Page 37 of It Started With a Scarf

"No, he's just a senator, but it's fine."

"Are you joking?" I said, staring at his profile.

He glanced at me from over the console. "No, I'm not joking, I think he's a representative, maybe. But, no, I thought it was funny. And he liked you. And like you said, you weren't lying."

He reached out, palm up, and I put my hand in his. It had been such a full afternoon that I was left with this tired, spent, exhausted, surreal feeling. And now Dominic was holding my hand as he drove. I stared at his profile, having a tingly feeling and wondering how any of it was my real life.

I didn't want the drive to be over, but we had to get out of the truck right when we got there because we made it just before they closed.

The receptionist rushed to the door and welcomed us with a smile. Then she eagerly went back to make sure my car was ready. She told us to follow her, and the guys in the back recognized Dominic and asked for photos with him. There were six mechanics present, and they all asked for photos. They assured me that the repairs were under warranty and told me they changed the oil and filters. I thought he said something about the tires, but I wasn't sure. It all took place quickly. There was no money exchanged. The man just said a bunch of words and then thanked me and handed me my keys.

Dominic and I had already decided that I would follow him to his parents' house. He had talked me into going there on our way to the mechanic's. He said he wanted to get our plans together so we didn't have to discuss things in front of everyone else.

I got in my car and pulled out, knowing I was following him. Everyone at the car place was all smiles and waving at us when we pulled away. What stuck in my head was that they had not seemed surprised to see him. They had been excited about it and seemingly prepared for it.

I figured out what had happened, and I called Dominic once we got settled in traffic.

"Hello?"

"Hey. Did those guys know you were coming, at that car place?"

"Yes. They did. I'm sorry I was thinking about telling you about it even before they made it so obvious."

"Telling me about what? Did you pay for that?"

"Yes."

"It wasn't free?"

It was cold out, and my body began overheating. I loosened the scarf and cracked my window. It wasn't a bad reaction—it was just that this felt… really… significant if he had paid for something with my car.

"It wasn't free. I took care of the tab earlier today when you told me where it was. I didn't want to lie to you, but I also didn't want to tell you because I thought you wouldn't let me. I hope you can understand. I'm sorry. Are you upset?"

I was quiet for a second or two just because I was overwhelmed.How could he do all that for me and then ask if I was upset?

"Marley?"

"I'm here. And no, I'm not upset at all. I was trying to think of the right words to say. I guess thank you. I don't know if you expect to be paid back or if—"

"No. That's why I didn't even want you to know I did it. I do not want to be paid back. Not a cent. Please."

"Y-yeah, 'thank you' doesn't seem like enough for this, Dominic. I don't know what to say."

"It's enough. I work hard, and God blessed me with a good starting place in life. I wanted to help out with your car."

I had to hold back tears at the thought of how much he could've spent. Just the radiator leak alone was going to cost me a month's rent.

"Thank you, Dominic. This whole day has been a… I'm prepared to wake up any minute."

"Not before dinner."

I laughed. "It still feels like it could be a dream. I'm touching this scarf, and it still hasn't sunk in that it's around my neck. I can't believe I'll wake up tomorrow and have it at my house. Then my car. They filled it up with gas. I barely had any. And I think they washed it."

"Good. They were supposed to fix you up."

"Goodness, Dominic. Thank you so much for this. I really need to repay you somehow."

"That's what I was trying to avoid by not telling you," he said.

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