Quinn shifted beside her. “I thought we were going to talk about it.”
“No need to talk.” She folded the form and slipped it in her purse. “How long will it take to repair?”
Randy glanced at the calendar and then through the garage door as if sizing up the jobs they had. “Maybe three days. Two if we’re lucky. If you want, you can bring it in Monday. But you’ll need to call your insurance company because they may want you to get another estimate.”
Her head jerked toward Quinn and then back to Randy. “Why?”
“It’s policy. And if you need a loaner car, I’ll call you when one’s available. I only have three.”
Her downcast look constricted Quinn’s chest. “Give us a minute.” He linked his arm in Ava’s and pulled her across the room. “I accepted the blame for this, and I want to pay for the damage. Let me see the estimate.”
“It’s too much.” She didn’t budge.
“Please, let me decide.”
She inched her hand into her purse and pulled out the yellow paper. He opened it and shook his head. The amount meant nothing to him and so much to her and it would affect her insurance rates. “I’ll cover this. And forget the insurance company. You don’t need the hassle.”
Confusion churned in her face. “But why? It’s too much money. Why would you do this for me?”
He held the estimate firmly in his grip and searched her face. “Because I can.”
Her cheek quivered as tears brimmed her eyes. “I don’t accept charity. I told you that, but for some reason, I think this is as important to you as it is to me. So thank you.”
Quinn stepped backward, stunned by her awareness. She had read his heart, and it frightened him. Where was he being led and by whom?
Chapter Two
Lexie came through the doorway into the meeting room of Parents of Special Kids at the Royal Oak Senior Center and strode to where Ava was sitting. “You’re here. Where’s your car?”
Ava shifted her eyes to see if others heard. “I have a loaner.”
Lexie sank into the seat beside her. “What happened to your car?”
“I had a little accident.”
Lexie eyes widened. “Were you hurt?”
Today Lexie asked probing questions, and it made Ava understand how irritating that could be. She didn’t want to talk about her dumb accident. “No. I’m fine.” She thought of Lexie’s son and grasped the opportunity to change the subject. “How’s Cooper?”
“He’s doing well. We’re so grateful.” Lexie gestured toward the parking lot. “So give me details.”
Ava gave up. “It was stupid. I was leaving the hardware store, and as I was backing up, we hit each other.”
“You backed into a car?” A grin washed away her concern.
Her voice reverberated through the room, and Ava was grateful only a few people overheard. She glanced toward the small group of women. “It was nothing.” She waved her right hand and chuckled.
They studied her a moment and then continued their conversation. Keeping her voice soft, Ava told Lexie what happened. Why let everyone else know she’d been careless?
“Was it a guy?”
His image appeared in her mind as a stream of air huffed through her nose. “Quinn O’Neill.”
Lexie drew back. “I know him.”
“He told me, and to set the record straight, he backed into me.”
She eased forward. “Really.”
Ava provided her with all the details except that he paid for her repairs. That upset her even more as she thought about it. Lexie’s “you backed into a car?” comment made an impact. Her car had hit the side of Quinn’s SUV, not the other way around, and she’d let him pay for her damages. More than a thousand dollars. She shouldn’t have allowed him to pay. She hadn’t even offered him a proper thank-you, and now she felt beholden. She pictured his telephone number still on the back of the hardware receipt where he’d jotted it down.
Lexie eased back when she’d finished. “I’m surprised he knew our names. Quinn sort of sticks to himself. I only know his name, because he helped with some computer issues, and I happened to be in the church office that day working on a mailing. We were introduced.”
“You think he’s unsociable?” Ava hadn’t picked up on that. She’d deducted he wouldn’t accept no for an answer.
“Not unsociable really, but on Sunday he’s in and out of church. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him stay for coffee hour after the service.”
“With me, he was quiet but very kind.” And had piqued her interest whether she liked it or not.
“Time to begin.” Shirley Jackmeyer’s voice rose above the hum of private conversations.
Ava leaned against the chair, relieved that she didn’t have to continue the conversation. She hadn’t stopped thinking of Quinn since she’d said goodbye at the body shop. Was it his generosity? Or was it unanswered questions? Warmth spread through her as the truth became clear. An unexpected attraction had drawn her to the man, but a man would only complicate her life. Even a friendship wouldn’t work.
The chair rattled, drawing her back from her thoughts. Kelsey and Ross Salburg slipped into the chairs beside her. Ava gave them a smile, still amazed to see that a number of faithful men had joined the organization after the women voted to become POSK, a parents’ organization. Ross had initiated the change with his desire to be part of the support group.
“Today before we do our sharing, Ross Salburg would like to say a word.” Shirley beckoned to him.
Ross rose and strode to the front. As always, his smile brightened the room. “Ethan Fox couldn’t be here today, and his wife, Lexie—” he swung his arm toward her “—suggested I deliver his news about the Dreams Come True Foundation. So here I am.”
Titters scattered the room.
“Ethan and I were talking about our kids. All of them doing well, by the way.” Rousing applause halted his presentation. “Thanks.” He gave a nod. “Anyway, Ethan asked me to remind you of the opportunity you have to bring one of your children’s wishes to life at no cost to you. Our kids have suffered with their illnesses a long time, and this organization offers them a very special experience. A dream trip for the whole family. Meeting one of your child’s favorite heroes. Even something as simple as spending the day with a fireman and riding in the fire truck. The anonymous donor of these funds recently added a healthy contribution so we want to let others in the community know about this great opportunity. Please spread the word. This fund is available to the special kids in all of South Oakland County.”
“Ross?”
