“The TV and a glass of wine,” I tell him. “I think I’ve earned one this week.”
He nods and waits in the doorway while I pack everything up.
“Have a good evening, Miss Brookes,” he says as he shuts the classroom door behind me.
“You too, Eddie. And you can just call me Ashlyn,” I remind him with a smile.
He gives me a shy smile back, but I know he won’t. Eddie’s only been at the school a couple of months, and for whatever reason, he’s stuck on the formalities. He’s older than me, a little reserved, and keeps mostly to himself. I make an effort to chat whenever I see him, but it’s not always easy.
“Night, Miss Brookes,” he says again, holding open the main entrance for me.
“Night, Eddie,” I reply, stepping out into the early evening air.
I’m almost home when my phone rings over the hands-free. My heart does a little flip when Ben’s name flashes on the screen.
“Hey, you,” I answer with a smile. “I wasn’t expecting to hear from you yet. Did the conference wrap early for the day?”
“Ash,” he says, his voice tight. “I’ve got a problem.”
My stomach twists. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Laney. She was driving to Prescott and her car broke down. I didn’t realize her AAA had expired.” He sighs heavily. “Ash, I hate to ask, but could you pick her up? She’s pulled into a motel parking lot for now. The car can stay there until I can get it towed. I’d ask my parents, but Dad’s not doing great today.”
“Of course I can get her,” I say without hesitation. “Send me her location. I’m already in the car.”
He breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Sorry for messing up your evening.”
“You’re not messing up anything,” I assure him. “Do you know what’s wrong with her car?”
“From what she told me, it sounds like the engine coolant light came on.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “What was she doing going to Prescott? I thought she was grounded.”
“She won’t say. But trust me, she knows she’s in trouble.”
“I’ll get to her as quickly as I can,” I promise.
“Drive safe. She’s inside a Starbucks, so she’s fine for now. I’m sending you her location.”
A moment later, my phone beeps with an incoming message.
“Got it,” I tell him.
“Thank you, baby. I owe you one.”
“You don’t owe me anything. I’ll call you once I’ve got her.”
I end the call and glance at the time. Since I’m so close to home, I swing by and change first. My work clothes, especially my shoes, aren’t exactly ideal for an hour-long round trip.
Once inside my apartment, I quickly swap my slacks for a pair of yoga pants, pull on a sweater, and lace up my sneakers. As I grab my keys, a wave of nerves hits me. Laney’s definitely not my biggest fan. Showing up to pick her up probably isn’t going to go over well, and I have no idea what kind of reception I’m going to get.
Then an idea strikes. I pull out my phone and dial, lifting it to my ear as I wait for him to answer.
“Hey, squirt.”
“Don’t call me that, Wyatt,” I snap automatically. “Are you home?”
“Well, hello to you too,” he replies dryly.
