Page 19 of The Manny

She slid her gaze toward Jack. “Night, Uncle Jack.” She made no move to go hug him, which was probably fine with him.

“Good night, Mia. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“What time will you be home tonight?” I asked.

He lifted one shoulder. “Not sure.”

“Not even a ballpark?”

“Nope.”

I shook my head and led Mia from the room. Something told me even if he’d known the exact second he’d return, he wouldn’t have told me. I’d seen mules far more easygoing than Jack Wayan.

Chapter Five

Jack

I felt guilty bailing on Mia her first night in my house. Unfortunately, I had little choice in the matter. When my best customer Scott Taffet called, I had no option other than to smile and say yes to whatever he wanted. He wasn’t the sort of man you could brush off and expect to keep his business.

Scott had an obsession with collecting cars. Since he was single and filthy rich, he was able to indulge that obsession. He was definitely high-maintenance, hugely flirtatious, and he made me jump through hoops plenty. But I counted on his business and connections to keep growing my customer base.

When I arrived at my shop, Scott was out front, leaning on the bumper of a vintage car. I climbed from my vehicle and approached him. Giving a low whistle, I said, “A Pontiac LeMans, huh? The forgotten muscle car.”

He grinned, running his hand over the smooth silver paint. “Only paid $10,000 at auction.”

“It’s nice.”

“She runs a little rough. I’m hoping you can fix that.”

I stopped next to him. “I’ll do my best.”

“I knew I could count on you,” he said softly. “Thanks for meeting me here, after hours.”

“Thanks for giving me your business.” I moved to the metal roll-up door, pulling my keys from my back pocket. “Let’s get this baby inside. I’ll start on her first thing in the morning.”

“Appreciate it.” He opened the car door and slid behind the wheel. The engine rumbled to life, but it was definitely not running smoothly.

I pushed the rollup door open and watched as he slowly drove the car into the bay. The red brake lights lit up the inside of the shop, reflecting off of the engine hoists and jack stands. He shut the vehicle down and got out, beaming like a proud parent.

“You look like a kid with a new toy,” I said.

“I’m sure I do. I love stumbling on these great finds.” He laughed and shut the car door. “The best perk of being single is I don’t have to spend my money on anyone but me.”

His comment made me think of my current predicament with Mia. “Funny, I’m single, but don’t have that same luxury anymore.”

He studied me. “Oh, that’s right. You’re inheriting your sister’s kid.”

I sighed. “Yep.”

“When is that happening?”

“She arrived today.”

He shuddered. “Damn. I’m sorry.”

“I have help or I’d go insane.” I laughed gruffly.

“I dragged you away from the kid. Sorry. I forgot all about that.” He crossed his arms. “I never pictured you as the family type. Always thought you were more like me.”

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