Donuts and Detours

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

He found Miles slumped over his steering wheel snoring to beat the band. “Hey. Wake up.”

  “What? Huh? Where’s Beth?”

  “Somewhere safe from what I gather,” Titus said.

  “Car won’t start.”

  “So, you’ve claimed. I wonder if you’re safe to drive.”

  “Iz fine.” Miles’s speech slurred.

  “I need to tow it in. Why don’t you get in the cab while I get this hooked up?”

  “OK.” Miles stumbled out of the vehicle and kicked the tires. “Awful night.”

  Miles tripped and walked an uneven path to the wrecker. He fell once trying to get in.

  Titus checked the glove box, found the fuses, and hooked up the car. Humor at Bethany’s resourcefulness warred with his anger at the way he guessed she’d been treated. It had to be a at least three miles to Dan and Skye’s home. Bethany wouldn’t have sabotaged the car and hiked that distance unless she felt unsafe. He wanted to punch Miles, but the man was a major supporter of their ministry. He wouldn’t risk losing that to satisfy his own sense of vengeance. God could take care of that.

  Titus drove the car to the dealership’s maintenance area. Miles slept on. Ty reset the fuses and tested the car. Started like a charm. He dropped the keys in the mailbox by the garage and took Miles home. He had to half-drag the man into his condo and left him where he fell on the couch. Ty placed the bill on the kitchen counter near the coffee pot.

  Once back in his vehicle, he got Bethany’s car and towed it to Dan and Skye’s home, leaving it out front. The house was dark. He hoped she was getting rest. Perhaps someday she would trust him with the story. He did not leave her a bill.

  The next morning, he received a call from Mile’s boss. “Titus Rickmeyer? Miles said you towed the sports car last night. It wouldn’t run?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “We can’t find anything wrong with the car.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with the car. There was a problem with the operator. Someone made sure he couldn’t drive it because it would have been unsafe for him to do so.” Ty felt bad for Miles, but he couldn’t lie.

  “What was his problem?”

  “When I was there, he appeared to have had too much to drink,” Ty said.

  “‘Nuff said. I’m assuming you corrected the issue with the car?”

  “Yes sir, she should be as good as new.”

  “Was he with anyone?”

  “There was no one else there.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You are more than welcome.” Titus hung up feeling much better. There would be consequences. He was just grateful Bethany had the skill to stop the man from following her.

  ~*~

  Bethany struggled to keep her eyes open through her shift at work. Every step hurt, partly because of her walk the previous evening and partly due to wearing shoes that weren’t hers, even though they fit. Fortunately, she had extra clothes in her locker so she was able to change out of the sweats Skye loaned her. She promised her friend a full accounting when work was done. She planned on bringing a box of donuts as well.

  The shift ended, and Bethany dragged herself into the hot sunshine. She scanned the lot, half expecting Miles to be there to harangue her, but thankfully he wasn’t. She got to her car and drove to the Winks’ home. Ty’s truck was parked out front. She shook her head. Skye was definitely not above matchmaking even after last night’s craziness.

  The door flung open as she walked up the steps and Cooper launched himself at her but ended up sitting at her feet barking since her arms were full. She handed the box to Skye. “I hope the heat in my car didn’t melt these.”

  Skye peeked inside, and her eyes lit up. “The kids will be forever in love with you. I’ll hide these until morning.” Skye bustled off.

  Titus stood a few steps back, leaning against the wall.

  Bethany placed a grocery bag with the borrowed clothes on the floor and scooped up the wiggly dog, allowing him kisses.

  “Are you really OK?” Titus asked.

  “Considering everything, I’m fine—exhausted, my feet hurt, and I have shin splints, but if that’s as bad as it gets I’m grateful. Thank you for bringing me my car.”

  Titus led her into the living room and sat on the couch, patting the seat next to him.

  Cooper went in search of the kids to play.

  Ty pulled her legs up across his lap and pulled off her shoes.

  “Don’t do that. My feet probably stink.”

