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There’s a pause at the other end. “Wait, you wrote the story longhand?”
“I’ve never done it before, so it was…special. Also, we didn’t have electricity, so it’s not like I could use my laptop. This is the only way I could actually meet my deadline.”
“Okay, I got it,” she says. “Why don’t I help you with the transcribing? Just email me the pictures.”
“You can do that?” I ask, surprised.
“Anything for my best writer,” Elena replies, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
After Elena drops the call, I sit up on my bed, stretching my arms above me.
I look out the window. The sun is out for good today, and in the distance I can hear the birds chirping. The snow on the road has all but melted. There’s no reason or excuse for me to stay here any longer. The three of them haven’t asked me to leave yet, but I wonder if they’re just dancing around it. What if they do want me gone?
A few minutes later, there’s a knock at the door. Ollie comes in. “Are you coming down for breakfast?”
“Yes, I’ll be right there,” I say.
ED
I step outside, the crisp winter air tingling against my skin, to find the two guys who have come to tow Susan’s rental car down to Wishing. They’re standing near the car, examining it and discussing the logistics of the tow. I approach them, my breath visible in the cold air.
“Hey there,” I greet them with a friendly nod. “Thanks for coming to help us out.”
One of the guys, a burly man with a warm smile, extends his hand. Even though I don’t know him by name, I’ve seen him around town. That’s the thing about small towns. Everybody knows about everybody else’s business.
I briefly wonder if Kevin talked about us, and especially Susan. He doesn’t seem like someone who gossips, but he had to be curious about our relationship. “No problem at all. We’re happy to assist. I’m Mike, and this is my partner, Jake.”
I shake Mike’s hand firmly. “Nice to meet you, Mike. I’m Ed, one of the guys living here.”
“We’ve heard about you,” Mike says with a chuckle.
What’s that supposed to mean? I try to push down my paranoia and focus on the task at hand.
Thankfully, they don’t ask too many questions about the condition of the tires. It’s embarrassing enough that it happened. A part of me wonders what would have happened if Ollie hadn’t slashed the tires that fateful night. Susan would have probably left. The storm would have caught her on the way, or maybe she would have found shelter in Wishing. Either way, we wouldn’t be here.
“We’ll take a look and get it sorted for you. We have some jumper cables and a towing hitch, so we should be able to handle it.”
I nod appreciatively. “That would be great. We’re grateful for your help. Susan was worried about the car and getting it fixed.”
Mike gives a reassuring smile. “Tell her not to worry. We’ll get it taken care of. Wishing isn’t too far, so we’ll have it towed to a nearby repair shop, and they should be able to fix it up for her.”
Relief washes over me as I realize that Susan’s car will soon be in good hands. It’s a weight off our shoulders, knowing she won’t have to worry about arranging repairs or transportation.
“I’ll let Susan know,” I reply. I wave them off before heading inside.
I enter the cozy cabin, my eyes immediately drawn to Artie and Ollie, who have just finished setting up breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mixing with the inviting scent of toast and eggs.
I approach Susan, who’s busy arranging bowls and plates on the table, a look of concern still etched on her face. I gently place my hand on her shoulder, catching her attention.
“Hey,” I say. “We’re going to get your car fixed up in no time.”
I expect her to smile, but she just moves away. Annoyance curls up in me. What the hell is that about?
“If you need any help with transportation, just let me know. I can look into arranging a ride, or even accompany you if that would be more comfortable—”
Before I can finish my sentence, Susan’s expression changes, and her eyes narrow. “Is that what you want, Ed? For me to leave? To get rid of me?” she asks, her voice filled with hurt and accusation.
I’m taken aback by her sudden change in tone and her misunderstanding of my intentions. “No, Susan, that’s not what I meant at all,” I reply, my voice filled with genuine surprise. “I just wanted to offer my help and support. I never meant to suggest you should leave.”
