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She looked around and saw what I did, a group of young adults approaching and they looked like they were about to have a party on the beach. Not the mood setter I was going for when I invited her for the walk.
“How about coffee at my place?” she asked.
Now that sounds good. Even though I don’t drink coffee.
I gave her another kiss, this one much quicker and we headed to my car. We were about halfway to her house when I felt my car jerk to the left because my tire blew out. I pulled over to the side of the road, got out and confirmed the tire was flat.
“Damn potholes,” I snarled.
Trisha shook her head looking at the tire as well. “This feels like déjà vu.” I looked at her puzzled. “You know, like when we first met a few days ago.”
“I’m okay with auto problems not being something we have in common,” I teased.
“Did you want me to call AAA for roadside assistance?” she offered.
“No. It’s just the tire. I can change that.” We walked around to the back of the car, and I opened the truck. “Thankfully I have a spare tire.” I popped open the truck and asked, “Would you mind holding a few things while I pull the tire and jack out?”
“Of course not.”
Trisha extended her hands and I started pulling out a bunch of stuff I keep handy. “Load me up,” she offered.
I pulled out the handcuffs, rope, whip, black sack and chains. “If it’s too heavy we can put it in the back seat,” I said.
“No. It’s not too heavy,” she said, her voice wavering.
I pulled out the tire and placed it on the ground, then took all my stuff from Trisha and said, “You look uncomfortable holding it all. It’ll be fine in the back of the car. I’m not expecting to need any of it tonight.”
“I can guarantee you won’t,” she said firmly.
“I believe in being prepared for anything. Funny, you’d be surprised how many times I was in the middle of something and then had to run down to my car to retrieve this stuff. Whatever puts a smile on a person’s face is what works for me.” Trisha didn’t seem to want to hear about it. Maybe she was disappointed about the flat tire, just the warm cheery woman I have come to know seemed to have a wall up and I had no idea why. “Maybe I should quit talking and get this tire changed.”
She stood on the side of the road while I jacked up the car and switched tires. When I placed the flat tire in the trunk, and walked over to where she was standing, her demeanor had changed.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
She nodded. “Would it be okay if we…had coffee another night? It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”
“No problem at all,” I said. Fucking tire. “Let’s get you home.”
The ride to her house was quiet, but she had stated she was tired. Something told me there was more to it. I don’t recall saying anything that might offend her, but I definitely was out of practice.
I walked her to the door and asked, “Do you like Portuguese clam cakes?”
“I’ve never had them. What are they?” she asked.
“The best thing you’ll ever eat. I know a place in Sommerset called Chad’s Chowderhouse.”
“Are you asking me out again?” she questioned.
I chuckled. “Apparently not very well. Yes, Trisha, I’d like to take you out to dinner again.”
She looked as though she might say no, and I was really pondering over what the hell I did that changed the mood. It had to be more than a flat. Thankfully, she accepted.
“Dinner would be nice. Thank you again for tonight. I had fun,” she said.
Fun. For a short time, I thought we had been connecting a lot deeper than just fun. I could ask her about it now or see what tomorrow brings. Or maybe she really is just tired.
“What about tomorrow night?” I asked.
“I…I…can I text you in the morning? My son reached out to me while you were fixing the tire, and I want to make sure everything is okay with him first before committing to anything.”
I felt horrible for being relieved that the sudden change wasn’t due to me. “I best let you get inside so you can call him.” I leaned over and kissed her. “Call me if you need me,” I said.
She nodded and went inside, and I headed home. Alone.
