“Remind me why we thought driving this car across town was a good idea?” Sarah asked.

“Because it worked yesterday,” Julia replied.

“Yesterday.”

Sarah glanced at the car sitting nearby with its hood up. An hour earlier, the engine had started making noises no engine should make.

“Did they say how long it’ll take?”

“They said a mechanic would be out in a minute.”

“At a repair shop, that could mean anything.”

“Sarah, you’re complaining.”

Before Sarah could answer, footsteps came from inside the garage. They both turned.

Sarah froze.

It was the man she’d met at the park.

He approached, wiping his hands on a rag. “This the car?”

“Yeah,” Julia said.

“What happened?”

“It started losing power, then something began knocking.”

He nodded. “I’m Kael. I’ll take a look.”

“Julia.” She shook his hand, then pointed to Sarah. “And this is Sarah.”

Kael looked at her. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Sarah replied, quieter than she intended.

As Kael walked toward the car, Sarah felt Julia watching her.

“Not a word.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“But you want to.”

“Very much.”

Sarah rolled her eyes.

Kael leaned over the engine and got to work. Julia watched the car.

Sarah watched Kael.

“Sarah?”

“Hmm?”

“The car’s a little farther to the left.”

“I’m looking at the car.”

“Of course you are.”

Sarah felt her cheeks grow warm.

“I’m not blushing.”

“I didn’t say you were.”

“You’re awful.”

“And you’re as red as a warning light.”

Julia burst out laughing.