Chapter 5: Evie

5

EVIE

" S hit!" I yelled and slammed my hands on the steering wheel. "Why are you doing this to me now?"

I tried several more times to get my car to start, but I was out of luck. I knew it was going to give out on me sooner rather than later, but I'd hoped I had more time.

Exhaling heavily, I leaned back in my seat and tried to figure out what to do next. I was pretty sure I couldn't afford to have whatever was wrong with my car fixed, so that left me with walking or asking Irene for a ride to and from work. Since she worked all day, every day, I'd have to find a way to occupy myself for almost eight hours each day after my shift.

As I stared out the windshield contemplating my next move, someone rode by on a bicycle, and an idea hit me. I could ride a bike to and from work. I knew I could afford one, I just needed to find out where to buy one. After a quick search on my cheap little phone, I found a place within walking distance of the diner. Thirty minutes later, I was the not so proud owner of my new two-wheeled transportation.

I didn't know the exact mileage from the diner to Irene's house, but it felt like I'd biked across the entire state by the time I made it home. I looked at my phone to check the time and groaned. It took me almost forty-five minutes to get home. I tried to look on the bright side. At least I didn't have to pay for gas and would get plenty of exercise.

"Why was your car still in the parking lot when I left last night and already here when I arrived this morning?" Irene asked as soon as I walked through the door.

"I'm sorry about that. It wouldn't start when I got off work yesterday, and I wasn't sure what to do with it."

"How did you get home yesterday and get to work this morning?"

"I bought a bike from a shop a few streets over," I said.

"Well, that explains why you look like you just ran a marathon."

"Sorry," I apologized and reached for a paper towel to wipe the sweat from my face. "I'll get myself cleaned up."

"Don't apologize for coming up with a solution to your problem. I admire your determination," she said and headed out to the front.

I stepped into the employee restroom to wash my face and change into my work clothes. Once I was somewhat presentable, I went to the front and started waiting on customers.

At the end of my shift, I got my clothes from my locker and started for the bathroom to change into my riding clothes, but Irene called out for me to come into her office. I entered her office and came to a sudden halt when I saw Edge sitting in a chair in front of her desk.

"Hey, Evie," he said with a slight smile.

"Uh, hello," I stammered.

"Okay, don't get mad," Irene started. Her words caught me off guard. I couldn't imagine ever being mad at her. "I probably should've talked to you about it first, but I didn't want you to say no."

"Say no to what?" I asked carefully.

"I can't go into the details, but the Blackwings owe me a favor or two. Since they own a garage, I cashed in one of my favors to get your car fixed. Edge is here to drop off a loaner car and take yours back to Croftridge," she explained.

I was at a loss for words. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. Just give him your keys," she said.

"Thank you," I finally said. I didn't like being a charity case, but I knew I needed the help, so I didn't make a fuss about it.

Quickly retrieving my keys, I returned to her office and handed them to Edge.

"Do you need to get anything out of it before I take it?"

"No, I don't keep anything in it."

"All right," he said and extended his hand. "Here are the keys to the loaner. It's parked out back."

"Thank you," I said.

"Do you have any idea what's wrong with your car?"

I shook my head. "It was making a weird noise for a few days before it wouldn't crank. I don't think it's the battery because the lights and radio came on."

He nodded. "I'll get it back to Croftridge and take a look. I'm not sure how long it'll take. It all depends on what's wrong with it."

"I really appreciate it."

"Happy to help," he said and headed out the door.

I turned to Irene, who was eyeing me cautiously. "So, you're not upset with me?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but suddenly burst into tears.

"Oh, honey," she said and wrapped her arms around me.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"You're a good person. Everybody needs some help at some point or another."

"I can't thank you enough."

"Sure you can. Pay it forward when you're able. Help make the world a better place."

Stepping back, I wiped the tears from underneath my eyes. "Are we going to break out in song and dance now?"

Irene threw her head back and laughed. "There's the spunk I've been waiting for. I knew you had it in there."

I smiled. "I really do appreciate this. More than you know."

"I know," she said and made a shooing motion with her hands. "Go on and get out of here."

I did as she said and walked outside to find a shiny SUV sitting in the space next to where my car was previously parked. "Holy shit," I breathed. It was nicer than anything I'd ever driven. I was almost afraid to touch it. "There's no way this is a loaner car."

I climbed inside and marveled at the interior. There were more buttons and controls than I'd ever seen in a car. When I went to put the key in the ignition and realized it didn't have a key, I wondered if I needed a class on how to operate it.

It took me several minutes to figure out where everything was before I finally got going. The vehicle was bigger than what I was used to, but it glided along the road as if the streets were made of clouds. It was going to suck when I had to give it back.