Page 9 of Ice Princess

Mr. Rodney is already handing out a generous fee to The Pink Garage for our emergency service. To take a penny more from him would be robbery.

“Mr. Rodney,” one of his assistants points to the exit, “we need to go.”

“Not until our star mechanic agrees to attend the luncheon.” Rodney pleads, “Even if you simply take a plate and go, I’d be satisfied.”

The assistant bounces from one leg to another, anxiety carved into his face.

“Fine.” I give in. “I’ll swing by during the luncheon.”

Mr. Rodney breaks into a large smile and allows his assistant to whisk him away.

Since my work is done, I ask Dalton for a ride back to my studio. He heartily agrees and banishes his workmen to the bed of the truck so I can have the backseat to myself.

On the way to my place, I call my best friend.

April answers on the third ring. “Hey, Rebel. How’d it go?”

“We got it done,” I say, melting into the busted leather seats, “but it wasn’t easy.”

“Told you you were the right person for the job.”

“You probably would have done it in an hour,” I mutter good-naturedly. April went to a vocational school renown forits auto repair program. She’s continued to study and attend certification classes every year.

The woman is a genius.

I, on the other hand, went to an unremarkable vocational school and have far less certifications. Sometimes, I wonder if April only keeps me around because of our friendship.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” April insists. “You’re incredibly resourceful. You can fabricate a new part for a vehicle with just your imagination and the materials you have on hand. I don’t have your level of creativity. Today’s emergency would have been impossible for anyone but you.”

My smile grows. “This much flattery will get youeverywhere, April.”

“I’m only speaking the truth. You know I can’t lie.” She laughs. “What are you doing later?”

“Why? Aren’t you busy getting ready for your date with Chance?”

“We’re going out after his training, so I’m free for lunch. Do you want to come with me to the Tuna?”

“You’ve been eating at the Tuna more often lately,” I observe.

“I can’t explain it, but the food tastes so much better now that I’m not running into Evan anymore.”

I laugh. April’s ex-boyfriend is ahugefan of Chance McLanely. He couldn’t handle seeing April happy and in love with his hockey hero, so he moved another town over and joined a mechanic shop there.

“A burger from The Tipsy Tuna sounds amazing,” I moan, “but I can’t. I’m going to the Kinsey’s luncheon and I need to shower and do my hair first.”

There’s a beat of silence.

“I’m sorry. I think I just heard you say you were attending something thrown by the Kinseys.”

“I don’t plan to stay. Our client begged me to show my face, so I will.”

“Do you need backup?”

“From those grouchy ladies? No, I can handle it.”

However, when I return to the Kinsey farm, dressed in a long, pink summer dress with spaghetti straps, I start to wish I’d taken April up on her offer.

“What isshedoing here?” Rosalie Davis whispers loud enough that I can hear her from the dessert table.

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