Chapter 36: Mia

"Okay," Dad peeks around the hood of my Jeep, "try starting it again."

I turn the key, but nothing happens. Not even the clicking sound that means the engine is trying to turn over. Dad grumbles before straightening to his full height. I open the door and hop out, coming around to the front.

With our heads bent together, we stare at the engine.

"Any ideas?" I ask, already knowing the answer. Neither one of us understands a damn thing about cars, except how to drive them.

Dad scratches the side of his head, looking perplexed. Ask him anything about the stock market or assets and equity management, and he can give you a dissertation that would bore you to tears.

Ask him about cars, and he's as silent as a church mouse.

"Nope," he says cheerfully, "I got nothing." He puffs out his lips as he continues staring. "I guess the next step is to call the garage and have it towed."

My shoulders collapse. This Jeep is my baby, and I hate being without it. It was a gift for my sixteenth bi