“Why did you stop singing?” Lila asks, whipping her head around as if Max is ready to attack.
“I, uh, just really need some water. I think I see your car, Max.” I drive past it a few yards and then make a U-turn, parking behind the nicer vehicle.
“Thank you again, ladies. I hope you have a safe trip wherever you’re going,” Max says, scooting out of the vehicle.
I pop the trunk and wait for him to get the gas can out. Once he shuts it, I put the car in drive, but he’s knocking on Lila’s window.
“I want to give you this,” he says, setting the gas can on the ground next to him. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a one-hundred-dollar bill. Lila reaches out to take it from him, but I lean over and pull her arm back.
“There’s no need. We’re just happy you got back to your car. I hope it’s just the gas that’s giving you problems,” I say. I give Lila a quick frown, hoping she’ll leave it alone.
“Avery, this is what you do,” Lila says, squirming to grab the bill from Max. “You’re the town’s rideshare.”
I swat her hand away one more time and start to roll up the window.
Max looks like he’s not sure whether to laugh or frown. “Are you sure? You just saved me so much time having to walk back from the gas station.”
I give him a smile. “It’s no problem. Pass it along to someone in need. If you need anything else, you can find us at Honey and Harbor in Penrose Beach.”
“Is that a restaurant?” Max asks.
“A coffee shop,” I say, feeling a surge of pride.
Look at me marketing my business.
He taps the door with his hand. “I’ll have to stop by. Thank you again, ladies.” Taking a step back, he empties the can into the tank.
Once the car starts, I give him a wave before heading out, picking up speed so we can get home. It was nice to help, but now that it’s over, my brain is already trying to consolidate what I can realistically do before I collapse into bed.
Whether we see Max again doesn’t really matter. I’ve got a business to run and a niece to take care of. Penrose Beach is beginning to feel like the fresh start I always wanted, and I couldn’t be happier.
At least for now.
3
MAX
Ibreathe a sigh of relief as I drive back toward the gas station. I’m exhausted to my bones, something I’m experienced with, but I think some time away from the office and the stress of work will help. At least I hope it will.
I’m grateful Avery was willing to stop. I’d probably still be walking in the dark and struggling to figure out where to stay tonight. Aiden has the information for the building I own and would know if one is available, but I want to wait for as long as possible before contacting him. My parents have his number, and I don’t need them bugging him for information about me.
My brain drifts back to my ride. Lila was funny with her comments, and Avery seemed to take it all in stride. It was as if she’d been through enough that little things didn’t faze her. To be honest, I was surprised she stopped. Not many would do that in New York.
And for her to turn down the money I wanted to give? I haven’t seen that in a while.
Usually, when people see me opening my wallet for any reason, their eyes get this wide, shiny look to them. It’s likethey’re in a trance, and the only thing that breaks it is a few dollars or for me to buy something for them.
It sounds awful when I say it like that, but it’s been my life for longer than I care to admit. Even my own family acts that way, and they have enough to cover their needs.
Avery swatting Lila’s hands away caught me off guard, but now I can’t help but smile.
Pay it forward. I like that idea.
Stopping took time out of their night, at least thirty minutes or so. It was such a small thing, but it made a world of difference to me after an exhausting travel day.
I feel something for Avery that I’m not familiar with. Maybe it’s just the gratitude of a delirious man, who needs to sleep longer than a few hours at a time, or maybe it’s curiosity.
By the time I drive to the gas station to fill up the rest of the tank and then drive the fifteen minutes to the small beach town Aiden always raves about, I’m ready to fall asleep in the driver’s seat. I need to find somewhere to stay for the night.
