Donuts and Detours

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

  Even though she knew this was coming, it terrified her. Storms unnerved her. But there was no better time to face her fears. “OK. Sounds like a plan. Tell me what to do.”

  “First, let’s get in the tow truck and head out. We’ll take it from there.”

  “OK.” She followed Titus to the old tow truck parked in the back. It was not the one he normally ran for work, but an older model donated to the ministry. Ty kept it clean and in good repair.

  B.J. hopped into the passenger side and buckled up.

  “Looks to be a nasty one,” Titus commented.

  “Yeah.”

  “Not fond of storms?”

  “Is anyone?” B.J. shivered.

  “Ever been in a tornado?”

  “Came close. Not something I’d want to relive.”

  “How close?” Titus asked.

  “I’d rather not talk about it.” B.J. could barely see out the window.

  “We’re almost there. Thankfully it’s on the side of the road and not in a flooded ditch.”

  “Small mercies, huh?”

  Ty laughed. “We’ll be muddy enough by the time we’re done.”

  “No doubt,” B.J. responded.

  They pulled in front of the car. The front end of the vehicle was low, smashed in and the front tires were flat.

  “What happened?”

  “Not sure. Police took her home. That’ll be between her, the police, and her insurance company.”

  They headed to the back of the truck, Titus on the traffic side and Bethany slipping and sliding on the grass covered embankment.

  A State Patrol officer was further away to warn oncoming vehicles.

  Ty bent over to see what he needed. He stood and grabbed the hook attached to the boom winch. He bent down but was up in a flash.

  “B.J. let’s switch places. You get in between the two cars and I’ll talk you through it. No need to waste this opportunity to learn just because of the weather.” He stepped off to the side of the truck onto the grass.

  B.J. came in between the truck and van.

  Titus bent from the side. “Now we need to find a good place to hook onto the frame.”

  She got the hook in where he pointed and started to raise the car with the hoist.

  He came closer between the vehicles.

  A squeal came from the road.

  “Ty!” B.J. yelled above the rain. She shoved him to the grass while trying to get out of the way.

  “Hey!” Titus yelled as he fell into the mud, sliding partway down the embankment. He flailed, came to a stop, and glanced up at B.J. with anger vibrating every nerve.

  ~*~

  The partially hoisted car slammed the kid in the torso, shoving him into the back of the wrecker. The boy crumpled to the ground, landing behind the rear wheel of the tow truck.

  Titus scrambled up the embankment, his anger forgotten. The kid must have heard the vehicle Ty hadn’t even seen. He dragged the kid to the grass and knelt down beside him. B.J. had a pulse.

  The young man left his car and staggered over to the side of the road.

  The trooper joined them. “I called 911. You OK?”

  “I’m fine.” Titus said.

  The kid nodded. “Him?”

  “I don’t know. B.J. come on. Wake up.” Blood seeped from the boy’s head, so he gingerly worked the baseball cap off and tossed it aside. “I’ll buy you another one.”

  Long hair collected up under the cap now fell out of its braid.

  “What the heck?” He glanced further down at the now drenched clothing on the young man. The chest was not the flat chest of a boy but possessed the distinct curves of a…woman.

  The ambulance arrived.

  Titus gave as much information as he knew, flabbergasted that he’d never recognized the “boy” as Bethany Joelle.

  A paramedic reached into pockets and withdrew a driver’s license.

  “Bethany Joelle Hanson, right?” Ty asked.

  The paramedic nodded.

  B.J. was taken away in the ambulance.

  Ty finished securing the car and hauled it back to the shop, parking it in the back until an insurance adjuster could inspect it. The police had the information from the other driver and would contact the owner of the minivan.

  He drove home and changed quickly. Cooper wouldn’t go out in the rain and Titus only hoped the dog’s bladder would outlast the storm. Ty left and headed to Community Memorial Hospital where they’d transported B.J.—Bethany Joelle.

