Page 6 of Ordinary Secrets

As Arella lowers the jack, I feel the need to make conversation with her, except I can’t think of anything to say.Do I even know how to talk to women anymore?

Behind us, in the grassy ditch, Liz, Kevin, and Javina seem to have no problem making conversation. With all the noisy cars passing us, I can’t make out every word they’re saying, but from the little I can catch, it sounds like they’re still talking about music.Would Arella like it if I talk to her about music?

“Done.” As she leans over to set the jack near my feet, I catch a whiff of her light floral scent—lavender and springtime.

Does her scent have anything to do with her immunity?Probably not, although I’ve been told not to rule anything out. It could beanythingthat shields her from Zordi powers.

When I finish loosening all the lug nuts, I push the jack under her car and twist the knob. After a few turns, the car lifts off the ground.

I continue twisting it up. “Do you know where to get rid of this blown tire?”

“Where?”

I banked on her not knowing. “I can take care of it for you.”

“No way. You’re already helping plenty.”

“It’ll be my pleasure. One less thing for you to worry about.”

She opens her mouth, seemingly about to object, then stops. “Thank you, Trey. Seriously. You’re doing so much for me, and I don’t even know you.”

“Let’s get to know each other, then.”Wow!Those words weren’t practiced, yet they sounded right.Gold star for me!

The air stands still as I wait for Arella’s response. Seconds pass as I keep working the jack up. Her reply never comes.

Good going, dumbass. What kind of pickup line was that?I sounded way too forward. Might as well have used the “Hey, did it hurt when you fell from heaven, ’cause you look like an angel” line.

“Sorry,” I say because I don’t know what else to say.

“For what?”

“Trying to flirt with you. I’ll assume your silence means it’s unwelcome.” I’ve had her semi-alone for all of two minutes, and I’ve already fucked up.Figures.

“Oh. It’s okay. I mean, um...” She’s struggling to find her words, and I wish I knew why.

Am I making her nervous?That’s not my intent at all. If anything, Ineedher to be comfortable with me.

“Honestly,” she says gently, “I’m not used to men trying to flirt with me. I didn’t realize that’s what you were doing.”

I freeze to gape at her. “What? You’re gorgeous. Do you really expect me to believe that guys don’t hit on youallthe time?”

At first, she blushes, then her head droops. “They don’t.”

“Well, good.” I return to working on her car. “That gives me more of a chance with you.”

She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. “Don’t waste your time on me.”

“You wouldn’t be a waste of time.” I almost scowl at her for thinking that of herself. “Are you single?” I already know the answer. Unless she’s got a boyfriend she hasn’t seen for a month, this woman is very available.

“I... am... single,” Arella says slowly as if giving herself time to think. “That doesn’t mean I’m looking though.”

I don’t like that answer, so I take that information, crumple it up, and toss it into the recycling bin in the back of my head.

Once the car is lifted off the ground enough, I twist off the first lug nut and hold it out to her. “You mind hangin’ on to these so we don’t lose ’em?”

She flips her palm open, and I drop the first one in, making sure to brush my fingers against hers. The physical contact does nothing. She’s still blank.

We work together until the old rubber’s off. When I’m home later, I’ll dispose of the tiny device that’s probably still stuck in that rubber somewhere.

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