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City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

"That's crazy!"

Ele said, looking at the controller and the car. It didn't look like tat thing would be able to tow an SUV, or would be as expensive or powerful as Tyler was saying. Crossing her arms over her chest, Ele raised an eyebrow at Tyler, Ele smiled a challenge,

"I don't believe you. Prove it!"

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Uncovering her ears when the noise was done, Ele couldn't help but look even more skeptical at the idea of riding the truck. It was big for a remote controlled vehicle, but Ele weighed more that 90 pounds.

"I'm okay, thanks."

She said, then put her hands on her hips and tipped her head to the side in confusion,

"I don't get it, aren't these just the bigger version of those toys you can get? Why are these such a big deal?"

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Watching Tyler with a confused and sceptical expression, Ele backed up when Tyler went to start the car again. Covering her ears more tightly this time, Ele made a face. She wasn't particularly a fan of loud noises, but she kept her mouth closed to watch Tyler.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Okay, Tyler hadn't been kidding. The engine definitely did scream, and Ele winced at the sound, pressing her hands tighter to her ears. When the sound died off, Ele looked at Tyler, still very confused,

"What was the purpose of that?"

She asked, going to stand next to him.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Ele looked at the huge rc truck and raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. Weren't these things just giant toys? Looking at Tyler, Ele couldn't help her expression of disbelief,

"I mean... If you say so..."

She said, raising her hands to cover her ears.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Wanting a distraction, Ele nodded her head. What could be crazy about this little hobby shop? Crossing her arms over her chest, Ele motioned for Tyler to lead the way.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

"If I do become unemployed, I'll hold you to that."

Ele said, standing up and reclaiming her phone. When Tyler spoke, Ele turned back to him and gave him a cheeky smile,

"What felt good? The yelling or the hug?"

She teased, checking her phone one more time then putting it in her back pocket.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

When Tyler came into the office Ele looked up, ready to ask him to leave, but Tyler shocked her into silence. He picked up her phone and silenced her boss by ripping into the man with just as much gusto as what was given. With her mouth hanging open, Ele watched Tyler hang up and kneel in front of her. With his arms around her, Ele realized she had been holding her breath. Breathing in, she let Tyler hug her, returning the comfort with her own hug. After a moment, Ele sat back and put her still shaking hands in her lap,

"I could lose my job for what you just did,"

She told him, her voice soft and quieter than it had been all day,

"But I kind of don't care. Thank you."

She said with a small, uncertain smile.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

In the office, Ele sat in the desk chair and called up her boss who answered on the first ring. The older man's gruff voice made Ele cringe,

"Where the hell have you been Ele? I have a backlog of emails and messages from clients who can't get a hold of you! Explain yourself! Now!"

Ele bit her lip hard and put her elbow on the desk, her head in her hand as he talked, demanding an answer. Taking a deep breath, Ele spoke softly, trying to keep her voice from shaking,

"I was in an accident and had to go to the hospital with a head injury... And the doctor is making me take medical leave."

The voice on the other end of the line was silent, and that made Ele extremely nervous. Swallowing hard, Ele spoke again,

"He should have faxed the order to you, he says I can't work for a minimum of two weeks."

Closing her eyes, Ele bit her lip again and set the phone down on the desk as her boss erupted with anger. She didn't even need to hold the phone to her ear to hear what the man was saying, and Ele tried to shut out the yelling. Yelling did something to her, made something inside of her suck whatever confidence and strength Ele had and reduce the woman to a shaking, weak mess. Even now, Ele could feel her hands shaking, so she clenched her fists and took deep breaths while her boss went on his tirade.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Following Tyler closely, Ele was thankful when they got to the shop. Giving Tyler a grateful look, Ele smiled at him,

"I still don't understand why you're doing all of this for me. You don't even know me, but I just want to say, thank you so much. I'll find a way to make it up to you."

With that, Ele went to the back room and shut the door. Inside, she dialed her boss's number and waited as the line rang.