Page 110 of Truck You

I raise a brow. “Anne?”

A sadness glints in his eyes, but only for a moment. “My wife. Lost her over fifteen years ago. She had the most beautiful light blue eyes. Just like yours.”

I can’t stop the smile that lifts my lips. “Thank you.”

He nods. “How long have you been a mechanic?”

“Not long. Just since I started working with the Mutters. But I grew up in a garage though. My dad is a mechanic. So I learned a lot from him growing up. I also have a degree in automotive engineering.”

Mr. Bevins’s eyes widen. He looks at me with both surprise and pride. It’s a look I wish I’d get from my own dad. “Wow, that’s impressive. If you don’t mind me asking, why work as a mechanic if you have such a fancy degree?”

“I wanted practical experience. In college, I learned a lot about theory, history, and design. While I had labs, it’s not the same as getting my hands dirty working on cars. Plus, I love racing. Who better to learn from than the Mutters?”

“Ain’t that the truth? And little Mac sure is a great racecar driver. I bet he can teach you a thing or two.”

I smile at the way he called him little Mac. He probably knew all the Mutters from the time they were babies. I wonder what a little Mac was like before the reality of his abandonment sunk in. I bet he was playful and jovial like Chase. That side of him is still present, but it gets masked by his pain and jealousy. None of which makes me love him any less.

“Sophia?” I look up at the sound of my name. Mr. Bevins is watching me expectantly.

“I’m sorry. What did you ask me?”

“I asked if you’ve seen Mac race.”

“Oh, yes. I watched him for years before I moved here. Even had the pleasure of beating him recently.”

“You don’t say.” His smile grows. “Well, you must be a talented and skilled young lady if you can beat Mac. He almost made it to the Sprint Cup. Did you know that? But he had an accident a few years ago that took him out. He’s not quite made it back yet.”

“Yeah, I watched that race. I was rooting for him.”

“That was a sad day around here. Then again, things tend to happen for a reason. Just means he’s destined for a different path. But we all hope that path still takes him to the Sprint Cup.”

“I guess we don’t always have a say in how life turns out. No matter how hard we work to achieve a goal, we don’t always get it.”

As soon as the words are out, I feel worse than I did before talking with Mr. Bevins. That same idea works with regards to my relationship with Mac. Just because I want him doesn’t mean I get to have him.

God, that’s so depressing to even think. Because I really,reallywant him. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I’m pretty sure he wants me, too. We just need to talk. Work through this ridiculous fight we had.

It’s not going to be easy. Of that, I am positive. But I’m going to fight like hell to get him back.

* * *

The phone ringsthree times before my dad picks up. “Hey, pumpkin. I didn’t expect to hear from you tonight.”

“Hey, Daddy,” I say in the most cheerful voice I can muster, but as soon as the words are out, I hear my mistake. I only ever call my dad, Daddy, when I’m upset.

“Uh oh. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just miss you.” I try to cover up, but my dad knows me too well. He’s not going to buy it.

“While that may be true …” He lets out a soft chuckle. Not a joking or playful one, but more of a ha-nice-try-you’re-lying-to-me chuckle. “That’s not why you’re calling me. Let me guess. The boy?”

I sigh and fall back on my bed. He’s the one I always talk to about boy troubles, not Mom. I’ve always been closer to Dad than Mom. Even with the lack of support I get from him with my career choice, we’re still close.

I debate with myself for a split second about lying to him again, but it won’t do any good. Dad can always see right through me.

“Mac and I had a fight,” I say. It’s not a lie. We did fight. But I’m not ready to say the wordswe broke upout loud. Especially not to my dad. If Mac and I get back together—which is my hope—I don’t want anything to make Dad dislike him.

He’s silent for a moment before he speaks. “Well, fights happen. All couples have moments where they disagree. Some bigger than others. The cause of the fight isn’t important. It’s how we deal with them after the fact that matters most.”

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