His hair was mussed, his jacket a wrinkled mess, and his tie was gone.
“Do you want me to leave?”
Did I? Waking up to him beside me was like a dream. “No, I don’t. I don’t want to be by myself,” I confess.
“I’ll be here every time you open your eyes,” he promises.
True to his word, he spends the night with me in the hospital. It seems like a selfless act, but I can’t analyze his motives now.
Em walks in and scowls. “I’ve got this under control. You can leave,” she tells Damon.
“Do you need help getting her home?” he asks.
“Nope. We got it taken care of,” she snaps.
There’s a look of resignation in his eyes when he leans over and places a chaste kiss on my cheek.
“I’ll check in on you later.” He walks out of the door and my life again.
“What was he doing here?” Em asks. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him sitting there.”
“Rose called him. He was sweet. Don’t worry. It won’t change anything. He was here as a concerned friend.”
I can’t put my seat belt on by myself, the stitches in my forehead ache, and I’m tired.
Everyone is at our house when we get home. The only people missing are Rose and Damon.
Chris and Trevor tuck me into bed, and Em and Anthony make sure I’ve eaten. My parents stay to make sure I’m settled before they leave. The doctor said to stay home for the rest of the week.
“Em, tell me the truth about my car. Can it be fixed?” I already know the answer. Rose told me my Jetta sacrificed itself to save me, but I need to hear it.
“There’s nothing left of your car. The back end was pushed so far forward, your shopping bags ended up in the front seat. The driver’s side is now on the right side of the car. It’s totaled.”
“How am I supposed to get anywhere?”
She smiles. “We divvied up the driving duties until you get back into a car. You’ll probably be able to get behind the wheel in a week, but you have to get off pain meds first.”
My first day back feels wonderful. Em drops me off in the employee garage, where the silver Mustang sits in its designated spot with the orange Charger parked next to it.
Trevor meets me on the ground floor and walks with me to my office. Sitting on my desk is a vase of flowers, a set of keys, and a note.
Katarina,
I hope that you’re healing well. I checked with my mother, and she said you could safely drive a car. I thought you might like to borrow the Charger until you have time to research and purchase a new one. Please consider my offer.
Yours,
Damon
Offering me the Charger isn’t a small thing. It’s been in his garage since Roman’s death. I don’t know what to do about the offer. If I borrow it, it may give him the wrong impression, and if I turn him down, I could hurt his feelings.
Trevor stands nearby like a sentry.
“I’m in a dilemma,” I say. “Damon offered to loan me his second car. It’s a huge step for him because it has significant meaning to his past. What should I do?”
“I’ve known Mr. Noble for five years. We haven’t become buddies, but he looks after his people. I can’t imagine him having any other motive than making sure you’re okay. Maybe this is helping him too. He’s showing you he can let go of something that means a lot to him.”
Trevor’s observation takes me by surprise.
“Thank you for your insight. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
After careful consideration, I text him.
Thank you for the generous offer. I know how difficult it must be to let go of that car. Thanks for the loan. I promise to get it back to you soon.
Kat
I’ve reverted to my nickname because it’s less painful to hear Kat than Katarina.
I’m glad you can use it. I had the tires and the battery changed, so it should be in perfect condition. I’m burying my past, Katarina, so I can move on with my future. The car is a small part of the process. See you Wednesday at six.
Wednesday seemed so far away when I picked that day. I’m shocked at how quickly time passes.
I’m proud of you, Damon, and thanks for the loaner.
The keys feel cold as I run them through my fingers. The ring contains two keys and a key chain. One key is