Page 4 of When Morning Comes Around

“Yeah, I guess I was just hoping that he might have come back early.”

“Why? What’s going on? Is there anything I can help with?”

Damon blew out a sigh. “No. Thanks, but it’s fine. I can go.”

“Go? Where?”

“You know Nina – Manny’s lady? She just called me to see if Jake’s open for business yet. One of her friends called her, she broke down on her way to Hidden Valley. I was hoping that she might turn out to be Jake’s first customer. But since he’s not here, and Taylor’s said they won’t be able to get to her until nine o’clock tonight, I’ll head up there and pick her up.”

“Aren’t you and Jo supposed to be having dinner with the guys tonight?”

“Yeah, but I’m not gonna leave this woman stranded by the side of the road. It shouldn’t take me too long; from what Nina said, she’s almost to the top of the hill, and she’s headed to her dad’s place in Hidden Valley.”

“I can go.”

“Thanks, but…”

“No, seriously. You and Jo have plans with your friends. All I was going to do tonight was collect takeout for dinner from the resort and sit here watching a movie. I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure?”

Dominic chuckled. “I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t. I talked to Jo the other day, and I know she’s looking forward to seeing the girls. Honestly, I don’t mind.”

“Okay, then. How do you want to handle it? Should I call Nina back, or do you want to?”

“I can take it from here – you’ve done your part. You’ll have to give me her number, though.”

After they ended the call, Dominic finished getting dressed before dialing Nina’s number.

“Hi, Dominic, what can I do for you?” she answered.

He chuckled. “It’s what I can do for you. I just spoke to Damon, and he told me about your friend. Jake’s out of town so he won’t be able to help, but since you guys are all meeting up for dinner tonight, I offered my services to go and get her. I doubt I’ll be much use in getting her vehicle running, but I can give her a ride to wherever she’s headed.”

“Oh! No, that’s okay. There’s no need for you to do that. I can go. Manny’s been out of town this week and he won’t be home for a while yet.”

“I just had this conversation with Damon. I honestly don’t mind, and you guys all have dinner plans. For one thing, weboth know that Manny wouldn’t be happy about you going by yourself. And why miss out on your evening?”

“I guess, if you’re sure?”

“I am. What’s her name? And what’s her vehicle?”

“Her name’s Sadie, and she’s driving a minivan. I don’t know what make or what color, but I can call her and find out.”

He smiled. “I don’t think you need to do that. I doubt there’s more than one minivan stranded on the hill.”

Nina laughed. “No, I suppose you’re right.”

Damon had already picked up his keys and wallet. “I’m heading out the door, if you want to let her know that I’ll be there in under half an hour.”

“Thanks, Dominic. You’re a sweetheart.”

He grinned. “My pleasure.”

Twenty minutes later, he was flying up the east shore – he may be going a little over the speed limit, but dusk had fallen, and he didn’t like the idea of this Sadie sitting by the side of the road by herself in the dark.

He slowed his SUV to follow the bend as the road turned away from the lake and started to climb. The locals called this stretch of roadthe hill,but the name didn’t do it justice. His SUV dropped down a gear as it began to climb. His headlights came on as the sky grew darker.

He peered through the windshield and spotted a vehicle sitting off the side of the road – that had to be her. He slowed as he approached and pulled onto the shoulder behind her. He could see her sitting in the driver’s seat andflashed his headlights. He frowned when instead of waving or acknowledging him in any way, she ducked down out of sight.

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