask, trying to keep my eyes on the road.
“An interest-free loan is a lot better than the twenty-four percent I pay on my card, but I still don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“I thought we agreed I’d be your person,” I say quietly.
“Yes, but that’s friendship. Knowing I have someone I can count on. I’m not the type of woman who wants handouts. I make a decent living. I’ve just had some unexpected expenses the last year… new brakes and struts for the car. I had two sinus infections that I had to go to urgent care for because I couldn’t get a regular appointment with my doctor during the week, and a few other things I had to charge. It adds up and takes forever to pay off.”
“Which is why I’ll lend you the money so you can pay it back a little at a time.”