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The bartender approached us. He was tall and dark-skinned, his smile wide as he handed a glass to Scarlett. His hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail revealing a few strands of gold behind each ear. "What can I get for you?"
"That's it. Thank you," she replied, still smiling.
"Just put it on my tab, Doyle," I said.
He nodded and walked away. I turned my attention back to the beautiful stranger. "So, what do you say we call a tow truck? They can drop it off at the auto shop and I can give you a ride wherever you need to go. I'm Drako by the way." I stood up from my chair and held out my hand.
Scarlett shook it and smiled. "I'm Scarlett. Sorry, but I've never been here before. I don't know where anything is."
I reached out and took her hand gently. We made our way to my car. She sat in the passenger seat next to me and placed her purse on the floorboard next to her feet. I backed out of the parking space and headed toward the motel.
"Where are you staying?" I asked.
"I'm not sure yet," she replied. "I don't have much money. I haven't even checked into a hotel. I was planning on sleeping in my car until I found a cheap place to stay tonight."
I stopped at a red light and turned to face her. "Well, how about I buy you dinner and we see if I can find you a place to sleep? You don't look like the type to wander around at night alone."
Scarlett chuckled. "You don't think I'm a good enough judge of character to know that?"
I laughed too. "Maybe. But I'd rather err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to beautiful women. Why don't you tell me your story and I'll decide whether or not I want to help you."
I watched as she took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, her lips puckered as she exhaled. "I'm sorry to be such a burden on you," she said softly.
"Nonsense. What makes you think I wouldn't be happy to help you out?" I replied as I put my car into gear.
We continued down the road until we reached the restaurant. I parked in front of the door and helped her out of the car. We entered the building together and made our way to the hostess stand. We ordered drinks and dinner and waited patiently for our waitress to arrive. After a few minutes, she finally came over to take our orders.
"I apologize for the wait. My name is Ashley. May I bring you two some water while you decide what you'd like to eat?"
Scarlett and I both nodded our heads. "Yes, thank you," I said.
Ashley left and returned a few minutes later to serve us. "Here you go," she said. "Your drinks should be right out. Would either of you care for dessert?"
"No, thank you," I replied.
"All right. I'll be right back with your food." She gave me a small smile and left again.
"So, what's your story?" I asked Scarlett after another twenty minutes passed.
"I'm sorry?" She smiled.
"How did you come to be in this town? I know it's only been an hour since you showed up, but I'm curious."
She hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "I was just passing through and my car decided it had gone far enough, I guess."
"Sounds about right," I said. "I hate it when that happens."
Scarlett laughed. "Well, I've been driving all day and I've been a little tired. Maybe I should just go to bed early."
"I don't blame you. That's probably smart."
We finished our meals and walked outside. Scarlett hopped into my car, and I drove her to the motel. I paid the clerk and helped Scarlett check in. I offered to help her get settled but she declined. She went straight to her room and closed the door behind her.
"Who's the girl?" Damon asked suspiciously when I walked out of the building.
"Her name is Scarlett. I'm helping her with her car."
"Why?" He asked.
