Page 37 of Ice Darling
“Is she sick?”
“No, no…” Chance stares at the floor, his lips pursed.
“Did she go to the hospital for something? Like did she break her arm?”
“Physically, she’s very healthy.”
“And…what about all the other ‘llys’?”
“I’m not sure.” Chance offers nothing more.
This has been illuminating.
“I’ve got to get back to work,” I mumble.
Chance opens his mouth, seems to think better of it, and then flattens his lips together.
Unease follows me with each step I take. Should I press Chance for more details? Find out what put that concerned look on his face? And then what? What am I going to do with the information if it is, indeed, something bad?
I can’t save Gordie. I couldn’t save my sister.
But my curiosity refuses to release me.
I turn back and face him.
Chance looks at me expectantly.
My heart is beating in my ears.Is Gordie really not okay?
I point at April instead. “She’s not going to take ten minutes.”
“I know.” Chance lowers his voice. “Before I came, I told my dad to push dinner down by an hour.”
“You really are a mechanic’s boyfriend.”
“And a proud one at that.” He offers a charming grin.
I can’t help grinning in return before making my way back to the car I’m working on.
As predicted, April doesnottake ten minutes, but she and Chance leave about forty minutes later, and I’m left at the garage alone.
A little after five, my phone rings.
It’s an unknown number, but I pick it up right away. Last week, Rebel and April rigged my phone to pick up calls forwarded to the shop. This is my first, real emergency call without my bosses here.
“Hello? This is The Pink Garage? How can I help you?”
“Cordelia, hi! It’s me. Mrs. Renthrow. Viking’s mother.”
My fingers tighten on the phone. “How can I help you, ma’am?”
“Viking’s car is giving tons of trouble lately. I told him ages ago to take it to you, so you can look it over, but he justrefuses.”
“If he’s uncomfortable with me checking it out, I can refer him to April or Rebel?—”
“Are April and Rebel available right now?”
“Not right this moment, but?—”
