Page 36 of Lost Prince

“Better than this side?” He motions to his groin.

“Yes, well it goes without saying that I like that part. But this lighter side, I like it too. It feels like you’re happier.”

He shrugs. “To be honest, I'm not sure where it’s coming from." He pulls up to the window, paying for our food and handing the warm bags to me. Then we head back the way we came. I’m curious where we’re going, and my unease builds when he pulls back into the drive of the D’Amato home. He drives around toward the back, pulling Lola into a bay of the gargantuan garage.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

As we climb out of the car, he takes the food bags and a large blanket and walks over to me. "Thought I'd make good on my promise to show you how to take care of Lola."

My heart swells at the realization that he'd planned this all along.

“But we need to let Lola cool off for fifteen or twenty minutes, so we’ll eat and then take care of it.”

I’m grinning like a loon again. He holds out his hand, and I take it, letting him lead me out of the garage and to the large garden area behind the house.

“I hope you’re not too cold,” he says as he lays out a blanket and then helps me sit down.

It’s nippier than I'm used to for October, but I don’t feel anything but warm with Lazaro.

“No.”

He sits next to me, leaning in and kissing me before handing me a burger. I can feel my heart tumbling over for this man. I can’t stop myself from hoping that this means something more than just two people who are physically attracted to each other.

The food is delicious, greasy, and satisfying, just as Lazaro promised.

“You know, for your car, you should change your oil every three thousand miles or so. Do you know when you last changed it?”

“Well, I don't think I've ever changed it.”

He laughs. “Good God, woman. It’s a wonder Lola can still go.”

I blush as I pop a fry into my mouth. “Did you learn auto repair while you lived in Indiana?”

His expression turns thoughtful as he glances toward the large garage. “No. It’s the only thing I didn’t forget.”

I study him, thinking how odd that is.

“Turns out I’ve always loved cars and working on them. My father liked cars too, apparently. Hence, the large garage, but Lana told me he added the mechanic area for me.”

I try to imagine a teenage Lazaro bent over the engine of a car. “The brain is an interesting thing.”

“No doubt.” He looks down, and I have a sense that he’s unsettled.

“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Now I’m worried I’ve ruined this lovely dinner.

He shakes his head. “No. I just… what happens when or if I remember?”

I’m not sure what he’s asking.

“Is it bad that a part of me doesn’t want to remember?”

I think about how everyone is so timid around him. That can’t be a nice feeling when the people who work for you are afraid. It sounds like he doesn't want to be that man again.

“The unknown is scary,” I say.

“Yet, you go full on into the unknown each time you pack up and head to a new place.”

“It’s not the same. That’s an adventure. One I choose to go on. And yes, it can be scary too.”

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