Page 25 of Chasing Wildflowers
Thisis exactly why I didn’t send Kam a text when Jameson suggested it. I knew she’d make a huge deal.
She, of course, ignores me and continues. “So let me get this straight. Not only is he gorgeous, but he also kicked Luke out of the bar like some bad ass bouncer and waited to walk you to your car,” she sighs, voice dreamy.
“You are making a big deal out of nothing,” I mutter.
The second she parks in front of the auto shop, I’m out of the car and speed walking toward the office, hoping to escape this conversation, even temporarily.
I push open the scruffed metal door, Kam hot on my heels. A tiny bell announces our arrival. The smell of burnt coffee permeates the air, making my nose wrinkle. The small room is sparse. Boring tan walls and cracked white tiles. Magazines, at least a decade old, sit on a small table next to faded orange plastic chairs.
The receptionist smiles at us, a smear of red lipstick clinging to her front tooth thanks to her too-thin lips. “What can I help you ladies with?” she asks, adjusting her thick tortoise shell glasses.
I tear my eyes away from her mouth and give her a friendly smile. “Lane Maddox. My car was towed in for new tires.”
She rummages through some papers on the counter, picking one up and reading it over. She turns, grabbing my keys from a row of hooks behind her, and hands them to me.
“Here ya go. It’s parked on the side of the building.”
I shift nervously on my feet. “How much do I owe?” I ask, hoping it’s not much. I make decent money at the bar, but not enough that this won't hurt my wallet a little.
She smiles, red smear on full display. “It’s taken care of.”
My brows knit together. “What do you mean it was taken care of?”
She leans against the counter, her eyes going dreamy, and I know. “A very handsome man with tattoos and a nose ring came in first thing this morning and paid in full to have it towed here and to have the tires replaced.”
Jameson.
He paid to have my car towed and my tires replaced. Why would he do that?
I thank the receptionist and quickly escape out the door, my feet crunching over the gravel.
“He had your car towed, and he paid to have your tires replaced!” Kam exclaims excitedly as she trails behind me.
Damn it, she’s never going to let this go now.
I stop beside my car, digging my cell phone and the card from my purse. “He probably just thinks Luke slashed my tires because he stepped in last night and threw him out. It’s not a big deal,” I say, thumbs flying over the keyboard.
Lane
Thank you for the tow and new tires. You didn't have to do that. I’ll pay you back.
724-555-2189
I didn’t do it out of guilt, Wildflower. One less thing for you to worry about. I won’t take your money.
Kam pokes her head over my shoulder. Completely ignoring my personal space. “Are you texting Jameson?”
I ignore her.
Lane
I appreciate it but next time please ask me first. I’ll be paying you back.
724-555-2189
Noted. I won’t take your money but I will take a date.
“I swear to God, if you don’t say yes, I’m revoking ALL best friend privileges!” Kam threatens in my ear.
