The Clash, Book One

Chapter 26: Pretty in Blue, Part B

The next hour consisted of the same routine - Alena giving reassurances to the building crews about their jobs before praising them on their work thus far.

She actually felt as though she was doing something meaningful, and it made her happy.

While she still had a couple more places to check in on, she heard her stomach growling. When she checked the time, she realized it was time for her lunch break.

She then fired off a quick email to Ivy with a status report before pulling up to a stop sign. She was about to head in the direction of a fast food place when she realized this was the perfect opportunity to check in with Jacinda.

And so, she turned her car in the direction of Roni's, finding herself humming along with the radio once more.

When she pulled in next to the sidewalk near the bar, she noticed that something didn't quite feel right with her car.

As soon as she had gotten out, she began examining the various parts of the bug - and she soon found the problem.

She couldn't help but groan when she saw that her back tire was flat.

Alena knew how to change a tire and didn't mind doing so, but the process would be considerably more difficult in a dress and high heels.

"Ugh. On the day I didn't wear flats, this happens?" she complained before walking around to the trunk of her car, retrieving the spare tire and the tools.

"This should be fun," Alena sarcastically thought as she deposited everything on the ground. She then tilted her head as she considered how she was going to get down there herself without getting herself or her clothes dirty.

She simply sighed before she carefully squatted down, balancing herself on her heels. No sooner had she positioned the jack under her car, than she fell on her butt.

"Great," Alena muttered before getting up and rising to her feet. She brushed off the back of her dress as she considered another option.

She then lifted up the hem of her dress slightly and got down on her knees. Unfortunately, her shoes were poking her backside, and a breeze starting blowing her dress.

Alena held down her dress with one hand - and ignored the pain in her back and butt - as she tried to adjust the jack with her free hand.

Unfortunately, she lost her grip, and the jack fell to the ground.

"Damn it!" Alena cursed out loud. She then heard a familiar voice above her.

"Need some help?" Nick asked her.

"Bloody hell. Why did he have to be the one to find me? I'm supposed to be staying away from him," Alena agitatedly thought.

She then looked up and tried to appear nonchalant as she answered, "No. I just need to change this tire."

She then looked down and tried to readjust the jack. She failed miserably because she still only had use of one hand.

She then let out a frustrated grunt before Nick told her, "Look, I complete respect your independence - and I happen to like how stubborn you are - but you aren't exactly dressed to change a tire."

Alena sighed as she felt her resolve weakening. He wasn't wrong, and she really needed this tire changed.

"Fine. You can help me," Alena resigned. She then saw him offer his hand to help her up.

She hesitated, but she eventually grabbed his hand - she'd be less likely to make an idiot of herself that way.

When she was on her feet, she told him, "Thanks for helping me up - and for changing my tire," placing her hands over the skirt of her dress.