One of those days: Part 11

One of Those Days

Part 11

Verne is Subtle!




“Wait, what?!  Are you joking?” Merai was genuinely shocked at the forward manner of the beaver.

“Now I know you don't know me from Adam, ma'am, and this really ain't none o' my business and you have no reason to believe a word I'm about to tell you, but that boy is one of the most level-headed folks I ever met.  He's practical, honest, and really knows his way around cars.  I've worked with him for three years now since his daddy died, and I ain't never seen him act like this before.”

The beaver's words gave Merai pause to think.  Yes he was indeed cute, and kind of funny, but she'd been burned twice before, did she really want to risk her heart again on a stranger she'd just met half an hour ago?

“Well, what should I do?” she gave a default reply.

“Ma'am, I really can't tell you that, all you can do is follow what's in yer heart.  All I know is that good things can't be rushed, but they also can't be ignored, otherwise they will just pass you by.  You do what you have to do.”  Verne thought for a moment.  “Were you heading anywhere in particular, ma'am?”

“No, I was just out cruising.”

“Well, then since you're out this way, and it is supper time, might I suggest the Silver Star Diner?  The food is really good, they don't leave you hungry, and the prices are fit for workin' folk.”

“That sounds like a nice place, how do I get there from here?”

“Well, here's how you go...” Verne gave Merai directions to the diner.

Shortly thereafter, Quinn returned holding two boxes under his arm.  The now completely deflated inner tube still clung to his back.  “I got the parts, just give me a bit and we'll have you back on the road in no time!” he announced.  Once he'd repaired both tires he cautioned Merai.  “Now, watch this tire that had the quills in it.  You got several sidewall punctures. The inner tube will hold the air just fine, but if any of the cords inside the tire have been broken, you'll see a bulge or a recess appear in the sidewall.  If that happens, get the tire replaced immediately, because the worst case scenario is that it could blow out on you, and you don't want that to happen.  That is why I'm leaving it as the spare.  Keep an eye on the other tire too, just in case it got damaged when it ran flat.  Please be careful, losing the car is bad, but losing you would be far worse!”

“Thank you, Quinn I'll keep that in mind!”  Merai smiled.  Despite his protests otherwise, Merai paid for all the parts and services.  “Don't worry, I'm sure you'll make it up to me later!  I hope to see you again Quinn!” she said as she drove away.

The young male sighed as he watched Merai drive away.

Verne started peeling out of his coveralls.  “Hey Quinn, how about I close up here, Why don't you go on ahead, get us a seat at the Silver Star?  The suppertime rush should be starting soon and it looks like you could use some of Ma Kettle's pot roast in you.”

“Thanks, Verne...”  Quinn didn't put up a fight, he plodded to his car, got in and drove away.

The beaver had just hung up his coveralls, when he realized that Quinn still had his on!  “That would mean...”, he thought,  The beaver shook his head.  “That girl really has you flustered, don't she?  Son, sometimes you are an embarrassment!”