but in addition to the tire and brakes, you’ve got damaged cylinders, some corrosion, plenty of rust. There’s a lot of wear and tear on a car this old, and this one obviously hasn’t had a lot of maintenance.”
“No wonder I got it so cheap.” Closing my eyes, I put my fingertips at my temples. “God, I’m so stupid.”
“You’re not stupid. You just didn’t know what to look for. What to ask. I’ll give you the best deal I can on the labor and make sure it’s safe to drive, but I can’t get the parts here any faster.”
“I understand. Thank you.”
Griffin looked slightly uncomfortable. “Blair, do you have somewhere to go in the meantime?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Somewhere to stay, I mean?”
“Not yet. But I will,” I said firmly. “Don’t worry about me.”
“I’d be glad to help you find—”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t need rescuing. I am not a helpless fairy tale princess trapped in a tower.”
That made him smile.
“What’s funny?” I asked.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but that’s exactly what you looked like last night when you got out of your car in that dress—a lost fairy tale princess.”
“Oh.” I tried not to be offended. “Well, maybe that was the old me, but it’s definitely not the new me. I can take care of myself. I just might . . . need help.” I sighed, feeling my pride deflate. “Do you think that’s the same as being rescued?”
“Not at all. If you were trapped in a tower and someone offered to lend you a ladder, it would be stupid not to use it, right?”
“Right. It’s just not how I wanted things to go.” I caught myself. “But it’s okay—not everything in life is going to go exactly like I want it to. I’m tough. I can deal with setbacks.”
“We all have them.”
“And this is temporary, right?” I perked up a little. “I’ll get through it.”
“I have no doubt.”
I opened my mouth to ask the next question, then hesitated.
“What?” he asked.
“It’s just . . .” I took a breath and told myself to be brave. “I hate asking you this. But do you think I might continue to work for you at the desk until my car is ready? I’m worried about being able to afford a place to stay and the repairs.”
“Actually, that’s perfect. Lanette was sort of an emergency hire. Every qualified person we interviewed wanted a permanent job, and my mother is planning to come back as soon as she can. In fact, I’m still paying her.”
I smiled. “I’ll take the temporary position, if it’s available.”
“It’s all yours. But after lunch, I should probably show you how to schedule appointments in the computer.”
I smiled with relief. “Great! I’m starving, and I saw a little deli this morning that looked nice.”
“Main Street Deli. They make great sandwiches.”
“Got a favorite?” I picked up my pen again.
“I like the roast beef. With spicy mustard.”
“Got it. How about Andy?”
“He brings his lunch.” A grin appeared. “Pretty sure his mom makes it for him every morning. Probably cuts the crust off his sandwiches.”
I laughed. “What about your other employee? I haven’t been introduced yet, but would he like a sandwich?”
Griffin shook his head. “Nah, McIntyre goes home for lunch to let his dog out. He lives close.”
“Okay, then it’s just you and me.” I smiled and slung my purse over my shoulder. “I’ll be right back, boss.”
“Just a second.” He pulled his wallet from his jeans and set a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. “You don’t have to buy lunch. You’re covering for me today.”
I rolled my eyes. “Because you gave me a place to stay last night. I’m trying to pay you back. I might be low on funds, but I can afford a couple sandwiches.”
“I don’t want your money, okay? Take this.” He shoved the twenty closer to me. “I’m buying lunch.”
“No, Griffin.”
His eyes held mine for a moment. “Don’t make me come behind that desk.”
The flirty threat, delivered with a straight face and gruff tone of voice, ignited something inside me. “You’re a tough boss, you know that?” But I picked up the twenty and tucked it into my purse.
He leaned a little closer over the counter. “And don’t you forget it.”
Five
Griffin
Blair had been gone about twenty minutes when my cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hello, dear.”
I grimaced. “Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?”
“Fine, fine. Just got back from physical therapy. The therapist says my hips will feel good as new soon.”
“That’s good.”
“But listen,