Dual Purposes
For the last three months, Kevin would arrive 30 minutes before Gwen got off of work. She had gotten her job at the local book shop four months ago, but it was three months ago when she was given the closing shift. Which meant that she had to close shop at 9:00 pm and on a sketchy side of town.
Now, while Kevin may own up to the first purpose of doing this- to make sure Gwen is safe and gets home okay. That alone was something he had no problem admitting to, it was obvious.
Kevin sat in his car and watched through the window as Gwen took inventory and counted her drawer, he looked around outside trying to note any suspicious person around. After scanning and finding no apparent threat Kevin turned on his radio to pass the time.
9:00 came, he saw Gwen locking the front door and turn around to make her way toward his car. He popped the button to unlock the passenger door. She hopped inside, wearing a red collared shirt and khaki pants- her work clothes.
"You know I can always take the bus." She told him, as she told him every time he came and picked her up.
"You know I don't mind giving you ride." He replied. He waited until she 'clicked' her seatbelt in before starting the car.
Kevin also enjoyed spending his time with Gwen, but that's not the other purpose for him picking her up every night after work. Somehow it seemed that Gwen depending on him being there after she got off work, as a source of comfort. While she was able to take care of herself, it wasn't the same as having someone there you know will shield you from harm. To Kevin, it felt like he was needed- as if she couldn't work the late shifts lest he be there to pick her up after. They had gone through this route long enough to feel rooted to it.
Even if later down the road Gwen had gotten a car and could easily driver herself there and back- Kevin would still insist he be the one to drive her to and from work. It wasn't like he was controlling, far from it-- he just loved the feeling of being needed. Not once did he feel Gwen was abusing him with his car and easy access to transportation. Everytime Gwen had called for a ride, it involved him going along with her somewhere.
So driving her to and from work was never a chore, he felt like it solidified their relationship in some form. Her male co-workers would see her being dropped off by him, and he felt that gave an indication that they shouldn't try anything. Perhaps he was looking too much into it. Kevin contemplated this while driving, and as there were never awkward silences with Gwen- only a comfortable quietness as he drove down the road to take Gwen home.