Work Text:
Just my luck.
Caline Bustier had an important exam in almost two hours, and her car had broken down on the way to campus. Going through her finances on her phone, she resigned herself to getting her car towed and missing her exam before looking up a towing company that operated in Paris.
“You’ve reached the number for Portman Towing & Mechanics,” a woman’s voice greeted. “We haven't opened yet, but I’m on my way to the shop. How can I help you?”
“Hi,” Caline greeted, anxiously. This was the first time this had happened to her, and she was stricken with worry. “My car broke down, and I need to get towed… and to get my car fixed.”
“I can pick you and your car up-” Suddenly, the woman on the other end went silent. “Huh… either it’s gonna be a busier day, or I think I see you. You the pretty redhead a few blocks off Diderot?”
“Yes…? Er, how did you know that… and did you call me-”
“Because I almost just passed you,” a familiar voice called - and not from the phone to her ear.
Caline didn’t even have the time to register that her savior had called her pretty before the sound of a horn directed her to a gorgeous woman with dreadlocks pulling up in a tow-truck. “Name’s Gisèle. Sorry to hang up on you.”
“O-Oh, I see now!” Caline gasped. “Caline. Is there any way I can help you load the car up?”
“Not really,” Gisèle answered, giving her a dazzling, confident smile. “But if there’s anything you need out of your car, you should grab it first.”
Caline got right to it.
“It’ll take a bit for us to repair your car,” Gisèle reported after taking Caline and her car to their workshop. “Just the effects of age - you don’t need a new one right now, but maybe soon.”
“I understand…” Caline sighed. “Just my luck - I need a new car soon and to attend my exam today. Now I can’t do either…”
Gisèle hummed in thought. “Would your professor understand if you told him your car broke down?”
“Yes, I think so.”
Gisèle flashed her keys. “Is it too late?”
“Not unless you can get me there in an hour.”
“Child’s play! Consider it done,” Gisèle responded. “I’ll wait for you to finish at the parking lot, so long as you’re comfortable with it. No extra charge - I’d just hate for you to lose out. Education is… should be important.”
“Absolutely,” Caline agreed. “That’s why I’m studying to be a teacher… oh, where are my manners? Thank you so much!”
“Any time,” Gisèle assured her. “Well, almost any time. I have to sleep.”
Caline laughed, and the two rushed out to Gisèle’s truck. She made it with enough time to finish the exam, passing it with flying colors. Caline would make sure to pay Gisèle back by treating her to a meal…
… which was not a first date, thank you very much.