just a click in the dash key to crank is generally a bad starter.
and as far as jumping the starter, she does not need to hold it to crank, key to run, jump it and it should fire up.
i would grab a simple test light, hold it on the little stud with the purple trigger wire on it, then have the gf turn to crank, test light should light up. if it does the starter is at fault.
if no power when the key is turned it could a ignition harness. any other things acting up? parking lights? heater fan speeds all work?
