Page 23 of Key Lime Kisses
“Not at all.”
We headed off to my car together. Even though I was fairly certain the garage didn't have a time limit, I was still relieved when we came across my car.
Weston called the towing company on the way there and was dismayed to discover they were closed on Sundays. So, we headed straight to his apartment.
It was immediately evident that something was amiss here too. I pulled up next to the curb, taking in the sight of the numerous water company trucks and tons of cones and caution tape on the sidewalks and doors.
Weston groaned and got quickly out of the car. “What's going on here?” he called, jogging up to someone in a work vest.
“We were doing some routine maintenance, but there was an issue and the entire first floor was flooded.”
Weston winced and I chewed on my lower lip nervously, hoping his apartment wasn't on the first floor.
”What about the third floor?” he asked nervously.
“No water damage there,” the man said.
Weston turned back to me with a relieved smile. “I’ll give you a call, Shea. Thanks for the lift.”
“I’ll talk to you soon,” I said.
I watched as Weston turned and started walking toward his building. I was glad I didn’t leave right away; the man in the work vest stopped him before he got too far.
“Whoa, I’m sorry, where are you going?” the man asked.
I leaned toward my open window so I could hear better.
“I was going up to my apartment?” Weston answered.
“I'm afraid the whole building is closed until further notice. We have to assess the water damage and make sure it's still structurally sound. We also still have to remove a lot of water and remediate any mold build up. I’m sorry, if you live here you should have been informed.”
“Oh,” Weston groaned, casting a dismayed look at his apartment building.
“Need another lift?” I called.
He turned back to me with a grateful smile, before looking back at the workman. “Will I be notified when I can get back in?”
“I think they're going to call everyone when the building is open again.”
“Right. Thanks,” Weston grumbled.
He climbed back into my car, scowling. “Know any good hotels in the area?” he asked darkly.
“You're going to stay in a hotel?” I asked in surprise.
Weston shrugged. “I suppose I could stay with my sister but her place isn't that big and she's got a couple of kids. I don't really want to impose.”
“You’re welcome to stay with me,” I said.
He looked surprised, but I was pretty sure pleased, by my offer. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose on you either.”
I shrugged. “You let me crash with you when I needed a place. It’s only fair I return the favor. Especially considering wearedating now.”
Weston smiled. “If you're sure…”
“Yeah,” I said. “Besides, I live right up the road.”
We grinned at each other and I pulled away from the curb. As we drove the short distance to my place, Weston checked his voicemail. I could hear enough of the message to tell that he had indeed been told that the apartment was closed.
