Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
I just didn’t know what that something might be.
Eventually, I went inside and crashed, and a couple hours later, I heard the rumble of a truck engine fading down the road. I knew then that Zeke and Smitty had come through for me. I slept a few hours longer, and when the sun started creeping through the blinds, I forced myself out of bed. I walked over and looked out the window, and just as I’d expected, the Corolla was parked crooked in the driveway.
They could’ve parked it closer to the garage door, but the job was done, and I was grateful. I was also grateful that the rain had finally let up. After a quick shower, I threw on some clothes and headed outside. It was cooler than I’d expected. The air had a cold, wet bite that sank right into my bones, and I knew then that fall was hanging by a thread.
That meant shorter days, colder nights, and even less time on the bike. I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I had a car to fix, so I put on my coat and got to work. I popped the hood and groaned when I saw that it was in even worse shape than I’d thought. I started making a list of all the things that needed to be fixed: carburetor, the battery, cooling hose, alternator, and various spark plugs.
That was just the start. I pulled my phone from my back pocket and texted Smitty. I gave him a list of everything I needed and told him to get it over to the house ASAP. That’s all that needed to be said. I knew he’d take care of it, so I got to work on breaking her down.
I hadn’t planned on spending my day working on a car, but for some reason, I didn’t mind. Maybe it was the hopeful look in Laken’s eyes or the fact that I liked a challenge. Either way, I was eager to get the job done. I’d just taken out the battery when my phone buzzed with a message.
I wiped my hands, and when I checked the screen, I saw that it was a message from Laken.
Laken:
Hey. It’s Laken.
I have to be at work at two, but if you’re busy, I can take the bus.
It really isn’t a big deal.
Me:
I’ll be there at 1:40.
I’ll come back and pick you up when you’re done.
Laken:
If you’re sure.
Me:
I am.
Laken:
How are things going with the car?
Me:
She was suffering more than I realized.
Laken:
Now I feel bad.
Me:
Don’t feel too bad. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed.
Laken:
I really appreciate you doing all this for me.
Me:
No problem. I’ll see you at 1:40.
Laken:
See you then.
I slipped my phone into my pocket and went back to work. Once I got into a rhythm, the hours slipped by with ease. Smitty dropped off the parts, and in no time, I was getting through the long list of issues. She wasn’t running yet, but she would be soon enough.
When it got time to go pick up Laken, I ran inside, cleaned up a bit, and put on a fresh shirt. It wasn’t much, but I wasn’t a complete mess as I headed over to her place. When I pulled up, she was already waiting outside, and Baylor was right there next to her.
Laken was in jeans and a faded gray sweatshirt, and her hair was pulled back into a single braid. She wasn’t wearing much makeup, but she didn’t need it. She was naturally beautiful, and her daughter was, too.
Baylor looked like she’d stepped out of some kid’s magazine in her little pink sweatsuit and rosy cheeks. She was holding onto the same rabbit she’d been carrying the night before, and she was eyeing me like she was still trying to figure out what I was up to.
Laken led her over to the truck, and when she opened the door, she smiled and said, “Thanks for coming.”
“Sure thing.” Once they were inside and buckled up, I asked, “Where are we headed?”
“The Hotel Royale.”
The name got me like a punch to the gut. The Royale was a rundown dive where people got into some shady shit. It wasn’t the kind of place where Laken had any business being, nor did her kid. She had to know that, and if I had to guess, I’d say she was working there because she had no other choice.
I gave a quick nod and said, “I know the place.”
I drove without saying another word, and with each stolen glimpse in her direction, I found myself wanting to take her anywhere except that damn hotel. When we pulled up, I eased the truck up to the curb and killed the engine.
Laken unbuckled Baylor and started out of the truck. Before she closed the door, I asked, “Do you get a break?”