Part 30 (2/2)

This whole having a social life thing is really starting to interfere with my work schedule. I laugh at the thought, start my old car and head toward home.

Yes, having Will, and his huge family, in my life is complicating things, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It's added some fun to my life.

He's reminded me that there's more to life than work.

Leo would be proud.

My stomach twists the way it always does when I think of Leo. I miss him. He was my brother in every sense of the word, and having him gone from my life has left a big hole. Jules is right, his number probably hasn't changed, but what would I say? He's been gone for years now. He's a big time rock star with a band, a tour schedule, fans and responsibilities. He made it clear when he left what his priority was.

I shake the thought of Leo off and stop at a red light in a deserted part of downtown Seattle. h.e.l.l, any part of Seattle is pretty much deserted at three am. Just as the light turns green, and I step on the gas, my car dies.

What the f.u.c.k?

I turn the key, but there's absolutely no response. Not even a clicking noise.

G.o.dd.a.m.n car!

I hit the steering wheel in frustration and then lean my forehead against it. f.u.c.k.

Well, I can't sit here in the middle of an intersection all night. I make sure the car is in neutral, open the drivers' door, get out and push it to the side of the street, park it and climb back in, locking the door.

This is downtown Seattle in the middle of the night.

I call Will's number and cringe. He's going to have to get up in a couple hours to go train.

”h.e.l.lo?” he answers sleepily.

”Hey, babe. I'm sorry to wake you,” I murmur.

”What's wrong?” I hear him sit up. ”Why aren't you here?”

”Well, I was on my way there, but my car broke down.”

”Where are you?” He's moving around, probably looking for clothes, and I sigh.

”I'll call a tow-truck, Will. I just didn't want you to worry when you woke up and I'm not there.”

”I'll come get you. Where are you?” he asks again.

”Downtown.”

”What?”

”I'm downtown. In fact, I should call Jules. Their condo isn't far from here.”

”h.e.l.l no, I'll be there in ten minutes. Call a tow. I'm on my way.”

He hangs up and I rest my forehead on the steering wheel again. He sounded mad. Well, screw him! He didn't have to come get me. I told him I'd call a tow.

Speaking of a tow, I call a local company, give them my location and my insurance information, and wait.

Less than ten minutes later, Will pulls up behind me in the Rover. I get out of the car and slide into the pa.s.senger side of his SUV.

”Thanks. You didn't have to come get me.”

”Like I'd let you sit out here by yourself, Meg. How long did the tow company say they'd be?”

”About a half hour. They'll be here soon.”

He just nods and looks straight ahead, jaw tight.

”Will, seriously, I'm sorry. I know you have to get up early...”

”That's why you think I'm upset?” His head whips around to look at me. ”Because I'm going to lose a couple hours' sleep?”

”I know you have a busy schedule today...”

”Stop talking.” He runs his hands down his face and my jaw drops. Did he really just tell me to stop talking?

”Megan, I'm not mad at you for waking me up, or for having to come get you. You're mine. This is part of my job. I'll gladly come get you every night after work and bring you home, just so I know that you're safe.”

”You don't have to...”

”What p.i.s.ses me off,” he continues, ignoring me. ”is that I've told you that your car isn't safe, especially for driving alone in the middle of the night, and I've offered you this car to keep.”

”Will, I can't just take a car from you.”

”Why the h.e.l.l not?”

”Because it's a G.o.dd.a.m.n car!” I yell back to him. ”It's not a pair of shoes or taking me out to dinner, Will. It's an expensive car.”

”A car that I barely use.” His voice is calmer now. ”Megan, I rarely drive this car. Seriously, just use it. If it makes you feel better, just borrow it indefinitely.”

I frown at him.

”You don't have much choice. I have a feeling that thing is past the point of return.” He points to my little red car and I sigh.

”I know.”

He takes my hand. ”I'm sorry I yelled at you, but babe, this is silly. Just use this car, okay?”

”Why do you always get your way?”

”Because I'm charming and handsome and rich.”

<script>