Page 1 of Wrong Number, Right Mechanic
CHAPTER ONE
Lyla
“New brakes and pads,new rotors, a tune up, and flush all fluids.” I read from the scrap paper given to me by my previous mechanic. It was wonderful to see all of your car problems on one annoying list.
“It’s a lot but start slow. I’m sure Joe will give you a great deal. Just remind him you’re my daughter.” My mom handed me a post it note with the name Joe and a phone number scrawled on it.
I sighed into my coffee mug, the same one I’ve had since high school. Everything was still the same in my mom’s cabin. From the decorations to the furniture, sometimes changing with the seasons, but always bringing me the most comfort and joy. If only I were back home under different circumstances.
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you in the city, Lyla, but I’m proud of you for chasing your dreams. It’s not an easy thing to do.”
I smiled sadly. “Thank you.”
Mom sipped her coffee and reached across the table with her free hand. I placed mine in hers and she squeezed it twice before blowing me a kiss, something she’s done since I was a little girl. It was always just my mom and me. When I left for the city, my heart broke. I called her every day, visited often.
As much as I wanted my career in the city to work out, a part of me was happy to be back, happy to be around her again.
“What are your plans for today?” Mom stood up and walked over to the sink, depositing her mug inside.
“Still working on my online shop. But with the way my car is acting up, I might need to look for a job.”
“Call Joe. He’s a great mechanic and really fair with his prices. Don’t forget to mention me, okay?” As she walked by me, she patted me on the shoulder. “Have a good day, sweetie. Don’t stress too much.”
I snickered. If only it were that easy. But stress and I were best friends, and she followed me around everywhere, not once trying to respect my boundaries. I picked up the scrap piece of paper once again and stared at the number.
Here goes nothing.
Picking up my phone, I dialed the number and waited while it rang. And rang and rang.
Just as I was about to hang up, someone answered.
A voice I would know anywhere.
A voice that could send my heart racing.
A voice I hadn’t heard in years.
My ex- Jaxon Bern.
“Joe’s Mechanic Shop,how can I help you?”
My entire body froze. I nearly dropped the phone.
It couldn’t be.
No. He wasn’t a mechanic…
He almost didn’t graduate high school, had no clue about his future, and told me he wasn’t the college type. Now he was a mechanic? How?
I cleared my throat, pushed my shoulders back, and acted as if I didn’t just hear the voice I thought I did.
“Hello? Joe’s Mechanic Shop. How can I help you?”
“Hi, may I speak to Joe please?” I choked out, doing my best to disguise my voice but failing miserably.
“Joe’s not here right now, but I’d be happy to take a message.”
Phew it worked! But shit joe isn’t in.