  Huh. She sure snowed him.

  He fought against anger at her deception. The girl saved his life. If he’d been out there alone as he usually was, he’d never have heard that car coming. Bethany without hesitation acted to save him. Admiration. How many months had she been working for him and no one in the shop had a clue? But why the disguise?

  Duh. A cute girl fixing cars would have been a target for flirtation and a distraction. She’d have been uncomfortable or discounted because of her gender. Unfair, but that had to be the reason. It saddened him to realize that her disguise was in everyone’s best interest. But it couldn’t continue. Which probably meant he’d lost one of his most regular volunteers.

  Now he understood why Cooper gravitated to both B.J. and Bethany Joelle. She was the one who saved the dog’s life.

  Titus dialed his phone and called the church. “Dan Wink, please.”

  Dan answered, “Hello. This is Dan.”

  “Dan. Titus. I have some troubling news about that young man I told you about.”

  “B.J.?”

  “Yeah. We had an accident today in the storm while hooking up a car to tow. ‘B.J.’ heard the danger I didn’t hear, pushed me to safety, and was injured as a result. I’m at the emergency room now awaiting word.”

  “Wow. Anything I can do?”

  “Pray. But here’s the thing. B.J. the kid who works in The Garage is also Bethany Joelle.”

  “Whoa. Bethany’s been working for you all these months? And you never noticed her?”

  “She dressed as a boy and always hid her hair under a baseball cap.”

  “Funny how even as a boy she intrigued you.”

  “Dan…”

  “Just kidding, Ty. I realize it wasn’t a sexual attraction. But obviously, something in her connected with you even then, without the lovely hair.”

  “I’m such an idiot to have missed it.”

  “Nah. You saw what you expected to. What she wanted you to see. Nothing more. So now what?”

  “I don’t know. Too many things going through my mind. She saved Cooper. She saved my life. But can I let her keep working at The Garage as a woman?”

  “Do you really need to answer that question now?”

  “No. I guess not.”

  “Call me when you find out how she is. Take a few deep breaths, Titus. This isn’t your fault. And maybe it’s a good thing for both of you. I suspect that keeping her identity hidden has been part of the wall you’ve felt from her.”

  “How did you…?”

  “Been there, buddy.”

  “Yeah, thanks, Dan.”

  “Later.”

  Titus shoved his phone back into his pocket. He stared at the weather forecast playing on a television in the corner. At least the rain would stop soon. He didn’t need to figure it all out. Not now.

  Bethany was the most important thing.

  A nurse soon came to take him back to the curtained space where Bethany rested. Her eyes were open. “Hey, Ty. You OK?”

  “Me? You saved me. How are you?”

  “Apparently, I have a concussion and a few bruised ribs. I’ll be in pain for some time. They said they can release me if you can find some dry clothes for me to wear.” Bethany’s hospital gown exposed the ugly scarring on her arms. Her lips pursed as she realized what he looked at. “If I give you my address, would you go? My landlady will select some clothes for me.”

  “Sure.” He wrote the address down and then went to talk to the nurse. “Is she OK wait
ing here while I go get her dry clothes?”

  “We’d prefer to observe her for a little longer. Take your time and drive safe.” The nurse walked away.

  Titus headed out into the storm and drove to the country address Bethany gave him. The large yard was freshly mowed, and a pond was developing in one corner of the lot. He parked close to the door, ran up to the shelter of the overhang, and knocked.

  “Yes? Can I help you, young man?” An older woman peeked out the door.

  “Hi. Adele? I’m Titus Rickmeyer, a friend of Bethany Joelle’s. She was injured in an accident. Her clothes were muddy and wet. I need some fresh ones for her to wear home.”

  “Oh! She’s spoken of you. Come in. I’ll run up to her apartment and gather some things. How badly is she injured?”

  “Concussion and some bruised ribs.”

