Page 17 of Edge

“Sorry,” I apologized and reached for a paper towel to wipe the sweat from my face. “I’ll get myself cleaned up.”

“Don’t apologize for coming up with a solution to your problem. I admire your determination,” she said and headed out to the front.

I stepped into the employee restroom to wash my face and change into my work clothes. Once I was somewhat presentable, I went to the front and started waiting on customers.

At the end of my shift, I got my clothes from my locker and started for the bathroom to change into my riding clothes, but Irene called out for me to come into her office. I entered her office and came to a sudden halt when I saw Edge sitting in a chair in front of her desk.

“Hey, Evie,” he said with a slight smile.

“Uh, hello,” I stammered.

“Okay, don’t get mad,” Irene started. Her words caught me off guard. I couldn’t imagine ever being mad at her. “I probably should’ve talked to you about it first, but I didn’t want you to say no.”

“Say no to what?” I asked carefully.

“I can’t go into the details, but the Blackwings owe me a favor or two. Since they own a garage, I cashed in one of my favors to get your car fixed. Edge is here to drop off a loaner car and take yours back to Croftridge,” she explained.

I was at a loss for words. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just give him your keys,” she said.

“Thank you,” I finally said. I didn’t like being a charity case, but I knew I needed the help, so I didn’t make a fuss about it.

Quickly retrieving my keys, I returned to her office and handed them to Edge.

“Do you need to get anything out of it before I take it?”

“No, I don’t keep anything in it.”

“All right,” he said and extended his hand. “Here are the keys to the loaner. It’s parked out back.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Do you have any idea what’s wrong with your car?”

I shook my head. “It was making a weird noise for a few days before it wouldn’t crank. I don’t think it’s the battery because the lights and radio came on.”

He nodded. “I’ll get it back to Croftridge and take a look. I’m not sure how long it’ll take. It all depends on what’s wrong with it.”

“I really appreciate it.”

“Happy to help,” he said and headed out the door.

I turned to Irene, who was eyeing me cautiously. “So, you’re not upset with me?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but suddenly burst into tears.

“Oh, honey,” she said and wrapped her arms around me.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“You’re a good person. Everybody needs some help at some point or another.”

“I can’t thank you enough.”

“Sure you can. Pay it forward when you’re able. Help make the world a better place.”

Stepping back, I wiped the tears from underneath my eyes. “Are we going to break out in song and dance now?”