Page 10 of Chasing After Forever

“No!” I screamed into the void, resting my head on the steering wheel. I did not need a complication—or an extra expense—this morning. Or any morning, really. I had no extra money for car repairs; I could barely pay my regular bills.

Scrambling out of the car, I huffed out a breath, a tiny cloud of white wafting into the air. It was chilly, but I supposed I could walk the few blocks to the diner. I’d deal with my car trouble later.

Slamming the door shut, I spun around and came face to face with Liam.

“Hey. Morning,” he said, smiling at me.

“Oh hey,” I said, trying to hide my agitation.

“You live here?” He pointed his thumb at the brick building, and I nodded.

“Yep.”

“Cool.” He shuffled from foot to foot, shoving a hand in his coat pocket.

“Well, I have to get to work. See you around.” I shot him a quick wave and started walking away.

“Macy?”

“Yes.” I swiveled around, locking eyes with him.

“It’s kind of cold to be walking. Isn’t that your car?” He gestured at the Civic.

I sighed. “Yes, it is. And it won’t start.” I glanced down at my watch. I had exactly seven minutes to get to work. “I’m going to be late, so I decided I should just walk. It’s not that far.”

“But you’re shivering,” Liam said, his voice low, concerned.

As if I hadn’t noticed that fact. I couldn’t even feel my legs, which were bare.

“No other option,” I said, raising my hands in defeat. “See ya.” I turned to go, but Liam caught me by the elbow in two quick strides.

“I can give you a ride. You know, so you’re not late.” He locked his eyes onto mine and they were so, I don’t know—earnest—that a tiny piece of me gave in, melting.

“Really? I hate to put you out,” I said lamely, even as my stomach went all swoopy again.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it, not a problem at all.” He waved off my protest and I noted that his hand was still on my arm.

Because it was freezing cold and I was late, I nodded, accepting the ride. “Thanks.”

“C’mon.” He turned me around and together we headed towards a pick-up truck.

“Is this Quinn’s truck?” I asked, eyeing the familiar-looking vehicle.

“Yep. My cousin let me borrow it while I’m here.” He opened the door for me, offering me his hand as I stepped up into the cab. A hot flush swept over me, and I worked hard to compose myself as he made his way around to the driver’s side.

Deep breath, Macy. It’s only a ride to work, nothing special about it.

“The Rowdy isn’t open yet, is it?” Liam asked, reversing out of the spot.

“No. I’m going to my second job at the 5-to-9’er,” I said, pointing left. “It’s on Main Street.”

“I remember.” He fiddled with the heat, turning it on full blast for me. Hot air shot out of the vents and my legs started to thaw.

“Any idea what the issue with your car is?” He glanced over at me, dark brows raised.

“I’m no car expert, but it might be the battery?” I guessed. “It was making this weird clicking noise. So maybe that’s it?”

“Sounds feasible.”

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