  “Oh, she probably can’t work for a while.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “Hmmm. Wait here. There’s a fresh pot of coffee and the mugs are to the right. Help yourself to some. Sit down. I won’t be long.” Adele left the room.

  In spite of the humidity with the rain, he was chilled from his own drenching. He’d barely started sipping when Adele returned with a plastic bag filled with clothing. “Adele, is there any family I should contact?”

  “Bethany Joelle is an orphan. I’m proud of the young woman she’s grown up to be in spite of her childhood.”

  “She’s talked to you about it?”

  “Not in so many words. I’ve learned to listen to what she doesn’t say. For instance, I would bet you’re the one who adopted that dog she had her heart set on.”

  “How’d you know that?”

  “I might be older than you but I’m not stupid. Near broke her heart. She wouldn’t even think of selecting a different dog. I think she and that dog of yours have more in common than she would willingly admit to.”

  Titus sighed. “I’ll try to bring her home soon.”

  “Thank you, young man. And give it time.”

  “Give what time?”

  “Love. It’s worth waiting for.” She gave him a wink and a wave.

  He frowned and headed out to his car.

  ~*~

  Bethany ached all over. Well, she’d gone and done it now. Exposed her secret. And for what? A chance to pretend she was able to do the work and was as good as the men? Foolish. Harsher words than that flooded her mind.

  Clumsy. Oaf. You can’t do anything right.

  He’d noticed her scars. She hadn’t missed the deep gulp he’d made.

  No one will ever love you. Worthless piece of—

  “Hey, I’m back.”

  Relief flooded her at the sight of him, grateful for the end of the litany of slurs from her past that ceased for now.

  He handed her the package.

  “Thanks.” She peeked inside. “Good. She found my sweats. I don’t think I could handle putting on a pair of jeans right now. All I want is a nap.”

  “Will Adele be able to watch over you?”

  “She’ll love it. I’m the one who’ll have a hard time.” Bethany struggled to sit up.

  Titus reached forward to help.

  “Thanks. It’s OK, Ty. Can you leave so I can change?”

  “OK.” He gave her hand a squeeze. Sorrow etched his eyes. He departed.

  She struggled off the bed, dressed, and was dismayed that Adele packed one of her rare, short-sleeved shirts. Oh, well, he’d already seen her arms. At least he hadn’t run away screaming.

  The nurse came in, took some vitals, and gave her a prescription and directions. She wouldn’t be working the rest of the week and would need to follow up with her doctor.

  Great. Now she needed to find a doctor. A noble profession, but one she tended to avoid whenever possible. She couldn’t afford it. This emergency room visit would set her back. Her insurance from work didn’t cover much. If only she hadn’t been unconscious. She’d have had Titus take her to her car, driven home, and recuperated in peace without all this fuss. She grabbed her filthy clothes and shoved them in the bag, washed her hands, and limped out to find Ty.

  “Hey, you OK? I brought the truck up under the canopy, so you don’t need to walk so far.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be fine eventually.”

  Titus helped her up into the truck and pulled the belt out, so she wouldn’t have to reach. He closed the door and ran around to the other side. Hopping in, he took off.

  “Look. A double-rainbow.”

  Ty peered through the window. “Cool.”

  “God promised to never destroy the earth again after the flood. So why do I feel as if He destroyed me?”

  “You’re alive.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not stupid. How long do you think the bakery will keep my job open? And The Garage ministry. That’s over, too.”

  “I don’t know about either of those things. I pray your employer will be understanding. As for the ministry? I’m not sure what will happen. We’ve never really discussed it being a male-only thing but if you are there, we want it to be safe for you.”

  “I’m not a flirt.”

  “I realize that. But a woman who knows her way around a car? Lady, that’s hot.” He winked at her with a silly grin on his face.

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “I’m partially joking. It’s a rare thing for a mechanic to find a woman who not only appreciates what he does but actually understands it. I’m sure that’s the same for any job, why office romances happen. I need to talk it over more with Pastor Dan. I would like you to be able to continue to serve there if we can make it happen and that’s what you desire.”