  Ty didn’t listen. The socks came off next and he frowned. “Blisters. Did you really walk all the way here?”

  “Through the woods in high-heeled boots and the rest of the way barefoot.”

  He carefully kneaded the ball of one foot and then the other.

  Bethany leaned back, letting her head drop. Had anyone touched her feet before? Every muscle relaxed and she drifted to sleep.

  When she awoke, a pillow was under her head and a glass of ice water was within reach. The house was air-conditioned, and a lightweight blanket was over her feet. The room was empty. She struggled to rise, but her muscles protested her movement. What time was it anyway? She spied a clock on the wall. Three o’clock? Her stomach growled. She rose to use the restroom and wandered from there into the kitchen. No one was around. She peeked out the front window. Ty’s truck was gone. He’d probably gone to the garage. She wasn’t up for that today.

  Skye appeared from the area of the porch. “You’re awake. Did you sleep well?”

  “I still feel exhausted. I need to go home. I wanted to thank you for everything.”

  “Sit.”

  Bethany pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and lowered herself into it.

  “Wanna tell me what happened last night?”

  “Miles took me to dinner. He pressured me to drink the wine. I had a tiny sip to appease him, but it tasted bitter, and I didn’t like it. I’ve never liked wine. Instead of drink it, when he wasn’t looking I would give him a little of my wine leaving some in my glass so he never caught on. I figured if he was a drinker, a little bit extra wouldn’t actually get him drunk. But after we took off in the car, he started acting funny.

  “I was thirsty, so we stopped at a convenience store and he got me some water. As I sipped it, his hands kept wandering where they shouldn’t be. He took off driving, but he wasn’t right. So, when he pulled over to throw up in the woods, I pulled the fuses. He couldn’t get the car started so he grabbed for me. Said I ‘owed him.’ I pushed him away and escaped the car. He didn’t follow me. The rest I think you can figure out.”

  Skye frowned. “I’m glad you kept him from driving further in his condition. Smart move disabling the car.”

  “I didn’t realize what he’d planned. I’m sorry about your dress.”

  “It’s obvious from the torn fabric of the dress what he thought you ‘owed’ him. I’m so sorry. You’re not seeing him again, are you?”

  “Definitely not. I already determined that I wouldn’t date him anymore. He thinks quite highly of himself and after last night, my choice to cease any relationship with him was affirmed.”

  “I agree. I’m honored you came to me for help.”

  “Thanks for being my friend. I don’t know much about being a friend. I’m not sure what to do now.”

  “You’ve already done it. You need to go home and get some sleep. Here’s my phone number. If you need anything, call. If I can help you, I will.”

  “Thanks, Skye.” Bethany rose and walked into the redhead’s open arms and returned the hug. She turned and left to go home.

  She had a friend. Thank you, Lord.

  12

  Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

  Confucius

  Titus missed Bethany on Sunday. Miles was there looking as spiffy as normal. Skye mentioned that Bethany’s dress had been ripped. He wished he could have seen her all dolled up. Skye had taken a photo when Bethany had tried on the dress and boots and again Friday e
vening when she had shown up exhausted. When Skye showed it to him, it was all he could do not to whistle in appreciation and growl in anger.

  Bethany hadn’t shown up at the garage. He figured she’d worked this morning, yet he still searched the crowd.

  Miles approached him after the service. “Hey, Ty, the mechanics are giving me a hard time about the car. They couldn’t find anything wrong with it. But you were there. I couldn’t get it to start. What happened?”

  Titus folded his arms across his chest. “Why don’t you tell me? You didn’t look too good Friday night. Were you driving under the influence of an intoxicant?”

  “I had a glass or two of wine at dinner, but that’s nothing for me. I don’t remember much. Where’d Beth go? I couldn’t figure out that part. Did I leave her somewhere? Or did someone come and get her?”

  “You really have no idea?”

  “I don’t and it’s really annoying. She didn’t take advantage of me, did she?”

  “Take advantage? Bethany Joelle? She’d never do that.”

