Author's Note: This story was edited by Tim413413. His work was embarrassingly difficult. I actually think he spent more time on this than I did. Thank you sir!
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Packing up children was another new experience for Jayden. They were so small and had only been up for a few hours, but had generated mountains that needed repacking. The smaller they were, the more work they created. Jayden was ready in five minutes. Xavier took twenty. The inverse relationship amazed Jayden. Marissa took it in stride and packed them away in reverse age order. Her hardest task was making sure the older boys didn't start unpacking again.
It was 8:30 before they were finally exiting the room. Marissa was thinking that Jayden really helped speed things up. Jayden couldn't imagine the departure being any slower. He saw how much slower it could go when they finally exited the hotel.
Jayden stood before his car and thought back to what he had told Kyle. Kyle was not supposed to go near Marissa or Jayden again. Jayden did not specifically tell Kyle not to knife his car's tires. Jayden dropped the bags he was carrying and burst out laughing. Marissa was in shock and slightly afraid that Jayden would cut his losses and leave her at the curb. She didn't find anything funny about the situation.
"I'm so sorry, Jayden," Marissa said as she checked the other side of the car. "I can't believe he did this."
Jayden met her on the other side and verified that Kyle had gotten all four tires. "It's not your fault," Jayden said, still chuckling. He couldn't believe he didn't follow Kyle out last night. Kyle's ego just wouldn't let him pass up the opportunity to even the score. "Well, we have tires to fix. I'll see if anyone at the front desk knows where to go," Jayden stated, heading to the office with Sebastian and Tristan in tow.
Marissa created a seat out of a suitcase and waited with Xavier. She had begun to think things were getting better. She chastised herself for getting her hopes up so high. Problems always slammed her back to earth. This was just another lesson to help her harden her heart. Some people were just not allowed to be happy. Marissa was one of them and she needed to learn to live with it.
Jayden returned with the boys about twenty minutes later. "A Doug Molson is coming with a flat bed," Jayson said and sat down next to Marissa on another suitcase. "He owns a tire shop not far from here. It took a while to find him since he's normally closed on Sunday," Jayson continued as the boys began balancing on the parking block next to the car. "One of the clerks is related somehow. Says he's a straight shooter and works quickly."
"I've really screwed up your day," Marissa said, resigned to sadness. Jayden pulled her head to his shoulder.
"I don't regret any of it," Jayden whispered in her ear. "Parts of it were pretty wonderful." He chuckled, "I have to remember to thank Kyle next time I see him." Marissa gave him half a smile, not really seeing how he could ignore all the problems. She knew he secretly couldn't wait to be rid of her and her kids.
<<<<<>>>>>
A large red twin cab flatbed truck pulled into the lot. Molson Tire and Auto was emblazoned on the side. The operator rolled down the window and inquired, "You Jayden?" Jayden nodded and gave him a little wave. The door opened and a young lanky guy with dusty brown hair and a big smile dismounted. His overalls looked like they had seen better days, but he looked clean cut. He boldly held his hand out to Hayden and proclaimed, "Doug Molson." Jayden took his hand and felt the confidence behind it. "Looks like you made an enemy," Doug said, looking at the four flats on Jayden's car.
"I was hoping you could fix them today or tow us to someone who can," Jayden said, a little concerned about Molson being closed on Sunday.
"I'm sure I can get you back on the road in a couple of hours," Doug said as he was looking for the best way to align his truck. "Between you and me, I can use the money," he smiled at the statement like it was a private joke. "You can ride with me and leave from my shop," Doug said as he headed back to the cab. Doug thought he had enough room to back up to the car and draw it up without having to reposition the car.
"Doug, I have mother and three kids with me," Jayden stated, pointing at Marissa and the pile of suitcases off to the side. Doug turned and stared at Marissa and the confidence seemed to leave his face.
"Ah..well..ah," Doug practically stuttered then looked at Jayden. "Load the suitcases in the car." His confidence returned. "The cab has a back seat so everyone will fit. I'll align the truck and we'll pull it up." He continued to the cab.
Jayden moved toward Marissa to begin loading the suitcases. "You know him?" he queried as he grabbed the first one and popped the trunk.
"No, never seen him before," Marissa responded. She was also a little concerned about Doug's reaction to her. The two boys began grabbing the smaller suitcases and pulling them toward Jayden. He waited patiently for the boys to struggle the suitcases closer and loaded them with a smile. Marissa wondered how he got them to work without saying a word. One of the suitcases wasn't going to fit and ended up in the back seat.
Doug had the car secured on the flatbed in another five minutes. He was obviously very practiced at the art of towing. There didn't seem to be any wasted movement in the whole process. Jayden liked the efficiency and was more confident in his decision to let the clerk call a relative.
Doug moved to the cab and opened the back door. He looked at Tristan and Sebastian. "Think you guys can climb this high?" He smiled at the boys, making it sound like an adventure. Both of them came running and began the short climb one by one. Doug's hand, unseen by the boys, was secretly placed behind their backs in case they fell. Luckily it wasn't necessary.
Marissa followed the boys to the cab with Xavier in her arms. Doug suddenly became uncomfortable trying to help Marissa in the cab. Marissa finally placed Xavier safely on the seat and climbed up without assistance. Doug was staring at the ground as she climbed, his face a bit redder than a moment ago. Marissa thought he was a little weird and raised her guard a bit.
Doug felt like a fool. He had always had trouble talking with women he didn't know. If they were pretty like Marissa, it was doubly difficult. He cursed himself inwardly and tried to concentrate on the job at hand. He needed every job he could get. Doug hated to see someone get his tires slashed, but this was how he earned his living and he wasn't going to pass it up. 'Time and a half,' he thought to himself. It was Sunday and he could certainly use the extra cash. He climbed into the driver's seat and Jayden climbed into the passenger seat.
It was a five minute drive to the three building complex that was Molson Tire and Auto. A glass front on one of the buildings was layered with advertising and was obviously the customer entrance. Off to the side was another building with a connected series of four garage doors. This looked like where the real work was done. Another building in the back had the look of a small warehouse. Surrounding the buildings was a very large tract of vacant land.
