AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I mean, you’re working in your dad’s garage after school. And I don’t see your brothers around, so I’m guessing that means you’re here because you want to be.”
“You’ve got that right,” I agreed. “I’m exactly where I want to be.” The truth was, right now, I just wanted to be wherever she was.
What she’d said about the garage was true too. My brothers weren’t interested in cars like I was. Grayson occasionally came to give my dad a hand when he needed some extra cash, but Parker would rather take a puck to the balls than stick his head under the hood of a car. All he really cared about was hockey and girls.
“What did my dad say about Betty?” I tried to sound genuine, but I already knew the situation with Violet’s old car. I’d helped my dad check it over, but I didn’t want her to know I was quite so interested.
Violet responded by handing me the quote my dad had given her. There was a lot wrong with Betty, and the long list of repairs was going to be expensive. When my eyes reached the bottom of the paper though, I saw my dad had come up with a very reasonable quote. If anything, he’d been a little too generous. But that was just like my dad; he did so many favors I sometimes wondered how he was still in business. I guessed that was what kept his customers coming back time after time.
“I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” Violet said as my eyes skimmed over the page. “Your dad suggested I leave some of the less serious repairs for now though. If I pick up some extra shifts at work over Christmas, I might be able to come back for the rest in the new year.”
When I looked up from the quote, Violet’s eyes were downcast, and her cheeks flushed again. She seemed ashamed she couldn’t afford to pay for all the repairs at once, and I was surprised to hear she was covering the costs herself. Most kids from Sunshine Hills would probably just hand over their parents’ credit cards if they found themselves in Violet’s position. Then again, most kids from Sunshine Prep weren’t driving old clunkers like Betty.
I didn’t like the idea of Violet delaying some of the repairs and taking the risk of breaking down again. Especially seeing as it was the middle of winter. Before I could tell her that, I stopped myself. She’d probably think I was trying to convince her to spend more money at my family’s business. Maybe I could ask Dad if there was something I could do to help.
“Sounds like you guys have come up with a sensible plan,” I said, despite my reservations, and handed the quote back to her. “She’s in good hands here.”
“I think so too.” Violet smiled at me, but the expression seemed slightly strained. It was clear there was more than just car troubles weighing on her. I didn’t blame her after everything that happened Saturday night.
“Are you doing okay after the weekend?” I asked.
“I haven’t assaulted any more cars if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“It’s not, but that’s good to know.” I smirked. “So…”
She crossed her arms over her chest, a fleeting look of vulnerability flashing in her eyes. “I ended things with Jeremy today.”
She said it confidently, but I could tell it still hurt her to admit. And while I didn’t want Violet to be in pain, I could have cheered in response.
“Hoffman is an idiot,” I replied. “My offer to give his car a makeover with my hockey stick is always open. I’m sure my brothers would be happy to lend us a hand…”
“Thanks.” She cocked her head to the side as she studied me. “Given your love for cars, I would have expected you to suggest another makeover to his face instead.”
“That’s always an option, I guess.” I laughed awkwardly and did my best to shrug off her comment about my infamous run-in with Jeremy’s nose. Violet was the last person I wanted to talk about that with. I didn’t want her to think I was some violent thug who solved all his problems with his fists. It never really bothered me that everyone else seemed to think it, but Violet made me care.
What happened with Jeremy had always been blown out of proportion anyway. Talk to a kid from Sunshine Prep and they’d tell you I brutally blindsided Jeremy with a cheap shot from behind. But that was far from the truth. I had to admit I’d let him get under my skin, but all I’d done was give him a hard check against the boards. Perhaps I’d used a little too much force. But how was I to know his helmet would come flying off and he’d end up with a broken nose? The suspension I got almost put me out for the season, so I’d say I came out of it even worse than he did.
“But perhaps an even better revenge would be for you to move on with someone else…”
“Perhaps.” Her eyes seemed to glitter in response, and for a second, I wondered if I should volunteer as tribute. But then she slowly started moving toward the exit. I wasn’t ready to let her go just yet, so I fell into step beside her.
“So, I guess all this stuff with Jeremy means you’re still boycotting hockey players for the rest of your life then?” The question had been on my mind ever since Saturday night when Violet had suggested she’d never make the mistake of dating another hockey player again. I was really hoping she just meant Sunshine Prep hockey players.
She didn’t hesitate to answer. “Most definitely. Lifelong boycott.”
It was hard not to flinch, and I seriously began to wonder whether my dreams of playing in the NHL were worth it. She was completely oblivious to my inner turmoil though.
“I should probably go,” she said. “Mia’s waiting for me, and if I’m not back soon, she’ll send out a search party. I’ll see you around, Reed.”
She gave me a small smile in farewell, but I found myself reaching out to her. She stopped in her tracks and turned to me, a curious look in her eyes. Heat surged where my fingers lightly pressed against her arm, and I quickly dropped my hand like I’d been burned.
“Uh…” I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t been thinking when I’d moved to stop her. All I knew was I hadn’t been ready to say goodbye. Not when I couldn’t be sure when I would get to see her again.
She pressed her hand against her forehead. “Sorry, you’re probably wondering about your jacket.”
I wasn’t. In fact, I quite liked the idea of her keeping it.
“I forgot to bring it today,” she continued. “But I’ll make sure to remember when I come back for my car.”
