Page 55 of Faking It With the Small-Town Bad Boy

“Oh, that sounds hard.”

I nod exasperatingly. “It’s really difficult. And it’s heavy. But, I think

it’s in good shape. We will attach the engine back to the transmission

if it’s good. Then we will take a scope and send it into the pistons. Oh,

and maybe get a new radiator. I’ll have to see if that’s intact, too.”

He shakes his head in dismay. “I have no idea what you’re talking

about.”

“That’s okay,” I snicker. “I can gladly show you.”

He grins, and we both get under the car. His eyes light up as I explain

things and ramble off on tangents about my father. He laughs at my

jokes, even the stupid ones, and he does everything I need him to do

to help me.

He sees me, he hears me, and he doesn’t dismiss me.

* * *

In an act of solidarity, I go to see Percy’s show tonight at the bar. He

waves me forward in the crowd when I arrive. The small, once empty

bar is now fully packed with a younger generation—perhaps too

young to be in a bar, but whatever.

Kneeling on the side of the stage, he brings me into a warm hug like

we’re distant friends. I enjoy being held by Percy, but doing it in

public for the first time is odd. I am slightly stiff and not too sure

what to do when I pull away to see everyone watching us carefully.

He doesn’t hesitate or seem nervous at all, bringing me in closer so

he can kiss my forehead affectionately.

The gossip spreads like wildfire, and I shudder at his casual ease with

being so tender with me.

“Hey, thanks for coming out,” he says, pulling my focus back to his

calm and easy smile. “You look great.”

“Thank you.” I brim with a smile while I do a vain twirl to show the

tight leather top I’ve put on for the show tonight. I’m in dark shorts

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