Page 17 of Something Tattered
Thank God.
I sat up straighter and watched as the guy strode to the front of the car and lifted the hood.
I poked my head out the window and called, "Do you want me to turn the key or anything?"
But already, he was lowering the hood back down. When it slammed shut, I felt my jaw tighten. Aside from ignoring my question, he'd looked at my engine for like ten whole seconds.
Thanks for nothing, buddy.
When he approached the window, I gave him my snottiest smile. "So, you figured it all out, huh?"
"Yup."
I blinked. "What?"
"It's the distributor cap."
"Oh." That didn't soundtoobad. Feeling even more awkward, I asked, "So did you tighten it back up?"
"It's not loose. It's cracked."
Of course it was.
At least it was only a cap. That didn't soundterriblyexpensive. I asked, "Do you know where they sell them?"
He gave me a look. "Yeah. The auto parts store."
"Well, obviously," I said. "But I mean, is it something they might sell at a gas station?"
"Doubtful." He shoved his hands into his pockets. The motion made his biceps pop in a way that was stupidly distracting. "My guess? You're looking at a special order."
Disappointment coursed through me. "For a stupid cap?"
"It's not like you're driving a Chevy."
The guy did have a point. The car had been my mom's. It was foreign, exotic, and from what I gathered, fairly expensive. I didn't even know its exact value, because I didn't want the temptation to sell it.
My mom had adored this car. It had been a gift from my dad for their tenth wedding anniversary. She'd driven it everywhere. Even now, there were days, mostly in the summer, when I swear, I could still smell the ghost of her perfume, lingering lightly on the white leather seats.
Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
Feeling more deflated than ever, I glanced around.What now?
I wasn'tthatfar from my house. It was only a few miles. Maybe I could walk?
My stomach sank. No. I couldn’t. Even if I ran, it would still take forever. And then, I'd need to shower and change my clothes, unless I wanted to stink up my own party. Plus, I'd still need some way to get to T.J.'s.
Damn it.
Out of easy options, I looked up, stiffened my spine, and made myself say the thing I'd been dreading. "I don't suppose you can give me a ride?"
He frowned. "You're askingme?"
Well, that was nice. Apparently, the jerk was back.
I made a sound of annoyance. "Never mind." I turned away and muttered, "Forget I asked."
His voice, softer now, reclaimed my attention. "I just mean, I've been a total asshole."