  Bethany leaned back against the headrest. “My head is pounding. I really can’t even think about it right now.”

  “It’s OK.”

  His hand clasped hers, squeezed, and warmth infused her. She blinked back the tears. “You’re not angry?” she asked.

  “About the deception?” Ty’s hand moved back to the steering wheel.

  “Yeah.”

  “I was at first. Maybe still am, a little. Doug was in charge when you started. You wanted to be safe, I suspect?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So, I can understand why you did it. I struggle with you not telling me when I took you out on a date.”

  “I didn’t know how. It raises more questions I didn’t want to answer.”

  “Well, the questions will wait till you’re feeling better. But thank you for saving me.”

  “You’re welcome. I didn’t really take the time to think. I just acted.”

  “I never heard the car coming. If I’d been hit, ducked down as I was…”

  “I know,” she replied.

  They arrived at her home and Titus helped her to the house, handing the bag of wet clothes to Adele.

  “Thank you, Titus,” the older woman said. “I’ll take care of these and our girl.” Adele turned to Bethany. “Upstairs, or do you want the couch, so you can watch television?”

  “I’m not allowed to watch television right now. No computer either. I’ll head up to my bed.”

  “I’ll check on you in a little bit and bring you some soup.”

  “Thanks, Adele. And thank you, Titus. At some point, I’ll want my car.”

  “We’ll figure it out,” Ty said.

  “Yeah, I suppose so.” She walked up the stairs to her apartment, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed on the bed. Everything hurt, including her heart, but maybe if she slept she could forget.

  The back door closed.

  A truck started and crunched the gravel on the way down the driveway.

  Titus was gone.

  She doubted he’d be back.

  7

  Having tasted stolen honey,

  You can’t buy innocence for money.

  Felix Holt

  It had been days since she’d seen or heard from Titus. Long, hot, boring days. Bethany sat in the shade on the back porch as Adele worked in the garden.

  T
he brilliant colors of the flowers around the house and yard gave a cheerful appearance to the property. Pink and white impatiens in the shade, along with deeper pink and purple primroses danced in the breeze. Marigolds in various shades of red, orange, and yellow around the flowerbed helped keep out the rabbits. A butterfly garden with a small trellis and bench sat in the shade of the large red maple tree. Right now, it was too sunny there so she opted for the porch.

  Sleep came easily but she never stayed there for long. Nightmares plagued her of the accident. Fear she hadn’t even been aware of in that moment, dragged out in slow motion as her mind replayed the car losing control, the force it took to get Titus out of the way and watching him fall, her horror that she’d even shoved him like that, the crunch of metal and the impact she belatedly tried to avoid.

  Over and over again.

  She needed to get back out there with a tow truck or that fear would be with her forever. She understood from experience that some memories couldn’t be overcome like that, but this one, maybe. She needed to be with Titus to do it. Would he even be willing?

  The crunch of gravel on the driveway grabbed her attention. Ty’s truck.

  He parked and got out looking as good as ever in his short-sleeved work shirt, jeans, and boots.

  A small bundle of white flashed past him, up the steps and into her lap. Cooper slathered her with kisses as she struggled to contain the dog. Every move hurt.

  “Cooper!” Titus called. “Settle down.” He came up the steps and sat.

  The dog slumped down in Bethany’s lap but his tail wagged.

  “Thought you might want some company.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I brought this.” He handed a bag to her.

  She peeked inside and pulled out the brand-new baseball cap. “Wow. Thanks. You didn’t need to do that.”

  “Well, I took yours off. It was bloody and mud-stained. You need this for when you return to the garage.”

  Bethany’s gaze shot up to meet his dreamy eyes. “Really? I can come back?”

  “I think for now B.J. can work there as he did before until we figure something out.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Why is it so important to you? Most women would tinker on things at home or their own cars and not even try to do what you did.”