Page 13 of Christmas Rings

Jed was too much of a gentleman for that. “Good night, beautiful Alissa. I’ll see you on Sunday.” He reached into his jacket pocket and handed her his business card. “Please text and we’ll work out details.”

She shook her head. “How about if you just type my number into your phone?”

“If you insist.” He pulled his phone from his pocket.

She rattled off her number.

He typed into his phone. “Done. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Thank you for the ride. And good night.” She slipped into her apartment before she embarrassed herself by asking for another kiss.

Inside, she locked and bolted the door, then stood against it, breathing heavily, listening to his footsteps descend the stairs.

Oh my God, she thought.I can’t wait to tell my sisters and Mom about this night.

But she couldn’t unless they knew the truth about her second job. She instructed herself not to think about all of that and, instead, just bask in the moment. He’d kissed her.They were going out to dinner on Sunday. She hugged herself and smiled. Could she have just met her future husband?

The next morning, she woke late. A light flashed on her phone. She reached for it as the events from last night rushed back to her. A text from an unknown number flashed on the screen. It was Jed. Had to be.

Can I help you get your car to the shop today?

She’d been so blissed out that she’d almost forgotten about her stupid car. She stretched, then sat up straighter to type a message back to him.

Thanks, but I’ll have to have it towed to the shop.

God only knew how much that would cost.

A return text came right away.That car might not be worth salvaging. Have you considered buying or leasing something new?

She typed back.Don’t you need a big down payment for that? As you say, it’s not like I’m going to get a good trade-in on that piece of junk.

One of my best friends owns a car dealership. I bet he’ll cut us a deal. We can get you a new car and then I’ll take you to lunch.

Alissa sat there for a moment, thinking. Was it appropriate to let a man that she didn’t really know help her? A new used car? How could she afford one? If she took on another shift at the club, she risked being too exhausted to give one hundred percent to her students. The only reason it worked now was that her shifts were on the weekends. She couldn’t ask her mother for money, and Sophie needed every penny Alissa made now.

She would just have to take out a loan. If she continued working at the club, she could pay it down quickly. Unless something else happened. Her fate seemed to be working at the club into perpetuity.

Sure. That would be nice. I’ll be ready at noon if you want to come by and get me.

I’ll be there.

Jed’s friend worked at a Honda dealer with both new and used cars. Jed’s friend quickly talked Alissa into leasing a new Civic instead of buying, new or used. That way, she needed no down payment, and it only increased her monthly bills by a few hundred dollars. Two additional shifts a month should cover it, she reasoned to herself. She hated to work more but at least she’d have a reliable vehicle.

Her hands shook signing the paperwork. Was this the right thing to do? Please, God, let it be.

After completing the paperwork and driving off in her new car, she met Jed at a small café in downtown Redmond. They ordered sandwiches and sodas and sat at a table by the window. Outside, the rain pounded the sidewalks. A gas fireplace warmed the room, both in temperature and atmosphere.

He’d come to pick her up in a pair of faded jeans and knit sweater that clung to his muscular torso. Now, he pushed up the sleeves and drank from his soda.

She nibbled on the end of her straw, thinking about what to do with her old car.

“What’s wrong?” Jed asked. “Buyer’s remorse?”

“No, not that. In all the excitement, I forgot about my old girl, and that I’m going to have to pay to have it removed from the parking lot. Rif won’t like it rusting away there for long.” She sighed and tugged at her earring. “Just when I get ahead, something happens, and I fall behind again.”

He looked away from her to the window. Was it her imagination or did he look guilty?

“I already took care of it,” he said. “While you weresigning paperwork, I called a tow truck and had it hauled off to the junkyard.” He reached into his pocket. “As a matter of fact, the guy gave you three-hundred-dollars for the parts.” He laid three hundred-dollar bills on the table. “He’s going to mail me a check, but I’ll give you the cash now.”

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