#bergen_county

Adam's phone bleeps!
TXT: Hey babe! How's it going? It's been A DAY over here and I have news! Wanna meet up? How did your talk go with the rents?

TXT: Yeah! Want me to come over, or call?

(BRB)

TXT: come on by

He grooms, dresses, and tumbles down the stairs and out the door. "Gottagohomelaterthanks!!"

Adam drives over to the Wayburton's hops out, trots up to the door and knocks, then steps back so people who may be watching see social distancing.

Zane opens the door "Dude?"

"Hey hi." Adam grins, moving a little closer. "Piper called me, asked me to come over."

"Yeah, sure... come on in" he says less enthused

"Thanks...." he steps in "You ok?"

"Bit bummed about something.. it'll pass" he says

Adam pauses. "Naw, Dude.... what is it? Maya? The, heh, beaver girl?"

"just.. missed an opportunity and I'm a bit bitter envious. Dont' sweat it." he forces a smile on his face "how are you?"

"Dude, come on.... if I can help I will." He looks genuinely concerned.

Zane's smile turns more genuine "thanks. Look... I suspect, when you talk to Piper, she's going to give some great news about something good that happened for her. You support her and cheer her on and don't tell her about my funk. got it?"

"Well... yeah. Sure." Puzzled.

"That's good enough. Thanks"

"Okay....." reluctant and dubious, but he nods, letting it go.

"Oh, is that Adam?" Marsha Wayburton asks

"Yes, Mrs. Wayburton. Hi."

"Hey you, you want something to drink? I got soda, juice, tea.. or heck, ice water" She offers

"Oh, uh, that's nice of you Mrs. Wayburton. A soda would be good, thanks."

"Sure thing, we got Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Sprite and. oh, Root Beer"

It's insidious!

"Pepsi?"

"Sure" And she brings him a nice cold can. "There you go."

"Thank you, Mrs. Wayburton." He pops it open and takes a swig. "Everything ok here? You guys need anything?"

"Oh we're fine, I think Piper and Zane are both a little stir crazy.. and I do miss my yoga class" She sighs "But we'll get by. You?"

"Same." with a cocky grin.

"Well, I hear good things about that car ride business of yours" She says

"I'm doin' ok!" Sip "I'd kinda laid off it for a while but I'm back strong. Trying to spend at least two or three hours a day looking for fares."

"I may have a job for you later this week" she admits "not sure yet so if I snooze I loose I know."

"Aw, no, Mrs. Wayburton. You call me, I'll come get you. If I'm on a call, I'll let you know and come straight after."

"Oh that's sweet, thanks" She smiles

"You know mom, if I had a car.. I could help him out" Zane says

The mortal boy grins at his buddy.

"Now , Zane. The best car we have is going into the shop" His mom says

He sighs "Right right"

"Just a tune-up, I hope?"

"That's what we'll find out " she says

Adam nods, sips. "Well like I said, if anyone needs a lift, let me know. Off the books, no charge; friends help each other."

"Now that's silly. Death before dishonor, repay all debts. We're a Seelie house here.. most of the time" SHe admits

"Most of the time" Zane says

A shrug. "Whatever. Just sayin'."

"You're kind" she smlies

"Mrs. Wayburton, you guys have already helped me out, like, a TON. A couple of rides or whatever is the least I can do."

"We'll see... " She calls up "Piper? I think you have a gentleman caller"

His eyes spark at this.

“Cooooooom-ing!” Her voice calls out, and then she rattled down the stairs. She has a messy sheaf of loose leaf pages that show tablature doodles in the margins, and clipped together with a chewed-cap pen. “Fav Uncle? Here’s my notes for that essay.” And she abandons them on a coffee table to bounce over and give Adam a smooch on the cheek. “Adam helped me with the idea.”

THe professor takes them "I see. Well, thank you, Adam"