Pushing those thoughts aside, I grabbed a wrench and started tinkering with the engine, losing myself in the familiar rhythm of fixing something broken. Each turn of the wrench felt like reclaiming a bit of control in an otherwise chaotic world.
The garage grew quieter as the night wore on, but I kept working, letting the mechanical tasks soothe my frayed nerves. By the time I finally put down my tools and wiped my hands on a rag, exhaustion had settled deep in my bones.
I glanced once more at Beth’s car. I'd have to have her pick it up, which meant I’d have to face her again.
I moved back to the office, each step feeling heavier than the last. The fluorescent lights flickered above, casting a harsh glow on the small space.
I picked up the basket, feeling its weight in my hands. The cookies looked so innocent, each one a small piece of her warmth and generosity. I could almost see her standing there, smile bright and eyes full of hope. But I couldn’t let her kindness linger here, not after Connor had laid his hands on it.
With a sigh, I walked over to the trash can and dumped the cookies in. Each one hit the bottom with a soft thud, like pieces of a broken promise. The sight of them there, surrounded by greasy rags and old coffee cups, felt like a punch to the gut. It was as if I was discarding more than just cookies—I was pushing away any chance of something good in my life.
Leaning against the desk, I rubbed my face with my hands, trying to shake off the guilt that clung to me. The scent of cookies still lingered in the air, mixing with the smell of oil and metal.
I couldn't let Beth get too close. Not with Connor lurking around, ready to ruin everything he touched. And even if he wasn't, there was no point.
The clock on the wall ticked away, each second feeling like an eternity. My mind wandered back to when I'd first moved back to this town—full of regret and burdened by loss. I’d come here hoping for some kind of peace but found myself tangled in old wounds instead.
A knock on the garage door broke through my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced toward it, half expecting Connor to barge back in with more taunts and trouble.
But it wasn’t him.
It was Beth.
Chapter5
Beth
Iwiped my clammy palms on my coat just as Daryl stepped into the office. For a moment, we stared at each other. His presence filled the room, rugged and imposing. He had that same intensity I'd seen in his eyes before, like he was constantly ready for battle. His dark hair was messy, falling into his face, and a few days' worth of stubble covered his jawline. He looked like he hadn't slept well, shadows beneath his eyes hinting at restless nights.
His worn leather jacket clung to him, the creases and scuffs telling stories of long days and harder nights. He moved with a kind of silent strength, each step deliberate. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a mix of determination and nerves battling within me.
"Beth," he finally acknowledged me with a slight nod.
"Daryl," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
He glanced at the basket in my hands and then back at me. "More cookies?"
"No, not this time," I said with a small smile. "I thought maybe you could use some coffee."
He took a deep breath, as if considering the offer more than the drink itself. "You didn’t have to do that."
"I wanted to," I said simply. "Besides, I make a mean cup of coffee."
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable but not outright dismissive this time. It was progress, even if it was small.
"Look," I began, "I know you're not big on all this holiday stuff, but the tree lighting is really something special around here. It’s more than just Christmas lights; it’s about community."
He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes darting to the ground before meeting mine again. "Why do you care so much?"
The question took me by surprise. Why did I care? Maybe because I saw something in him that reminded me of myself after my breakup—closed off and hurting.
"Because no one should be alone during the holidays," I said softly. "And maybe because I think you could use a friend."
He seemed to chew on my words for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "I'll think about it."
I cleared my throat, feeling a bit sheepish. "So, um, my best friend Ellie lent me her grandfather’s old car that she inherited after he died to drive until you fix my car, and honestly? She hasn’t gotten it checked out. But anyway, the car happened to stall down the street. But I was coming over here anyway to tell you this stuff. It's just... a coincidence."
Daryl raised an eyebrow. "Your car stalled?" he asked slowly.
