Page 1 of Loathe at First Sight

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A Bad Attitude in High Heels

Jack

“Yeah, Jamie, what’s going on?” I ask, answering the phone through the speakers of my tow truck.

“Hey, Jack. Mrs. Nicholson just stopped by and wanted us to replace the cabin filters in her car while we change her oil, but it looks like we are out of them here.”

“Alright. I’m on my way back now. I’ve got to stop and get gas, and then, I’ll hit the auto part store.”

“Thanks, boss. Late.”

I swear I’ll never get used to the younger generation. What is up with hanging up a phone with “late”? Is saying “later” or “bye” really that much harder? At least this time, he didn’t call me “bro”.

Man, I’m starting to sound just like my mom did when I was younger.

I may only be thirty-six, but working with a twenty-three-year-old is a whole new beast. Never in my life do I feel older than when I’m around Jamie.

Despite all of that, though, he’s a good worker. He may not know a ton just yet, but he’s willing to learn, and one day, he will be a damn fine mechanic.

After a few more minutes of driving, I pull into the Quick Stop gas station that sits on the outskirts of town. Lilly Leaf Falls is settled in an area surrounded by mountains, and this is the last gas station before you hit the winding roads that lead you into town.

As I get out of the truck, I spot a little black sports car sitting next to one of the pumps. Noticing a fancy car has nothing to do with the fact that I’m a mechanic. It’s more so the fact that it sticks out like a sore thumb around here.

I figure it must be an out-of-towner. No way does a local drive that car in and out of town on the treacherous mountain roads—especially come winter. Four-wheel drive is almost a necessity around here. Whoever is the driver of that little thing is probably just stopping on their way back to the highway.

I put the truck in park and make my way inside the small convenience store. Before heading to the front counter, I walk to the back cooler, grabbing one of my usual energy drinks.

On my way, I pass a woman who I’m sure must be the owner of the sports car outside. She sticks out almost as much as her vehicle does.

My eyes stare at her long legs that look even longer with the pointy high heels she has on. Her gray pants look as though they are perfectly tailored to her lean frame. Moving further up, I see her white silky shirt that looks just as nice as the pants. Her mane of long, straight, black hair hangs a couple of inches past her shoulders, and her big sunglasses sit on top of her head, pushing the strands out of her face.

I only catch a brief glimpse of her face, but she’s definitely pretty. Her skin is an olive color, and her eyes look like they’re a light brown, but it's hard to tell with the long fake eyelashes. Her features are all sharp from her slightly pointed nose and thin lips to her cut jawline and long neck.

Yeah, she’s a looker. But not my type.

I don’t date city girls.

Anymore…

Been there...done that...and got the really shitty t-shirt.

After grabbing my energy drink, I make one more stop to pick out a pack of gum before getting in line. Just my luck, I’m right behind the out-of-towner.

I try not to stare, but I can’t help but notice how great her ass looks in those pants. They fit her so well that they don’t leave much to the imagination.

When she gets to the counter, she sets down a bottle of water. “Can I also get fifty dollars on pump eight, please?”

Gina, the owner of the gas station, pops her gum as she hits a few buttons on her cash register. “Alright, that will be $52.17 with the water.”

The woman pulls out a credit card and starts to hand it over.

Gina points to a giant sign behind her that reads: CASH ONLY.

“Seriously?” The woman asks. “What kind of store doesn’t take plastic?”

“One that doesn’t want to pay all those crazy fees to the banks.” Another gum pop.

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