Close As Strangers

Hotel Motel

I started logging off all the computers and shutting off the lights. Closing up is a lot spookier than opening because it's really dark and I'm surrounded by dead bodies. I put my lab coat and badge away before grabbing my heavy coat and keys. I locked the door to the lab, waved to the security guards, and went to my car. I unlocked the door and slammed it closed. I put the key in the ignition and it just clicked. I turned it back, tried again, and it just clicked. I tried one more time and had to call a tow truck.
"Well, the best I can do right now is take it to the shop and charge it up. I can call a taxi for you as well to get you home, ma'am," the guy said on the phone. I sighed,
"I'll have to call a taxi to take me to a hotel because I don't live around here," I said, "but I'd appreciate if you'd come get my car."
"No problem, ma'am. I'll be there in 5." He hung up and I called a taxi.
I arrived at a shabby motel and called Luke. There was no answer, so I called again.
"Hey are you home," a very groggy Luke asked.
"I just wanted to let you know that I had to find a motel. My piece of shit car wouldn't start. I had to get it towed and that literally took all my money. I have like $1.37 in my account. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know. I'll be going home tomorrow afternoon because it's Sunday and they forbid me to stay late," I rolled my eyes. I could tell he sat up because he sounded concerned,
"Are you okay? Do you need money? How are you going to get home tomorrow and when did you eat last," he asked.
"Safety wise, yeah I'm okay. Emotionally, no. I'm trying to figure out how to get my car out of the shop tomorrow so I can go home. I don't want you to send money. I'm not hungry," I answered.
"Okay, as long as you're okay. I don't understand why you drive so far for work, you guys should just move," he said.
"I don't know. This is the only job I could get with what I want to do. I'm sorry Luke. I feel so stupid. I gave Calum the world and he stomped it into the ground," I sobbed. Luke didn't say anything for awhile and just listened to me. I could tell he was choosing his words carefully.
"Well, Liv, maybe you need some time to figure out what you want to do. When I broke up with Azealea, it took me awhile to date again because I was trying to decide what I needed in life. I took that time and then I found Sierra."
I stopped crying, but only to thank Luke. "I love you, Luke," I said.
"I love you too, Liv." Then I hung up. My phone vibrated and Luke had sent me money for my car. I ordered a pizza and watched Bleach until I fell asleep.