“Don't worry. I can fix it.” Owen said. “I assume you have a spare?”
“First of all I know how to change a tire, and of course I have a spare. A. Single. Spare. We have two bad tires!”
“Alright, we'll call for a tow then.” He suggested.
I threw my hands up in defeat before walking around to the driver's side, and getting back inside. I grabbed my phone from the space I kept it on the dash, and did a quick search for tow companies nearby. I called the first one that popped up, and waited as Morgan and Owen carried on a heated discussion outside.
They were probably blaming each other. The truth was, I wasn't angry at them for having fun. I was angry at myself for not paying attention. If I hadn't been so in my head the duration of this trip I would have noticed a pile of nails on the side of the road. I had been letting everything get to me, and the only time I truly felt relaxed was on the back of Owen's bike.
After hanging up with the tow company I laid back against the head rest, and closed my eyes. I let myself drift back to that day, and how free I felt when the wind was pushing against me. This trip was supposed to relax me. To help me move on, and start over. So why did I keep going backwards? Why did I continue to think about Derek, and why did it bother me so much that Owen wouldn't sleep with me? It shouldn't matter. None of it should. I should be focusing on myself instead of the men in, or out of my life.
The back door opened, and then the passenger as Owen, and Morgan finally joined me.
“We're sorry.” Morgan said.
“Yeah. We were just trying to have a little fun, we weren't thinking-”
“It's fine.” I sighed, interrupting him. “I may have over reacted just a little bit. The tow truck's on it's way.”
“Maybe they can give us a ride to a hotel?” Morgan asked.
“We're still an hour from Maryland.” I sighed.
“How long does it take to fix tires anyway?”
“You know.. I could just hitch a ride to an auto store, and grab some plugs.” Owen said.
“And how do you plan on putting air in the tires? With your mouth?” I asked.
“Damn, Unicorn. Again with the feisty-ness.”
“OK. I have to know.” Morgan said, turning to face him. “What's with the nickname?”
“She's special.” Owen said, as if it were the only explanation.
“Everyone's special.” Morgan said, with annoyance. “Tell me why?”
“I don't think I need to tell anyone other than Ronnie.” He answered, with the same annoyance.
I rolled my eyes. “Can you two just get along please? We have an hour's wait for the tow truck, and I'd rather not spend it listening to the two of you bicker.”
“Fine. I'm going to step outside to make a phone call then.” Morgan said, grabbing her phone from her bag before climbing out of the truck.
I watched as she walked out into the grassy field beside the freeway, adjusting her sunglasses before bringing her phone to her ear. Owen took the opportunity to climb into the front seat then, and slip in beside me. He smiled, as he turned to face me.
“Alone at last.” He winked.
“Did you plan this?” I asked, as I turned to face him as well.
He laughed. “Of course I did. I tossed the nails out the window just ahead of us too.”
“Sarcasm is rarely funny.”
“It's the only language I'm fluent in.”
“Of course it is.”
“I really am sorry, you know.” He said, switching gears.
“I know. I guess I just envisioned this entire trip going differently.”
“How so?”
“I just want a fresh start. Get to New York, get into the space for Sew New, and finally start my life. I only agreed to this state to state trip because Morgan thought it would be good for me.”
“And you don't think it has been?”
I shrugged. “Despite the fact that you annoy, and frustrate me to no end. I am glad that I met you.”
“That's because I'm so charming.”
“Did I mention infuriating?”
“Why?” He asked, raising a brow. “Why am I so infuriating?”
“I can't figure you out.” I admitted. “First I feel like you're interested in me, and then I wonder if it was all in my head.”
He moved a little closer, sliding across the bench seat.
“I'm very interested, Unicorn.”
“Then why are you so hot, and cold?”
“It's been a long time since I was with someone, and I like you. I guess I just don't want to blow it by sleeping with you too soon.”
“But, you told me that you could only give me sex? What's changed?”
“For the first time since losing my wife, I feel like I could want something more, and that scares the hell out of me.”
“Your- your wife?” I stammered.
“Good news!” Morgan said, as she nearly ripped the passenger door open. “The tow truck's here early!”
As always, Morgan's timing was impeccable. I nearly screamed in frustration. We were finally getting somewhere. Owen was ready to open up, and I was this close to cracking his rough exterior. She gave me a questioning look then.
“Am I interrupting something?” She asked.
“No.” I said, with evident disappointment. “Let's just get our stuff together.”
“OK.” She said cheerfully before grabbing her purse from the dash, and making her way towards the tow truck driver.
I watched as she batted her lashes, and touched his arm in a flirtatious manor. Of course she'd use her feminine wiles to get some kind of deal. Owen chose then to exit the truck so that he could grab his guitar, and bag from the back.
“Do you need anything?” He asked, as I came to join him.
“Just the small bag.”
He grabbed my bag for me, and one of Morgan's before shutting the tailgate. A few seconds later Morgan came by, and told us that the driver agreed to drop us
