Page 48 of Threads of Kindness
“I hope you have a safe trip back,” Josh said. “And now I’d better go—I have to work in the morning.”
They rose from the table.
“I’ll go tell Loretta you’re leaving,” Frank said.
Josh, David, and Sean headed to the front door.
“Could you bring Dodger over before you go?” Sean asked. “I miss him.”
“Sure,” David replied. “I was going to bring him tonight, but my mother wanted him to stay with her.”
Loretta and Frank joined them at the front door.
“Everything was delicious, Mrs. Nash,” Josh said. “Thank you so much.”
Loretta pulled him into a hug. “You’re most welcome,” she said. “And it’s Loretta, please.”
Josh shook Frank’s hand and walked to his car.
“Did I hear that we’ll see you again before you leave?” Loretta asked.
“If that’s okay,” David said.
“Of course it is,” she replied. “You’re welcome here anytime.”
She and Sean stood in the open doorway as Frank walked David to his car.
David got in and inserted the key. He turned it, and a click-click-click echoed into the night. He tried again, with the same result.
Frank walked around the back of the car, bending to examine the tread on the tires as he came alongside the driver’s door.
David opened the door a crack.
“You can roll down your window,” Frank said.
“It doesn’t work anymore,” David replied. “I have to open the door—even at a drive-through.”
Frank nodded. He was rich now but remembered the beat-up old cars of his youth. “You’re going to need a new starter, son,” Frank said, “and maybe an alternator. Your tire tread is low. I’d recommend a new set before you take off.”
David stared at him.
“If you need money to help with that—” Frank began.
“I’ve saved money from my wages at the Guide Dog Center,” David said. “I should be able to pay for those things myself.”
“Okay,” Frank said. “But just in case, I’m here for you.”
David shut his door and turned the key again. This time, the engine caught. He pulled out of the driveway, leaving a faint smell of burning oil in his wake.
Frank walked back to the house, shaking his head.
Sean retreated to his room.
Loretta slipped her arm around Frank’s waist as he came inside. “I know what we need to do tomorrow,” she said. She lifted her face to his, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Are you going to tell me?” Frank asked.
Loretta planted a kiss on his cheek. “I think you’ll figure it out.”
