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Making quick work of the mess in the office and a second cup of coffee, I wander back onto the sales floor and peek down one of the aisles. Instantly overwhelmed with the unfamiliar tools and the thought of having to learn all of them, I welcome the happy distraction of my phone ringing, answering it without even looking at the screen.
“Hello.”
“Lenore Michaels, what is going on? Are you alright?” My mom’s near-hysteria means she finally saw all of my messages from yesterday.
“Hi, Mom.” I sigh, not sure which I’d like to avoid more, talking to my mom or trying to figure out my new duties as a Song Automotives employee.
“Are you ok?” Her voice has the sharp bite of authority that’s developed over the years from dealing with kids in the classroom.
“I’m ok, Mom. Those were from yesterday. I had a bit of car trouble, and I got help from a friend.” I can call Matt a friend now, right? We had dinner together, and he introduced me to his friends.
“Oh.” I can picture the way she deflates from emotional Mom and transforms into put-together Ms. Michaels. “I was very worried. I told you something like this was going to happen.”
I’d been sparse with the details, not telling her I walked so far alone or that it was on the side of a normally very busy highway because I didn’t want to give her any more cause to get me to come back home.
“Nothing bad happened. I’m just waiting on the car to get fixed.”
“Why isn’t it fixed already? That was yesterday morning. Any knowledgeable mechanic should have been able to get you back on the road if it was a simple problem. Are you sure they’re not taking advantage of you?”
“He’s not taking advantage of me. Matt’s been very helpful. In fact, above and beyond.”
“What does that mean?” Her voice is laced with suspicion as if she thinks Matt’s demanding sexual favors for parts and labor.
“It doesn’t mean anything, Mom, other than that he didn’t need to help me out as much as he has.”
“Do I need to come up there?”
Instant panic. “No. I swear. Everything is fine. It’s all being handled.”
“I have to finish my last summer course class this week, and then I’m coming up there.” It’s almost like she didn’t even hear me, but I know she did. She always does. It’s just that she chooses not to listen.
“Mom, no.” She hangs up before I can explain anything further.