  “I should call her, but all I can figure is that she left me. I’ve got bruises too. She didn’t beat me up, did she?”

  “A little thing like her?” Ty’s eyebrows rose.

  “Well, she should have called me. I had plans and she abandoned me. Wish I understood what happened to that car. Not sure how I’ll live it down. My boss gave me a tongue lashing on Saturday, said he’d heard I inappropriately represented the company. He took my car away. I had to purchase an old beater to drive until I have enough saved up for a new car.”

  “I thought you were saving for that.”

  “Well, yeah, but a couple of vacations dipped into my savings. And a big-screen monitor to watch television. And these suits don’t come cheap, either. I have an image to maintain.”

  “How’s your new car helping you with that image?”

  “I’ve got a call into my dad to see if I can borrow one of his cars. He’s got some nice ones. I should know since I sold them to him.” Miles winked and elbowed Titus. “I’m sure you know what I mean.”

  “I’m sure I don’t. Have a nice day, Miles.” Ty started to walk away.

  “I’ll be stopping in the garage Tuesday.”

  Titus turned. “Why?”

  “To see if you have needs. Maybe I’ll learn something about cars while I’m there,” Miles called out.

  “You can’t learn much about cars if you won’t even touch them.”

  “I can put gas in my car and the wiper fluid stuff.” Miles puffed out his chest.

  “Whoopdeedo for you,” Ty whispered under his breath and left the building.

  ~*~

  Titus longed to meet Bethany after her shift but figured she needed some space. He went to the store’s parking lot and idled in a distant spot with a good view. Cooper was thrilled to be with him. The dog would spot Bethany before he would. Ty wanted to make sure that Miles didn’t hassle Bethany.

  Bethany walked out, head down. She stepped across the parking lot and walked until she got to her car at the rear of the lot.

  Cooper whined the entire time.

  Bethany drove away.

  “I know, boy, you want to be with her. Strangely enough, so do I. Let’s go home. I need to mow the lawn.” Ty took off for his own residence.

  ~*~

  He’d showered and sat down to relax with Cooper in his lap when his phone rang.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “I was wondering if my son would ever call me,” she said.

  “Ha! You’re the one traveling. How am I to know when you’re available to talk? How is it flying the friendly skies?”

  “I’m having a blast. Just returned from a trip to New York. Not a long layover. Enough to sleep and get back on the plane.”

  “Sounds exhausting.”

  “It is. But I meet fascinating people.”

  “I’m glad, Mom.”

  “So how is my handsome son doing? Meet any girls who catch your fancy?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have. She’s unique, mom. She knows cars and can even do most repairs.”

  “Marry her. Quick. Before she changes her mind.”

  “Mom!”

  “Just kidding, sweetheart. You know I love you.”

  “Yeah. I know. I also adopted a dog. A Maltese-mix named Cooper. The girl I mentioned found him abused and abandoned in the trunk of a vehicle donated to the ministry.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “Well, but I’m wondering if I’ll be losing a source of funding soon.”

  “Why?”

  “I may need to confront the man on some sin issues. He’s got a pretty high opinion of himself.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. If it makes you feel any better, some of the other stewardesses who were single moms have pooled some money together. I’ll drop it off tomorrow if that’s OK.”

  “Sure. I should be there. Maybe you’ll get to meet B.J.”

  “That’s the girl?”

  “Bethany Joelle, but the guys at the shop don’t know she’s a woman so don’t let on.”

  “Are they blind?”

  “No. She keeps to herself. Does her work. And looks like a teen boy in her getup.”

  “Interesting. And how long did she fool you?”

  “Too long. Now I can’t believe I missed the clues.”

  “She was what you expected him to be.”

  “Exactly.”

  “So, if she rescued the dog, why do you have it?”

  “I didn’t realize he was a she at the time, and adopted the dog, not realizing she had hoped to do so. Cooper adores her.”

  “Sounds like a smart dog.”

  “I’d like to think so.”

