Page 32 of The Art of Being Merry
“Night, Meredith. Thanks for always keeping me on my toes.”
“Someone has to.” With a wave over her head, she disappears through the door.
Instead of ruminating on her comment, I text Clementine.
Leaving work. You sure you don’t want me to grab you and the boys so we’ll only have one car?
While I wait for her response, I head outside into the chilly weather. They’re predicting a cold, snowy winter. I say, bring it on. As soon as I have a free day, I plan to head to a nearby mountain to ski. The more fresh powder on the trails, the better.
Clementine’s text comes through as I settle behind the wheel. I start the engine, giving the truck time to warm up.
You claimed you weren’t a mind reader, but I was literally about to text you. The van won’t start. I’m pretty sure it needs a jump. Add it to the list of things going wrong in my life
I hit call instead of messaging back a diatribe.
She answers with a sigh. “I left the stupid light on, and it drained the battery.”
“I didn’t realize you were an expert on cars.”
“It’s one of my best-kept secrets.”
“One of?” I can’t help but question. I should keep my mouth shut, but I’ve never been good at listening to my advice.
“Oh, Dax. I have so many buried secrets, you might as well bring a shovel one of these days to unearth them.”
There’s so much to unpack in her statement, but the one thing standing out the most is the fact she’s willing to unload her secrets on me. If I’m up for the challenge.
Which I am.
“Shit.”
“That’s a bad word, Mama,” comes from the background.
“Oops, sorry.” Her voice is fainter as she speaks to one of her boys. It’s too hard to tell which one. “How about you come to my house and jump my car, and then we’ll figure out the plan?”
“Perfect. And in case it needs more than a jump, I’ll be happy to diagnose the problem.”
“That would be great. Fingers crossed it’s a quick fix.”
“What if I wanted to get my hands on your engine?” Thewords out of my mouth, I close my eyes and rest my head against the headrest at how that sounds.
Or maybe it only sounds sexual to me.
Clementine’s cough echoes across the line.
Guess it’s not just me.
“I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. Sorry to burst your bubble. Can’t imagine what that would cost.” She’s quiet for several seconds, but before I can speak, she says, “Let’s hope it’s the battery.”
“You’d get the friends and family discount for sure. Becks would have my head if I charged Willa’s family full price.”
“That’s good. But again, I’m going to hope it’s not that.”
“Fine, be that way.” My mouth gets away from me yet again. I need to learn to control my inner thoughts around her. “I’m on my way. Be there shortly.” I hang up without waiting for her to respond. If I don’t, who the hell knows what else I’d say.
Thankfully, the car only needs a jump. To assure her it needs nothing more—and also for my peace of mind—I test the battery to be certain it’s not bad.
Once that’s handled, we’re on the way in my truck to get the tree. It took little convincing once I mentioned it would be easy to toss it in the back rather than have to tie it on top of hers. She moves Jace’s car seat into my truck like a pro, not even needing help getting it out of the van and into my truck. Like she’s done this before.
