past and a pile of baggage?
I tackle the restroom next and don’t leave until it fucking sparkles. Anything to take me away from being in the lobby right now. When it’s lunchtime, I put away the supplies, then let Gemma know I’m going on my break. She tells me I have an hour, which is plenty of time to rinse off the sweat at home and change clothes. I’ll have to hurry so I have time to grab something to eat before I have to return.
After I quickly clean up, I stop by the pub and grab a cheeseburger since it’s on the way to the garage. After I scarf down my food in four big bites, I rush back. When I walk in, Gemma ignores my existence like I’m an annoying mosquito. Avoiding me is for the best, or at least that’s what I tell myself so we don’t get too friendly. It won’t give those old feelings the opportunity to return. Her future path is set, and I’ll be damned if I ruin that or give her fiancé any reason to be jealous, so staying away is for the best.
Going out to the shop, I find Jerry happily sipping on a milkshake. There’s an old malt shop on the corner of Main where all the older people like to visit. I totally forgot about that place until just now.
“Ready to get started?” he asks.
I nod. “Sure am.”
He takes me over to the lift where a car is already in the air. “This one needs an oil change and tire rotation.” He peeks his head out the door where the small side parking lot is full. “And so do those six. I’ll be workin’ on these Jeep engines for the rest of the week, so if you can take care of all the service items, that’d help me out a ton.”
“No problem. Sounds easy enough,” I answer confidently.
“Good, but if you have any issues or questions, just ask.”
“Will do.” Though it’s bitch work, I don’t mind. I’m happy to do it. As I grab the tools and filters I’ll need, Jerry calls my name.
“Yeah?” I spin around and face him.
“Good job with the windows. I can actually see my reflection in them now,” he tells me with a belly laugh.
“Thank you, sir.” I smile, then continue.
For the rest of the day, I spend my time carefully changing out oil filters and tightening and loosening bolts and lug nuts. When I finish each car and truck, I give Gemma the keys after I’ve parked them out front for pick up. Reid’s Garage is the only place in town that services vehicles and has been for twenty years. People refuse to drive over and support the chain stores. It’s another reason Everleigh’s boutique has done so well. The citizens shop local as much as possible.
By closing time, I’m exhausted. My arms are sore from moving heavy tires around, and my clothes are drenched with sweat and grease. While there’s a big box fan and all the doors were open, the humidity is still torturous.
I go inside after finishing the oil change on the last car for the day, walk past Gemma at the counter, and grab some water from the dispenser. Just as Gemma goes to lock the door, an older clean-cut man walks in carrying an oversized bouquet of pink and white roses.
Instantly, I know exactly who he is.
The way he carries himself tells me he thinks he’s hot shit. It’s almost comical how smug he looks, but I keep my opinions to myself. I would’ve never pictured Gemma with someone like him, and I’m curious what she actually sees in him.
I shouldn’t watch them, but I can’t help it. I notice the surprised look on Gemma’s face as he hands her the flowers, and she sheepishly grins with a quiet, “Thank you.” Mr. Egomaniac places his arm around her and pulls her in for a kiss. While she returns the affection, her shoulders squeeze together before she pulls away. It’s so obvious he’s trying to show off for whatever reason. Instead of witnessing their public display of affection, I turn my back to them and drink my water.
“What’s the special occasion?” Gemma asks.
“I’m taking you to a fancy lobster dinner at Cajun Seafood tonight.”
“Really?” Her voice goes up a notch.
“I’m meeting a client and would love to introduce him to my future wife,” he explains. And there it is...butter her up with flowers and the mention of a nice