Page 8 of Rival Darling

“Just on my way to a party. What about you? Do you usually go running in the freezing cold on Saturday nights?”

“Only when my damsel-in-distress radar goes off.”

“Oh, and I suppose that makes you Prince Charming?”

“Sorry, princess, but I’m definitely no prince.” Reed flashed me a mischievous grin, which I almost instinctively returned. I managed to resist and rolled my eyes instead. It almost felt like Reed was flirting with me, but, then again, he probably flirted with every girl he found stranded on the side of the road.

“You know, if I was your boyfriend, I’d answer your calls and I’d drive you to parties.”

This time, I definitely didn’t feel the urge to smile at him. Instead, my cheeks flushed as I remembered how I’d spilled all my personal problems to him just a few minutes earlier. I didn’t want to dive any deeper into why my boyfriend appeared to be dodging my calls. I still hadn’t heard from Jeremy since I’d missed his game, and I was trying my best to ignore that depressing fact.

“I can drive myself.”

Reed smirked as he eyed my stranded car and the Violet-shaped hole in the snow behind me. “Are you sure about that?” He stepped slightly closer as a set of headlights appeared up ahead. “Because it looks like your car had other plans.”

I didn’t have a chance to respond as the tow truck finally arrived. The driver jumped out, and I had to suppress a laugh when I caught sight of him. He was dressed in a giant lobster costume.

He was a large guy, built just like his son, with the same deep blue eyes and dark hair, although his was dusted with specks of grey. When he saw the smile on my lips, his expression dimmed.

“I thought you were going to tell her not to laugh, Reed.”

Reed was failing to withhold his smile too. “She’s laughing at a joke I told, Dad. Not at your glorious lobsterness.”

“You cracking a joke? I guess there’s a first for everything.” His dad grunted before walking over to me. “I’m Danny,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Violet,” I replied. “I’m sorry for dragging you out here on a Saturday night.”

“The shop’s on the way to my party,” he said. “And it’s no problem. I won’t be able to take a look at your car until Monday though.”

“Reed already told me. And that’s totally fine.”

“Okay, well, let’s hook her up. And we better pray I don’t ruin my costume, or Reed’s mom will kill me.”

Once Betty was safely connected to the truck, Danny offered to give me a ride home. It was remarkably kind of him, considering everything he’d already done, but I wasn’t ready to face my uncle just yet. Besides, I was still hoping I’d see Jeremy at the party so I could finally talk to him, and I knew I could catch a ride back with Mia.

“Thanks, but I’m headed to a friend’s place near here,” I said. “I can make my own way there.”

“I’ll walk you.” Reed spoke with such confidence I didn’t know how to say no. I was still surprised he’d stuck around this long and wasn’t planning to bail as soon as his dad left. Now he was offering to escort me to the party? He might not be a prince, but apparently, he could be a little charming when he wanted to. Unless, of course, he had some ulterior motive.

“Well, I’ll leave you kids to it,” Danny said before handing me his card. “Come to the garage Monday, and I’ll let you know what’s wrong with old Betty here.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a smile. “Do you need payment now for the tow?”

He waved me off. “Don’t worry about it. First tow’s free for one of Reed’s friends.” He winked, making me blush, before he headed back to the front of his truck and squeezed his way into the cab, which could barely fit his large red lobster suit.

“That was really kind of your dad,” I said to Reed as we watched him drive off. “And you.”

“Guess it’s lucky we’re friends,” he said.

“Guess so,” I agreed with a smile.

“So, where are we headed?”

I told him the address but then added, “You really don’t have to walk me.”

“It’s not far,” he replied. “And it’s on my way.” He waved his hand, gesturing for me to go ahead, and the two of us walked side by side as we made our way to the party.

I was sure he had better things to be doing with his Saturday night, but I appreciated his company all the same. I didn’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t come along when he had, and I was unbelievably grateful he’d called his dad to help.

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