Page 11 of Call it Reckless

“You don’t think he’d be disappointed I gave up the racing world?”

“Honey, he knew as well as anyone that seasons come and go. He’d be the first to understand that you needed something different. He’d be so proud of you for getting back on your feet, literally and figuratively. That’s all he ever wanted for any of you. And well, your grandmother would be tickled pink that you chose to start over here, with family. She wanted you to find roots somewhere, even if it wasn’t in Sterling Mill. But I believe she wanted to give you that chance here. That’s why she left you the house.”

I blinked hard, suddenly feeling overly emotional.

“We’re so glad to have you back, darlin’. We’re here for you in any way you need.”

“Thank you, Mama Rae. I love you.”

“Love you, too. We all do. Now, how ‘bout we go eat? You have a lot to do and need to keep up your energy.” She winked and headed to the heart of the kitchen, grabbing a platter and carrying it to the dining room.

Feeling stronger than I had in months, I grabbed a bowl of sausage gravy and joined the feast.

“You haven’t been out to the garage yet, have you? It looks amazing if I do say so myself, which I am.” Cam smiled innocently at me from across the table after we’d filled our plates and were chowing down on some of the best food I’d eaten in ages.

She’d timed it deliberately. I glared at her as I chewed the forkful of scrambled eggs I’d just taken. Deciding not to take the bait, I took my time chewing and swallowed it down with my mimosa. “Of course not. You wanted me to wait, so I will. I can be patient.”

My timing was just as good. I snickered as Cam and Chase coughed around the food in their mouth. Even Emalee wrinkled her nose with amusement. Mama Rae and Marta closed their eyes and shook their heads.

I batted my lashes and made sure to exaggerate my drawl as I continued. “Well, bless your hearts. What did I say?”

Iain’s eyes darted back and forth among the adults. “What garage?”

His mother explained, “Auntie Bristol and a friend of hers are opening a new business here.”

His forehead puckered. “A garage? Like a place to keep a car? What kind of work is that?”

I chuckled. “Not quite like that. My friend, Paige, and I are opening a shop where you can come in and get your car fixed while you get your hair or nails done. Or you can do one without the other. Auntie Cam is helping to build it.”

“But we already have places like that.”

Oh, how well I knew that. I’d done the market research. There was more than enough business to go around. Besides, Sally’s Hair Salon was best suited for women who could remember when the beehive was fashionable. Fitting, since the place was a beehive of gossip. Paige’s styling experience would bring something younger and trendier to the area.

As for the other auto shop, Buck Tanner had taken over his father’s well-established garage and was slowly dismantling its reputation with his shortcuts and careless attitude. Why George Tanner had left it to his son was anyone’s guess.

“Well, we’ll offer something different. And busy people can get two things done at the same time.”

Iain grunted. “Sounds boring. I wish you would open up a racetrack. That would be fun. There’s nothing exciting to do here, especially for kids,” he grumbled.

“I’ll remember that next time you want to head up to Poplar Outdoor Adventures to go rafting,” Zach reminded him.

Iain crossed his arms. “That’s different. We have to drive forever to get there.”

I chuckled. Of course, the thirty-minute drive felt likeforeverto a kid with his energy. I had been the same. “Well, you’ve given me an idea. Maybe I can have some general classes for kids so they can begin to understand basic mechanics.”

“You should do the same for women,” Marta added. “I never know if Buck Tanner is trying to cheat me because I don’t know a thing about engines.”

“She’s right,” Mama Rae added. “Not just about Buck, but having a little knowledge is a safety issue.”

“That’s a great idea.”

Mama Rae patted the back of her hair. “Plus, I can’t wait to try something different with my hair. I’m looking forward to meeting your friend, Paige. When does she get here?”

I loved that my family didn’t laugh at our unusual idea. “Next week. She’s going to stay in the guest house until she finds her own place.”

“My friend Teagan could help her. She works at the real estate agency in town,” Emalee said.

“I’ll let her know.” I raised an eyebrow at Cam. “Back to your question. No, I haven’t peeked. Yes, I really want to. Remind me again why I can’t? It’smybusiness.”

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