Page 5 of Snowbound

“Let me give you a ride into town,” I offer, surprising myself. Though really, what other option does she have? Walk? It’s only decent to drop her in town.

“Is there nothing else you can do?” she says, her shoulders drooping. What is this girl’s story? I bet she comes from a place where she’s used to getting everything she wants without question. She’s clearly not from a town like Mullen Falls.

“Not really. This storm’s rough, and it’s not letting up anytime soon. You’re best off waiting for the night and coming back to it in the morning.”

“I have an important meeting,” she snaps, her eyes blazing. “I have to make it to Grand Rapids tonight.”

“And I’m telling you, there’s no way, lady. Now, if you want to sit out here in the snow all night till I come to rescue you in the morning, go right ahead. But if you’re done being ornery, I’ll take you into town and we’ll get you settled for the night. All right?”

We lock eyes. For a second I think she’s going to argue with me, and no matter how frustrating I’m finding her, I’m not sure how long I can stand strong against her red, puffy eyes and her wobbling lips. I’m not used to fighting tiny, combative women.

But she gives in, deflating completely as she realizes she’s defeated. “Fine, okay,” she says and sighs. “I’ll come with you. But I want to leave town first thing in the morning.”

“Your wish is my command,” I say dryly.

She shoots me a dirty look and reaches out to the heat control, setting it to blast hot on us. I tolerate this for maybe a minute, then turn it down.

She reaches out again — the nerve of her! — and I say, “What are you doing?”

“I’m cold.”

“Don’t touch my truck. What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong withyou?”

“Me?” I huff, bewildered. “I’m the one giving you a ride. I could have left you there.”

Again, she glares at me and turns to stare at the road, seething in silence as the flurry of snow mesmerizes us both. It’s only about ten minutes back to Mullen Falls from here, but I’m taking it slow because it’s dark and I don’t want to deal with another accident today.

Eventually, she decides to stop sulking, and she asks, “You’re a mechanic, right?”

“Right.”

“Best in town?”

“Only one in town.”

She hums thoughtfully, then asks, “So, you’re a small-town guy. Lived here your whole life?”

“Why do you care?” I bristle. “It’s none of your business.”

Her top lip curls, and with the most sourness I have ever heard in someone’s voice, she says, “Okay, whatever. I was just trying to be friendly. Guess I won’t, then.”

“Great. Don’t.”

By the time we pass theWelcome to Mullen Falls!sign, the atmosphere in the truck is icier than the storm outside. The sooner I get rid of this woman, the better.

I pull up on the main street and grind to a halt. “Mullen Falls. You’re welcome…”

“Carly,” she provides. “And thanks. Where can I get a bus?”

“A bus?” I laugh. “That’s the funniest joke I’ve heard in years.”

She folds her arms. With the face she’s making, she almost looks grumpier than me. “I’m not joking. I want to get a bus.”

“Well, good luck. Let me know if one shows up. But between you and me, you’ll be waiting forever. Mullen Falls isn’t on any bus route.”

With an indignant scoff, she opens the door and a blast of cold air blows into the truck. She marches away and doesn’t even look back. Still, I hesitate before I drive off, watching the lonely figure she cuts in the snowy night.

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