Page 5 of Wildfire
"That's nice of you to ask, but I've got a lot riding on this car getting fixed as soon as possible."
"Where are you heading when you leave Owl Creek?"
"Los Angeles."
"The big city, huh?"
I notice a pinch in his eyes as he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. Maybe he hates California.
"I want to be a singer. I've got two auditions lined up with some bands, and the only person who's there that I know said I could crash on his couch until I get on my feet."
"Is he a boyfriend?"
"Not that it matters, but no."
"But he's a straight guy?"
"What's with the questions, Cole? It's a place to crash, and I need it. Got nowhere else to go."
He leans toward me and fiddles with the napkin under his coffee mug. "No reason. I just have a natural distrust of most men."
"Well, join the club. There are three point fivebillionwomen on the planet who also don't trust men."
He laughs and calls over Avery so she can bring us the bill.
"Thanks for breakfast, Chief."
"Anytime, Wildfire."
"Wildfire?"
"The blaze in your eyes when I found you walking down the road. It reminded me of the fire I had just put out before I saw you."
"Huh. It's cute."
"Cute?"
"Yeah." I get up and sling my backpack over my shoulder. "I've never had a cute nickname before. Well, at least not one that I wanted."
He stands up and gestures for me to walk in front of him, just like a gentleman. "Well, I'm glad you like it. Suits you."
Chapter Four: Cole
Renée is like nothing I've ever seen, but she just said the one thing that put a lock on my heart. She's heading to Los Angeles. I don't know why I'm even thinking about this. I just met her and I already feel a gravitational pull towards her. But I know I can't compete with big dreams in big cities.
We walk back across the road to Caleb's shop, which he bought from our step-dad when he retired. Buzz. The best man I've ever met. He and our mom raised us in the apartment above the shop where Caleb lives.
Caleb is standing there like a cocky bastard, and I can tell he still thinks he has a shot with Renée, even though I know she's on her way out the door.
He leads us into the bay, where her car is parked with the hood propped up. I instinctively stand between him and her to ensure he doesn't pull one of his classic moves. I love my brother, but sometimes he plays Casanova too much.
"Well, you were right. This thing has lost power, and I'm afraid it isn't an easy fix."
Renée's eyes start to glass up, and she crosses her arms and squeezes herself into a hug. It takes every ounce of willpower not to reach out and try to comfort her.
"So what's wrong with it?"
"Bad piston ring."
