Page 8 of Stuck With You
It’s been a year since I financed the three-stall garage, which I took over from Cal, who opened it forty years ago. Over the ten years I’ve worked here, I’ve only ever seen a handful of slow weeks. Now is definitely not one of them.
This place is my second home, and Cal is the dad I never had. When I needed it most, he gave me a job and, over time, showed me how to run his business. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep it afloat. Currently, the only issues I’m facing are a lack of space in the parking lot and manpower to keep up.
There used to be five of us and Cal, but six months ago, my best friend and Cal’s granddaughter, Alex, moved to be with her husband, the starting quarterback for the Colorado Big Horns. They have twin girls and are raising Mark’s younger sister. Alex owns a small autorestoration business. Occasionally, I fly out to help her pull an engine and rebuild it.
She’s the most gifted mechanic I’ve ever seen. Hiring someone to take her place would be impossible, but if the workload remains, I’ll have to try.
“Is Krissy still talking about moving out?” Wind’s question is soft, and Trig’s motion stills. Carson remains bent over a hood, pretending to inspect a radiator cap.
I glare at him. “What do you know about Krissy moving out?”
His eyes flick to the Nosey Nellies across the room, then he clears his throat. “I just . . . I . . .”
I set the part requisitions on the bench, turning to him. “Spill it, Wind.”
“She was talking about it during the game the other night, and she messaged Trig a bit ago, asking about the open apartment again.”
My eyes roll to the top of my head.
“She knew you wouldn’t ask.” He shifts his lunchbox to the other hand. “You know, Millie and I are only a few blocks away, and Trig would be upstairs. It’s a safe neighborhood.”
Wind and his high school sweetheart reconnected at a reunion last year, and ever since, the man has been all sunshine and happy endings. He’s now immune to real life and the shit that comes with it.
“I’ve talked to her about it. I’m not discussing it with you. Any of you.”
“Fine.” He turns for the door. “But she’s a grown woman, Slade. She’s made up her mind, and I don’t think you’re gonna stop her. It’d be best to know she’s safe and has friends close,” he hollers over his shoulder.
The heavy metal door bangs as he exits. Trig’s eyes meet mine for a moment before he returns to work.
These guys look out for her, and each knows better than to ever think about crossing a line, but I don’t want her living in the same apartment building.
I grab the stack of orders, double-checking part numbers and quantity.
Trig zips the last tire on and returns the car to the lot. He hangs the keys on the board and fetches his own, stopping to hand over the clipboard with the worksheet attached. “She’s all done. Do you want me to enter this?”
I take the clipboard. “Nah, I’ll input it when I’m done here.”
He nods. “I gave Krissy the landlord’s number. She’s been asking for days. I can’t just ignore her.”
Even though I know he’s right, I won’t be saying it.
I like Trig. He’s a good kid, but we call him Trigger for a reason. The wannabe racer has a need for speed and hangs with a rough crowd. One that Krissy doesn’t need to get mixed up in.
“I’ll talk to her about it.” That’s all I’m offering because Krissy and I will discuss it. Again.
He nods once. “Sure. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Carson drops the hood of an SUV. “You know she can make this decision without you.” His voice comes over my shoulder. “She’s trying to include you. The more you ignore her, the more you’ll piss her off. She could end up in a place a lot worse.”
“I don’t need this from you, too.” I remain focused, ready to call it a day.
“She’s a grown woman, Slade. At some point, you’re going to have to let her go. You can’t protect her from everything.”
Like hell I can’t. I turn toward him as he wipes his hands on a shop rag.
“She doesn’t need to be living downstairs from Trig or his biker friends.”
His chin drops, unable to disagree. “Then maybe you should help her find a place. She wants your approval.”
