"Reflex?" She nodded, not trusting her voice. The walk to the SUV felt like miles. Each step was an admission of defeat, of needing help, of being exactly as pathetic as she felt. But the alternative was freezing in a bus shelter, and even her pride had limits.
The interior of the vehicle was obscenely warm. Heat blasted from the vents and the seats were leather. Real leather, not the fake stuff. The kids had already buckled themselves in the back row, leaving the middle seat open for her. Lena climbed in, suitcase clutched on her lap, and felt the warmth start to seep into her bones.
It hurt like pins and needles everywhere at once. Adrien got in the driver's seat and glanced at her in the rear view mirror. There's a diner about 10 minutes from here. That work? She couldn't make her voice cooperate, so she just nodded.
The drive was quiet, except for the boys whispering to each other and the sound of the wipers fighting the snow. Lena stared out the window at the streets she didn't recognize, trying to figure out where she was. Somewhere on the north side, past where the buses ran regular routes. No wonder she'd been alone out there. Sophieie shifted in her seat, turning to look at Lena.
What's your name, Sophieie? Adrien said gently. Give her some space. It's okay. Lena's voice came out scratchy.
I'm Lena. That's pretty. Sophieie smiled, missing a front tooth. Are you really going to be okay? The question was so earnest, so genuinely worried that Lena felt tears prick at her eyes.
She blinked them back hard. Yeah. She lied. I'll be fine. Thomas, the older of the two boys, leaned forward.
Dad always helps people. Last month, he stopped to change someone's tire in the rain. Got completely soaked. Thomas. Adrien's voice carried a warning.
What? You did? That's different. How? It just is.
The easy back and forth between them made Lena's chest ache. This was what family sounded like. Comfortable, safe, the kind of thing she'd wanted so desperately with Marcus, but never quite managed to build. The diner appeared out of the snow like a beacon. One of those old-school places with vinyl booths and a neon sign that buzzed.
Adrien parked and killed the engine. Everyone out and used the buddy system. The kids scrambled out with practiced efficiency. Lena moved slower, her body still protesting the cold. Adrien appeared at her door before she could open it herself.
I got it, she said. He backed off immediately. Just trying to help. I know. I'm just She stopped.
What was she? Proud, stupid, terrified that if she accepted too much kindness, she'd completely fall apart. Not used to it. Understanding flickered across his face. Yeah, I get that.
Inside the diner smelled like coffee and fried food and normalcy. A waitress in her 50s looked up from wiping down the counter and did a double take when she saw Adrien. Mr. Cole, didn't expect to see you tonight. Hey, Marie. Table for five.