Lovebeam

Chapter 13

I fell asleep the second I got in the door.

I worked the next day, and the day after that is my day off.

Brody had to work so Madison and I went to a mall two hours away.

We're here now, and its four in the afternoon.

We're leaving to go out to dinner with Brody and Keith.

We get in and I turn the key.

The car sputters.

Fuck.

I try again and it just keeps sputtering.

I look at Madison.

"Try again." She says.

I do, and it doesn't change anything.

"Yu work at an auto store." I say."

"I sell people parts." She says. "I don't know shit."

I sigh and get out, dialing Dad.

"Hey kiddo." He says.

"My car is broken." I whine. "I'm in Philadelphia."

"Kid, I'm in Boston for work." Dad says. "Nobody can help. Jonathan is with me and your Mother and sister don't know about cars." He pauses. "Call Brody."

"He's working." I say.

"Okay, I don't know." He says. "I gotta go, I'm about to go into a meeting."

"Okay, bye."

He hangs up.

I hesitate and dial Brody.

"Hello lovely, I'm on break. What's up?"

"I'm stranded. My Dad's in Boston."

"I can help. Where are you? Get a cab and come to me."

"Almond, I'm in Philadelphia with Madison."

"Oh." He says. "Hang on baby."

He pulls the phone away from his ear and starts talking, and then he says, "I'm out early. I'll be there as quick as I can."

"Okay. I'm sorry."

"You're good, sugar. I love helping you. I'll bring Keith."

"Okay." I say.

Maddie and I wait around.

"DJ, it's fucking cold." She shivers.

It's -11 Fahrenheit.

"I know." I sigh.

Two guys come strolling out of the mall. I'm leaning against my bumper. My hood is open, it's snowing, and Maddie is sitting next to me.

I see one guy hit the other guy's arm, and they come strolling up.

"Hello ladies." One says. "Need some help?"

One of them is openly checking me out, flexing his muscles.

I look at his arms, unimpressed.

Brody is so much better.

Maddie lifts her head.

"No, my boyfriend should be here soon." I say.

His smile drops.

"Are you sure you don't need help?" he asks.

"Yes." I say slowly.

"But-"