No Vacancy (The Aveline Series Book 2)

Chapter 22

PENN

I plannedto leave that afternoon, but what Darcy didn’t know was I had every intention of coming back. I was going to run home to grab a few more things, and then as soon as I returned, I would secure a place at Green Gables for another week. I would get the entire town of Aveline excited about the prospect of a new restaurant in town, while I spent time getting involved and meeting the residents. I was going to make friends in Aveline, and that included Darcy, whether she liked it or not.

When I checked out of the inn, Millie was at the counter as she usually was, a smile on her face. “Mr. Murphy, I can’t tell you how happy we are that you chose to stay with us. We hope if you’re ever back in Aveline that you will stay with us again.”

I smiled, nodding, knowing I would be back before she could even book the room again. “Absolutely. The stay was wonderful. You have a beautiful place here.”

“Thank you.” She beamed proudly. “Take care.”

When I got to my car, I placed my bags in the trunk and settled into my front seat. I had just purchased the car from a dealership in the city, and it still had that new car smell to it. Well, new to me, and it was probably the “New Car Smell” pine tree air freshener that still hung in the rearview mirror, but either way, she was a beauty. It was still about five years old, but the leather was pristine, and there were barely any miles on it, and I got one hell of a deal on it. I started the car, listening to the purr of the engine, and headed down Magnolia Street.

I made it to the center of town when I started smelling something that was not in the new car realm. It was more of a burnt scent. I looked around, wondering if someone was cooking outside, hoping that maybe someone’s grill was on fire, but then I saw the smoke coming from the hood of my car.

My brand-new car.

And then it just stopped.

“What the hell?” I cursed, pulling over and hitting my blinkers. I stepped out of the vehicle and smiled at the passersby, waving them off. I sincerely hoped they wouldn’t find it necessary to congregate around me, but I was starting to think everyone in this town felt a need to know everything that was happening.

“It’s probably nothing. It’s fine. I’m good; thank you,” I said as a crowd started forming anyway, despite my attempt at keeping them at bay.

“Looks pretty bad if you ask me,” said one woman.

The man I recognized from the General Store stepped up, wiping his hands on his apron. “Doesn’t look like you’re gonna get too far, Mr. Murphy.”

I lifted the hood, even though I knew nothing about cars, and stood with my arms crossed, staring blankly at the engine.

Someone stood next to me, glaring at the intricate insides along with me. “What’s wrong with it?”

I sighed and ran my hands over my face. This was not a part of the plan. I wanted to stay in Aveline because I chose to, not because my car overheated and died. I at least wanted to go home and grab some more clothes before coming back.

I forced a smile and looked at the townspeople. “Oh, I’m sure it just needs oil or something. It’s nothing to worry about. Thank you all for your concern, though.”

I looked around, wondering if there was a mechanic or a garage somewhere that I could have my car towed to, but I didn’t remember seeing one. I could have it towed to my city, but it’s over four hours away, and it would be more convenient to find a shop closer to Aveline.

“What happened?” a feminine voice called out from across the street, and I looked up. Darcy was walking out of the pet clinic, her lavender scrubs on full display. “What is everyone doing? Why are you all standing around—” She paused when she got closer and caught my eye. “Mr. Murphy, it’s you...again. Why is it always you?” She didn’t wait for me to answer but instead continued. “What seems to be the problem?”

I didn’t want to admit that I had no idea what I was talking about, so I cleared my throat and lowered the hood. I figured if I used even a few car terms, that it would make it seem like I knew more than I did. “It seems to be an oil leak. Maybe the alternator. It’ll be a quick fix, no problem.”

Darcy’s eyebrows raised, and she pulled her lips in, trying not to laugh. “Oh, yeah? An oil leak or the alternator, huh?”

“Yep. Classic signs.” I rocked a little on my feet and began to feel uncomfortable as Darcy started looking around the car. She lifted up the hood again, inspecting it herself. She then peered underneath the car before she stood up and wiped off her hands on her pants. She pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from the top pocket of her scrubs and wrote something down.

“Here,” she said, handing me the paper. “Call Tandy at this number. He’ll tow your car over to his garage. I wouldn’t expect to leave any time soon, though.”

“Why is that?” I looked at the paper: Tandy’s Tow and Repair 847-383-3947.

“Because you’re going to need a new transmission.”