Page 15 of When Morning Comes Around

“I figure I’ll go up there first thing in the morning with the tow truck and bring it into the shop. See what it needs, and get it fixed as soon as possible.”

“You know I’m no mechanic, but I think it might be a simple case of a leaky radiator.”

“I’ll give it a good look over and see.” Jake grinned. “I want to really overdeliver, so I’ll get it washed and detailed before she picks it up, too.”

Dominic smiled back at him. “If you really want to overdeliver, you could take it back to her. Let me know if you want to do that – I’ll follow you over there and give you a ride back.”

“Thanks, Uncle Dom. I hadn’t thought about that.”

Dominic shrugged. He wouldn’t have thought about it either – if the minivan belonged to anyone other than Sadie.

“And how come you’re back? I didn’t think I’d see you until tomorrow.”

Jake laughed. “I got finished sooner than I expected, and I didn’t want to waste a night away from home. I want to keep working in the shop tomorrow, I think it’s ready to open now. I just need someone to help out in the office.”

“I’ve told you – I’m happy to help until you find someone. It’s not as though it’ll be a full-time job in the beginning, is it?”

“Not by a long shot.”

“Then let me help.”

“Thanks.”

Dominic grasped his shoulder. “I’m happy to do it.”

Jake’s phone rang and he frowned when he looked at the display. “I don’t recognize the area code, it’s probably spam.”

“You don’t have the luxury of ignoring calls when you have your own business,” Dominic told him. “You should answer it.”

Jake grinned. “You’re right. Hello? … Yes, this is Jake … Yeah, he’s here. Do you want a word with him?” He waggled his eyebrows at Dominic as he handed the phone over. “It’s for you – it’sSadie.”

He hoped that Jake didn’t notice the way his hand shook as he took the phone – what the hell was wrong with him?

“Sadie? Is everything all right?”

“Hi.” She laughed and the sound of it sent a shiver down his spine. “Sorry, I feel like even more of a fool than I did earlier –you know when I ran out of your SUV as though my ass was on fire?”

He had to laugh. “I wouldn’t have described it that way, but yeah. I know what you mean. Oh, shit! I have your things. I didn’t think you’d notice until morning, and I didn’t have your number so …”

She laughed. “I only noticed when I went to put my spaghetti-shirt in the washer. And I don’t have your number either, but you gave me Jake’s and you said that you’re sharing the house with him. I hope this is okay?”

“It’s great!” He frowned and turned his back to Jake, who was watching him with a big grin on his face. “I mean, of course it’s not great that you’re without your things, but I’m glad you called … I mean … I can bring them back over to you if you like?”

“No! I couldn’t ask you to do that. I can come for them in the morning. Would that be okay?”

“How?”

“Savannah said she’ll bring me – she’s coming over to the lake, so …”

“Okay then. What time? Jake’s going up to get your minivan first thing, but I don’t know how long it’ll take him to fix it.”

“Oh, I’m not trying to rush him. The minivan and my things are two separate issues – I just want my toothbrush – and my underwear! I can’t borrow Savannah’s clothes, she’s so much smaller than I am, and I don’t think Dad’s …”

He burst out laughing; he couldn’t help it.

“Oh wow! How about I shut up now? Was I really talking about underwear?”

He chuckled. “You are, but it’s understandable, given the predicament you find yourself in, and itismy fault.”

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