Page 18 of Vex

“That’s what I told her too,” Trigger adds with a grin aimed at Tessie. “Girl’s a fast learner and a hard worker. She’s welcome to come here anytime she wants.”

“Sounds like you’ve got yourself a great mentor, Tessie. If it’s got a motor, Trigger can fix it. I’d take advantage of that offer. Is working on cars something you want to do for a living?” I ask her. I’m curious about all things Taja and that includes her sister. Taja’s tight-lipped when it comes to talking about herself and her life, and I still know very little about her.

“Mom and Taja have always wanted me to go to college and get a degree. Taja’s worked a lot of extra hours to put money away for my college education. But that’s never been my dream. I want to go to a trade school instead. I want to be a mechanic. I love working with my hands and fixing things. But I don’t want to disappoint Taja after all she’s done,” Tessie quietly tells us.

It’s obvious she’s torn between following her dream and the fear of disappointing her family. That’s a lot of weight for a young person to carry. I know exactly how she feels due to my own family issues. Family expectations can easily break family connections. I don’t want that for Tessie and Taja.

“Does Taja know this? Have you told her what you want?” I ask carefully.

“No, not exactly. Not in so many words. She knows I love fixing cars, but I’ve been afraid to tell her I don’t want to go to college. I just wish she’d use my college fund for her own education. She quit after Mom died, and she’s so close to graduating.”

“Sorry about your mom, Tessie. When did she pass?” Trigger softly asks.

“Late winter. Cancer. She fought hard for a long time, right up to the end. Now it’s just Taja and me.”

Tessie’s eyes are a little wet and a lot sad, but she’s holding herself together in a manner way beyond her years. I look closely at her and see a strength I’m sure she inherited from her mother.

“Damn, Tessie. I’m so sorry about your mom,” I tell her sincerely.

“Yeah, me too. Thanks, though. She was the best mom ever. We miss her every day. It sucks.”

“Where’s your dad? Is he in the picture?” questions Trigger.

“No, he’s not. Best thing he ever did was leave us. I just hope he stays gone,” Tessie spits angrily.

“You said Taja quit college when your mom died. Why?” I ask.

“Money. She only has a semester left. That’s why I wish she’d use my college fund and finish up her degree. But she’s stubborn and said she’d finish up later when we can afford it. She’s going to become a nurse, maybe a doctor someday. She took great care of Mom. She loves nursing and the whole medical field. She’s always been a straight A student. She’s super smart and she loves school.”

Pride glows on her face and in her voice. The sisters are close, and it’s obvious. I feel a tug low in my gut, but I ignore it. That’s one of my skills—ignoring things.

“You need to talk with your sister, Tessie. I’m sure she only wants the best for you, and that includes you being happy. If she knows you’re serious about a trade school instead of college, maybe you can convince her to finish up her degree. She’d be in a better position financially to help you with trade schools,” I tell her.

“Yeah, I know I should. But she’s done so much for me and so little for herself. I don’t want to let her down.”

“Here’s a thought. You like working here, I like having someone to teach. Would your sister be okay with you coming here a few hours each week to learn the trade? That way, you’d know by the time you graduate if you really want to go to a trade school or not. I’m sure I can talk the club into paying you a small wage to help out around here. That money could be put away toward your trade school. Is that something you and her would be okay trying?” Trigger offers.

“Oh my God! Are you serious? I’d love that! Holy crap, that’d be perfect! Well, perfect if I can talk Taja into letting me do that. Are you sure you want to do that? I don’t know much, but I’ll work hard,” Tessie exclaims.

The look on her face when Trigger made his offer was worth more than any work she ever accomplishes. I’m watching Trigger’s face and note that it softened immediately when Tessie’s lit up. I’m sure mine’s looking similar to his. I’ve never felt the urge to hug Trigger before, but he’s close to getting one right now.

“I offered and I meant it. I’ll speak with Petey and Gunner today about it. What would keep your sister from agreeing to this? What’re her concerns?” Trigger asks.

“Safety. She always worries about where I am and who I’m around. And she’ll worry about me doing this and keeping my grades up,” Tessie responds.

“Then maybe she’ll feel better if Vex and Freddy speak with her about your safety here and how serious we’d take it. And she should meet me and Petey. She’s met Chubs, and they don’t get any better than him. You go home today and talk with her. If she’s agreeable, she’s welcome to come here and meet the rest of us. That work for you?”

“Yeah, that’d make her feel better, I think. As long as she knows I’m safe, she’ll probably agree. Oh my God, I can’t wait to talk to her!” Tessie shouts the last part.

Trigger and I both grin at her enthusiasm. I hold out my fist, and she bumps hers against it with a blinding smile.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

Pulling into Taja’s driveway, I watch as she approaches the bike. She’s in her work uniform and carrying a huge ass purse. You could hide a small child in that thing. She stops next to the bike, eyes still not meeting mine, and stows the purse in the saddlebag before settling in behind me. I turn my head so I can see her and the small smile gracing her face.

“Kiss.”

Taja leans closer to my face and asks, “What?” over the rumbling of my bike.

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