Page 14 of A Second Chance

“Oh, no, just a headache. I’m fine now. No big deal. I had to leave early… A party… our friends. No, mutual friends, not our friends like that… never mind, it’s too hot in here.” Gwen turned and raced back into the hot shop. She should leave until Jason completed the job and pretend this never happened.

“What was that?” Tristan caught up in the hot shop.

“What was what?”

He sighed. “The verbal diarrhea back there.”

“Ew. Not that bad.”

“Honey, that was painful.”

Gwen groaned. “Ya know what? Forget about it. And call me when he’s finished, I’ll come back.”

“Why? If you like him, why not stare at him and fantasize while he’s doing manual labor?”

“I do notlikehim,” she hissed. “You can watch him and fantasize.”

“He’s not my type. I’m dating Molly right now.”

“Molly from the bakery?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought you were gay. Weren’t you dating a Matt not too long ago?”

Tristan moved his hands up and down like he was a scale weighing something. “Let’s just say I’m attracted to people and their energy, not necessarily their genitals.”

“Okay, I get that. I’m only attracted to certain people; none of them have ever been female.”

“Well, that’s an acceptable way to live,” Tristan replied.

Gwen smiled and shook her head. “I appreciate your acceptance.” They laughed. “But, seriously, tell Lu I’m working on ideas and stuff at home today. Text me when he’s done.”

“I can’t believe you’re running away from a guy. That’s not like you.”

Gwen turned and strode out of the shop, muttering, “You have no idea.”

Back at her car, Gwen turned the key in the ignition and nothing happened. She tried again, and the car made no sound. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. “Christ on a cracker,” she hit the steering wheel.

“You need help?” the voice came from her window and she didn’t have to look to know who it was. Of all the people in town, why did it have to be him?

Gwen opened the car door a crack, it was getting stuffy in there. “No, I’m fine, thanks.”

“You’re fine?” Jason leaned against the black pickup truck parked in the next spot.

“Yes, thank you.”

“So… you can start the car.”

“I can start a car.”

He nodded. “This car, right here, will start?”

“Oh, you meantthiscar? Well… no.”

Jason shook his head, a slow smile forming. “I’d be happy to take a look.”

“Aren’t you on a job for Lu?”

---