The Empty Desk Read Online Free PDF Page B

conversation.
    â€œLet me know how it goes, will you?” Melinda said as they walked toward the shop. Delia had been quiet for the rest of the trip once she’d heard about what Jez had said, but Melinda had no idea if that was because she was worried about the car or about the way that Jez might have felt about her.
    â€œOf course. As long as you tell me if Jez comes to see you again. I’d really like to know what he’s worried about.”
    â€œI will,” Melinda said as she found the right key on her ring and headed toward the door. “And let me know if you need a ride home.”

Chapter Eight
    â€œI don’t believe it!” Delia said as she barged into the antique shop a little before lunchtime. “Not only haven’t they fixed my car yet—they still don’t even know what’s wrong with it. They say the computer can’t diagnose the problem. I don’t remember Jez ever needing to use a computer to work out what the problem was with any car. They’ve had it for nearly three days, and they have no more idea of what’s wrong with it now than they did when I took it in. And that loaner was no better. They don’t know how long it will take them to fix that either, and it’s the only one they’ve got. I’m in a good mind to take it somewhere else!”
    â€œDelia?” Melinda said when her friend finally stopped to draw breath. She had never seen her in quite such a state but clearly she was completely wired about the problem with her car. She was about to let out another rant, but Melinda raised a hand to stop her. “Slow down and take a deep breath,” she said. “Whatever it is, it’s not worth making yourself ill.”
    â€œBreath? I haven’t got time to take a breath. I really am so angry, Melinda. And you know what makes it worse? They’re closing up early for the weekend, so there’s nothing they can do until Monday! They haven’t even got another loaner they can let me have until then.”
    She dropped down into a red plastic egg-shaped chair from the 1960s. She didn’t look particularly comfortable in it, but she didn’t make any attempt to move. Melinda was not sure that she would be able to get out of it without help, even if she tried.
    â€œIs it the end of the world?” Melinda asked. “Can’t you manage without the car for a couple of days? I’ll take you home when you’re finished for the day, and I’ll do the same tomorrow if you’re planning on opening up. I’m sure that Ned will pick you up on Sunday if he’s coming. He is coming, isn’t he? If not, I’ll get Jim to pick you up.”
    Delia let out the breath she had been holding, sinking deeper into the chair. She then tried to sit up but was fixed into place for the moment. She really was going to need a hand to get out of there. The situation made the anger drift away, replaced with first a smirk, then a smile, and finally uncontrollable laughter as she realized what she had done. She tried to wriggle out of the chair but there was no getting out of it. She almost managed to get to her feet, but the chair started to rise with her.
    â€œHow about a hand?” She laughed, reaching out. Melinda stepped from behind the counter and helped her out of her predicament.
    â€œMr. Lowe said that his son doesn’t know how to deal with a car if he doesn’t have a computer to tell him what to do. I think that might be the problem.”
    â€œYou’ve seen him again?” she asked. “Why didn’t you let me know?”
    â€œNo.” She shook her head. “He said it the other day, but I’d forgotten.”
    â€œAnything else you’ve forgotten to tell me?”
    â€œNo. That’s it,” Melinda said.
    â€œHe doesn’t seem to be giving a lot away, does he?” Delia said. “It makes you wonder what he’s hanging around