Page 85 of Where We Call Home

My mom nodded, her lips curving in a knowing smile. “Do you still feel good about moving in with him? Any regrets?”

I shook my head. No regrets. Sure, the emotions he stirred in me were a little unsettling, but I didn’t feel the urge to run like I used to.

Rhodes was like comfort, and I was drawn to it in a way I hadn’t been before.

“I’m happy.”

“That’s all I ever wanted for you,” she said softly. “Your dad would’ve wanted it, too.”

Dammit. Hearing her mention my dad stirred up a flood of emotions. I’d been working through so much already—figuring out how I felt about Rhodes had brought up a lot of reflection. Now this? How much could one woman handle?

The tires crunched on the gravel as we pulled into Gus’ shop. My car was parked safely in the garage, the bay door up. Gus knew better than to leave it out in the open—I would’ve given him hell if he had.

I slid out of the passenger seat, my feet dragging as I walked toward the shop door. My mom trailed behind, adjusting her blouse and smoothing her hair. It was cute that she was trying to look put together for the grumpy mechanic inside.

“Gussy!” I called out, using the nickname I’d given him in hopes of getting his attention.

The inside of theRolling Wrenchwas an homage to hold time shops. There were decorations most popular in the 50’s—reds and cream colors decorated the space. The floors were a black and white checkered pattern that held years of scuffs.

I heard a grunt followed by the rolling of an office chair, and then some muttered words, probably Gus grumbling under his breath before he finally emerged.

“Why are you so loud?” Gus appeared, his red beard braided into a single thick plait, his wild mop of red hair tied back into a messy bun. His towering frame filled the space behind the desk, tattoos visible as his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

“Why are you sogrumpy?” I shot back, leaning my forearms casually on the reception desk.

“I was fine until you walked in here,” Gus replied, still rummaging through papers without looking up. I knew he hadn’t looked at me yet because the moment he saw my mom standing there, he’d forget all about being grumpy and turn into the big teddy bear I knew him to be around her.

“Can you believe he talks to me like this, Mom?” I emphasized the last word, just to rile him up. Gus’ head snapped up, his eyes landing on my mom, and he immediately cleared his throat, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. I couldn’t hold back the laugh at his sudden shift in demeanor.

My mom giggled, pushing a few stray hairs behind her ear. “Oh, Sweetie, he’s just kidding.”

What a traitor! I rolled my eyes and stepped aside to let my mom take my place.

Within seconds, she was deep in conversation with Gus, their usual flirty banter flowing effortlessly. I decided to let her have her moment. Pulling out my phone, I started texting Rhodes.

Me: My mom is flirting with Gus

Rhodes: Lol, come on, it’s sweet.

Me: Sweet? Gus is anything but sweet.

Rhodes: From what I hear, he’s sweet to your mom. (;

Me: Stop.

Rhodes: Stop what? I mean, yeah, he is. Didn’t he come by to check on her while you were gone?

Me: That is not what you meant by ‘sweet.’

Rhodes: Dirty, dirty mind, Honey...

I scoffed, locking my phone. Tapping my fingers on the desk, I waited for them to get it out of their system before I butted in.

“Listen, my ankles are killing me, and I have to pee again. Is the car safe to drive or not?”

Gus stopped what he was doing, turning his gaze to me slowly, his expression filled with anger as he growled, “Whoever did the work did a pretty decent job. I guess that means you won’t need me anymore.”

I stepped closer, placing my hand on his, which was resting on the desk.

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