“Damn it!”

“Is something wrong?”

I look around to see who asked the question, putting my hand on my forehead and using it as a visor over my eyes, because the sun is blinding me. I had forgotten how bright and hot the Texas sun is. I hear footsteps and finally a woman comes into view. It takes me a minute to place her—but, I finally recognize her as the woman I spoke to about the velvet dress.

“Oh! Hi,” I say, flustered.

“Hi! Can’t believe I ran into you again. It’s a small world!”

“Well Mason is kind of small… Lynn right?”

“Yep and you’re Addie, right?”

“Right,” I laugh.

Lynn looks down at my car and immediately sees why I’m having such a bad day.

“Oh no. What happened?”

“I don’t know. My tire was fine when I went into the store, but I came out and it’s flat as a pancake. I called the garage, but it’s early and they don’t open for another hour. I hate to call Dad, but I guess I’ll have to. I just bought groceries and they’ll ruin if I don’t get them out of the heat.”

“You don’t have a spare?” Lynn asks and this is the part that makes me feel more like a dummy.

“Don’t think less of me, but I doubt I could change a flat if my life depended on it. So much for being an adult and trying to stand on my own two feet. I mean I could try, but I think it might be safer to call the garage.”

“Don’t feel bad. I can’t change them either. What about that guy you said you met? Couldn’t he come help a damsel in distress out?”

“We’re no longer dating,” I announce, hating how the words make me feel. I see the surprise on her face. Why wouldn’t she be? It wasn’t that long ago I was shopping for clothes to impress the asshole.

“I’m sorry. Well, I tell you what. I can’t help with the tire, but I can give you a ride to your house to put your groceries up and then to the garage if you want?”

I look at her. It’s a kind offer. I don’t really know her. I could and probably should call Petal or Ida Sue, but I don’t trust them not to call Black. I don’t want his help. I don’t need him in my life—especially since he doesn’t want to be there.

“I’m safe I promise, I can give you my name and you can google it. No outstanding warrants, no charges for kidnapping and torturing, or even murder,” she jokes and I feel bad that she could see the indecision on my face.

“I’d really like a ride, Lynn.”

“Great! I don’t have any friends here yet and the apartment I thought I had rented was leased out from under me. I’m staying in a hotel and thinking about moving on down the road. I’m not sure Mason is for me.”

“There’s an apartment in my complex for rent. I just moved in actually. Of course, it’s not in the best of neighborhoods. The rent is dirt cheap though.”

“Dirt cheap—you said the magic words!” she laughs. “Here I’ll help you get your groceries loaded in my car. I’m in the black Maxima over there.”

“I’m so glad you came by when you did,” I tell her, grabbing a couple of the bags with her and walking to her car.

“I like moving around early. It’s the best part of the day,” Lynn answers.

“I’m the same way,” I laugh.

“See? We’re meant to be friends!”

I smile at Lynn’s words. They’re more than welcomed. I need a friend…one away from Black, especially since he seems to be all I can think about.