Good Neighbors

It's not often that my neighbor goes out. That's not to imply that I stalk her or that she's a homebody. It's just we spend so much time together that it's a surprise when she goes out alone. It's normally because she's visiting family or private drives to see her husband's plot. Usually, she let's me know just because she knows I worry a ton. That's what happened this time.

She texted me to let me know she was headed to her sister's house to check on her. This was Monica, the sister that spent a couple weeks with her as she was determining whether to separate from her husband or not. So, she headed down there and spent the day there before it started getting dark. I was in deep with my reports when I heard my cell go off. It was Lauren Daigle's song, one I knew was a favorite. I picked up right away.

"Hi, Beloved."

"Leo, I broke down. Triple A said it would take three hours to get out here. Can you come get me?"

I was already looking for my shoes when she said it. As I headed for the door and grabbed my keys, I kept her on my ear.

"Where are you at?"

"I'm off exit 62. Right next to that high rise we did a while back. My car felt like it was stuttering. I don't know what to do."

"It's okay. I got you. I'm on the road now."

"Okay, Leo. What should I do?"

"Get into your car and lock the door. Stay on the line with me until I get there. Are you cold?"

"I had my jacket. I should be good."

"Okay, I'm going to keep talking to you until I get there. You're gonna be fine, Beloved."

I could feel her smile through the phone. Luckily, the hotel she referred to was only forty-five minutes away. I did my best to take as many opportunities to speed as I could. It was around that time that I saw her stranded from the other side. I took the next exit and went back the other way before I pulled in behind her.

"Okay, Beloved, I am right behind you."

"Okay."

"I'm flashing my lights to prove it."

"I am so glad to see you."

She stepped out of her car and came back to mine and slipped into the passenger seat. She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

"My hero," she said without a drop of sarcasm.

"I'm just glad you're safe. So did Triple A update?"

"They said two more hours, but they have one coming as soon as they could. Can we get some food? I am starving."

I smiled as I went down the road to the next exit where we found a drive through. We went through, ordered some food and headed back to where her car was. I stayed with her until the tow truck came out. As he was looking for where to drop the car off, I paid him out of pocket and gave him the business card of the local mechanic who I wanted to check out the car. Satisfied with the outcome, I drove my neighbor home. I lead her towards her house before she looked up.

"Leo, can I stay at your house tonight?"

"Sure."

I lead her to my house where I worked on getting the heaters working while she went into the kitchen. She opened my liquor cabinet and poured herself a whiskey. Once I had the heaters going, I found a fluffy robe to wrap her up in while we worked on getting her warm. This involved some holding on my part, but I was the perfect gentleman and didn't try to do anything. It was when she was comfy that she looked up at me.

"I'm a lucky girl."

I looked at her and smiled.

"Why do you say that?"

She snuggled in closer.

"Because my master's arms are the most comfy place to relax."

I kissed her forehead. We started talking about her sister and what was going on before we both started getting a bit sleepy. I escorted her to my room before I walked back out and started turning down the thermostat. I walked back in and saw her clothes in a heap on the floor and her body under the blankets with just her face exposed. I smiled a bit before disrobing and slipping in the other side. She turned and looked at me before kissing me.

"Good night, Leo," she said.

"Good night, Beloved," I replied.

We slept soundly that night. I was happy knowing she was safe. We would take care of the car stuff the next day, but for that night the world was perfect.