  “So, tell me more about this girl…”

  “Sure, mom. She’s a petite strawberry-blonde who also works as a baker’s assistant at a grocery store…”

  ~*~

  Titus climbed into bed mulling over his conversation with his mother. She always encouraged his white-knight tendencies, saying they were the opposite of his father, whom he’d never really known. But he’d also learned over the years that he couldn’t rescue everyone. The dog snuggled up at his feet on the bed brought a grin to his face. Well, maybe not everyone, but sometimes it was good to step up and help. And he had an idea for Bethany. He’d handle it on one of his breaks tomorrow. He hoped she wouldn’t be angry with him when he told her.

  ~*~

  Monday was a long day, and it seemed that everyone was a tad grumpy. Every step Bethany took was etched in agony. Titus had called last night and asked that she stop in later at the garage. He wanted her to meet someone and assured her it wasn’t Miles. He did suggest she not come in with the purpose of working tonight, however. She was grateful for that.

  When her shift was over, she dragged her aching body home. She left a loaf of fresh-baked bread on the counter for Adele.

  Bethany put on a tank top without the long-sleeved shirt she usually wore. She headed out to the riding mower for an hour of sun, shade, and the heady scent of fresh-cut grass.

  After a shower, she dressed for the garage. Her damp hair went up in a braid tucked tightly under her ball cap. Her skin was pink from the sun—a perpetual blush. It’d hurt for a day or two and likely fade away leaving no tan. She’d read the only way to really get good vitamin D was through sun exposure so she figured she’d try it.

  She made a sandwich and sat on the back porch to eat. She’d skipped a nap today, but hopefully, she’d be home early and could hit the sack. She wondered if Cooper would be at the garage. She longed for a little puppy lovin’ tonight.

  After cleaning up the kitchen she hopped on the scooter. Tucking her cap in the storage area she fastened her helmet and took off.

  Ty was around as were some of the other guys.

  Making sure her hair was tucked in, she went through to the office where Titus had requested she wait.

  Everyone had their heads into their work and the local Chris
tian radio station played over the speakers combining with the clinks and whirrs of tools and machines.

  The garage doors were open, but the air was still sultry and warm with little breeze to cool off the space. She entered. At least the office space and the break room, benefited from air conditioning.

  Cooper leapt up to greet her.

  “Hey, Coop.” She lifted the dog and snuggled him close as he licked her face.

  “You must be B.J.,” a voice said. A woman’s voice.

  Bethany turned to take in the vision of a tall, lithe woman with short, dark, wavy hair and brown eyes. “Oh, hello. I’m sorry.” She set the dog down and reached out a hand. “Yes, I’m B.J., Titus asked me to come tonight and wait for him in here.”

  The woman gave a broad smile. “My name is Tanya. I’m Ty’s mother. Come, sit down. He’s working on something with the guys so we can chat until he’s available.”

  Cooper jumped onto Bethany’s lap as if claiming her as his own and standing guard over her.

  “Cooper adores you,” Tanya said.

  “I rescued him, so we have a special bond. But he’s Ty’s dog.”

  “So I hear. I also understand you are really Bethany Joelle, and my son has taken a shine to you.” The woman winked at her.

  Bethany stuttered, not knowing how to respond. “He…he told you?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. I think it’s funny that you fooled him for so long. He still can’t believe you managed that. You definitely got his attention. A woman who can fix cars? However did you learn that?”

  “My foster father was a mechanic and taught me. It was the best foster home I’d ever been in. I learned to like cars. Easier to figure out than people most times.”

  “Safer too, I suspect.”

  B.J. nodded. “All Titus has told me is that you were a single mom and raised him alone.”

  Tanya nodded. “I did. I’m so proud of the man he’s grown to be. So very different from his father.”

  “Do you live or work around here?”

  “I’m a stewardess for an airline. I’m often jet-setting about. I used to work at General Mitchell field on the ground but once Titus left home, I took to the skies and enjoy the adventure.”

  “I’ve never flown in a plane.”