Page 31 of Bound by Family
The Ravage MChas two businesses. Besides Studio X, we have Banner Automotive. I work at both, but mostly at the shop. Since the time I could hold a damn wrench in my hand, my dad taught me how to work on bikes, cars, trucks—hell, anything with a motor. Luckily for me, my skillset is good at picking up shit quick.
Angel, GT’s ol’ lady, Deke’s mom, and my aunt, brought her ’56 Chevy in today for an oil and transmission fluid change. She insisted on helping, having once worked here when she was younger, hanging tough with all the guys. She knows her way around any type of engine. After Deke was born, though, she hung up her rags. Still, she comes in whenever her car needs something.
She loves that thing. Her and her dad Bam restored it. Bam was a member of the club, but died years ago. She keeps that car for the sentimental value.
She has a minivan, too. I think it’s hilarious seeing GT drive the beast. It gives all of us something to razz him about. His big-ass body climbing in and out of that minivan is a sight.
Angel works while I stand back and watch. Once she gets going, it’s best to just leave her be. She just pushes us out of the way, anyway. Hell, it’s her car, so why do I give a shit?
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, seeing “Bristyl” on the screen, and swipe the screen as the excitement hits. Damn, this is strange.
B: How’s your day?
Me: Working. You?
B: Me, too.
Me: At the laundromat?
I look around the garage, seeing everyone busy, including Angel, which is a good thing. No one needs to know about Bristyl.
B: And the storage units.
Me: ? Damn, you’re busy.
B: Always.
Me: You have storage units, too?
Storage units. That rolls around in my head. Empty spaces to rent out would be good if Ravage needs to store anything. That could be a possibility to our situation.
B: Yeah, about an acre of land with 220 of them.
Me: Damn.
My thoughts run with the storage unit idea. This could be what we need.
“Girlfriend?” Angel asks, wiping her hands on a cloth.
I stuff my phone in my back pocket, not realizing exactly how much time has gone by while my eyes have been glued to my damn phone. “Nah.”
“I call bullshit. I don’t think I’ve see that goofy-ass smile on your face before. Who is she?”
I look around, making sure none of the guys are around to hear me. One word of a woman, and I have no doubt that any of the brothers would put it together. It’s nothing, and I don’t need shit for it.
“No one. Keep your mouth shut.”
Her brow quirks. “Oh, man, you’ve got it bad.”
I get up in her space. “I mean it. Don’t give me shit, and do not tell GT.”
She uses her index finger and thumb to show me she’s zipping her lips, all the while wearing a smile on her lips. That’s about as good as I’m going to get with her.
Shit, it’s only a matter of time before my mother, Angel’s best friend, finds out. Too bad duct taping ol’ ladies’ mouths isn’t an option.
“Come on, let’s finish this.”
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