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“Why do you think it’s you?”
“Well, any guy I’ve dated hated that I know more about cars than them. Or they didn’t like I chose you and Lawson over them. I’ve been asked to leave you guys or the shop. I just couldn’t bring myself to even entertain that idea.” Shamefully, I admit.
“They asked you to leave?” he sounds astounded.
“Yeah. They said I could make more money at a different shop or thought I spent too much time here at the shop.” I laugh at the memory of Jason. We only dated for a couple months, but he tried to persuade me to pack up my tools and move to the larger island. He explained I acted like a child who couldn’t leave the nest. He tried to convince me that Leland and Lawson didn’t need me. What about my mom? “It’s not like she remembers you, anyway.” Just for that comment, I told him to jack off and then left. I ghosted him after that.
“Collins, I have to apologize. I’ve never asked you what you want out of life? Sorry about that, but if you wanted to leave, we would support you. I worked my ass off so you could have a life. For you to do what you wanted.” He takes a sip of his beer while giving me a side-eye, gauging what my crazy self might do.
“I know that,” I assure him.
“So, what do you want out of life?” he asks.
“More than anything?”
“More than anything,” he mocks me.
Well, I’ve already dug my grave of being honest. This is girl talk, after all.
“I want to see you happy again. When Taylor was here with you, I honestly can’t ever remember a time when I saw you smile and laugh more. We had the best times. Then, poof, he was gone. I focus on Leland a bit more. I want to see Lawson sable. He and Massey went on a date, and I think she’d be good for him, but I’m worried about what he might do.”
“Why do you worry about us, girl?” Leland asks.
“Because who else will? You also worry about me.”
“I admit, I’ve been pretty sad since Taylor left for his job. It’s been a long time. I loved ‘em, but like you, I wouldn’t leave you and Lawson. Lawson needs more assurance than any of us combined. The thought of anything beyond this garage hasn’t even crossed my mind, nor will it ever.”
“So? What does that mean?”
“Well, my guess is we will probably grow old and have rooms next to each other at the facility mom is at,” he laughs hard. “We would cause so much havoc to the nurses. You’d steal everyone’s wheelchair,” he accuses.
“Lawson will hide your teeth,” I giggle alongside my big brother. I lean my head on his shoulder while draining the last of my beer.
“You’ll disable the vans so they won’t be able to leave.” He chokes out a hoot.
“I like that plan.” A future memory to be made.
“Me too.” A somber silence fills the room. “With all of that, if you and Lawson ever wanted to up and leave, better yourself, or do whatever you want to do… you know I’d support you. I don’t say it enough, but I love you, baby sis.” His heartfelt admission has my insides flipping with admiration. I crawl on his back and give him a Collins backpack hug. He groans but doesn’t sling me off. “If anyone says you aren’t worth their time, kick ‘em in the junk.”
“Deal.” I nod my head.
“You are the smartest, kindest person on the island. Make the bargain deals; you take on mom and her condition. I can’t sit in that quiet room just staring at the wall. You haven’t given us any crap about not being as active with her. You are amazing, little sis. Don’t ever think you are anything less than exceptional.” I can feel my head getting big with all the compliments I’m not used to hearing. “All the customers love it when you work on their cars. Whatever you want in life, you should have it.”
“Well, damn man.” I squeeze my forearms around his neck and press my cheek against his. I am clinging to him like a kola.
“What?”
“You are a lot smarter than you look. Such depth.” I purse my lips, trying to resist a laugh bubbling under the surface.
Leland howls and pulls my arms from around his shoulders, dragging me over his shoulder and onto the floor. “I’m retracting my statements!”
“Can’t! It’s been heard!” I tease.
“You are impossible.” He shakes his shoulders.
“Yet… loveable. You said it.”
“I’ll always love you.” He gives me his best Leland smirk. One that pulls one over on the old women who try to set him up with their daughters.
