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“Yes. I mean, other things could be wrong with it as well, but that’s why it’s not starting, and you definitely need that belt replaced.”

I sigh. “Wonderful. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.” I hand him back his helmet.

“Do you need a ride?”

“What?”

“Do you want a ride?”

“Ride with … you?”

“No, not with me. With one of the other guys here,” he deadpans, gesturing at the empty parking lot.

I wait for him to tell me it’s a joke. He doesn’t honestly believe that I’d get on the back of his motorcycle, does he?

“You looked as if you were in a rush to get somewhere earlier.” His eyes twinkle in amusement. “Don’t worry. You can wear the helmet.” He hands it to me one more time.

“No, thank you. I don’t do motorcycles.”

“Don’t do motorcycles?”

I step forward and push his helmet against his chest. If he gives it back to me one more time, I will lose my shit. “Thank you again, but I’ll just call a mechanic and get my car towed.”

“Do you know who to call?”

“The internet will tell me.”

“Call Jon. He’s the best. I’ll give you his number.”

“Is he a mechanic?”

“No, an interpretive dancer.”

I give him an exasperated look. Why couldn’t I have had car issues any other day? This is karma, I’m sure.

“Yes, I’ll take his number. Wait, I should call a tow truck first,” I mumble.

“He actually has a tow truck, so you only need to call him.”

“Oh, cool. That’s unusual, no?” I ask, but he just shrugs.

“Is it okay if I wait with you until he gets here? It doesn’t feel right leaving you alone.”

I debate his question for a second, because I’m really in no mood to interact with people tonight. Especially not with this guy, who likes to laugh at me. But it’s getting dark, and I have absolutely no idea how long it will take for the mechanic to arrive. I could go back inside, but honestly, that’s worse than being out here with a stranger.

“Sure.”

He takes his phone out of his pocket and dictates a number to me.

I pray this interpretive dancer gets here quickly.

Chapter 3

Hayden

My plan for this evening was simple: Take a drive down memory lane, visit my great-grandma’s grave, and then eat takeout in my rental place. I didn’t plan to interact with anyone from this godforsaken town until tomorrow. Today was supposed to be my soft launch back to Cottondale. A whole day to settle in before I face reality tomorrow. And by reality, I mean my family.

Let’s just hope I’m out of town before they even realize I was here.