FYI—please don’t hate me, but I inadvertently answered your phone this morning. I don’t know why, but I thought it was mine.
It was your mom. I quickly hung up. But I wanted you to know.
I’m sorry! I swear it was a mistake.
Okay, so I’ll be back in a few hours.
See you soon,
Caine
I make my way to The Garage, yes, it’s a very on-the-nose name for the mechanics. I’m the only person here since the place just opened.
“Hey Caine,” Frankie says as I approach the front desk.
“Hey, just checking in about thecar I brought in,” I say after waiting an hour.
Frankie gives me a frown in response. “Sorry, man, the car is done. I mean, I could fix it, but it would be expensive considering how old the car is. Plus, it’s really on its last legs. Even good cars have a shelf life,” he says. “Spark plugs need to be replaced, the AC doesn’t even work anymore, and the sound the car is making is from the catalytic converter. Oh, and the starter needs to be replaced. You’re looking at like four grand, and the car isn’t even worth that.”
“Thanks, Frankie,” I say. “I appreciate the honesty.” I knock my knuckles on his counter.
“I don’t need to scam customers to make money, and you’re a good customer. Sorry about the bad news. Want me to sell off the parts?” he asks. “People are always looking for bumpers and doors. They could even use the windows.”
“I’ll ask Mikayla what she wants to do.” I extend my hand and shaking his.
Is it horrible that I’m actually happy her car can’t be fixed? I’m happy she’ll be forced to stay with me even longer.
I make my way to the grocery store and pick up different cheeses, bread, tomatoes and cucumbers and some meats for a charcuterie board, yes, I know what that is.
I grab a bottle of white wine and red. I don’t know what she prefers, but since I’ve never seen her with a beer, I’m guessing she isn’t a beer drinker.
“Hey, Caine,” says a woman from behind me in line.
I have no idea who she is.
“Mornin’,” I reply. I have manners.
“Do you have plans tonight?”
My eyes meet the cashier, Lenny, as I unload my groceries onto the conveyor belt. He rolls his eyes at me. I shrug. What can I say?
“I do have plans,” I answer truthfully, if not with a bit of annoyance.
The woman smiles, and Lenny outright laughs. This lady is insane! She actually thinks my response is an invitation.
“With my girlfriend,” I clarify.
The blonde’s smile falls. “You don’t have a girlfriend,” she says, her hands on her hips.
“I do.” I grin, unaffected by her bitchy attitude.
“You can just say you aren’t interested.” She tosses her items behind the rubber bar she placed on the belt.
“Darlin’ I’m not interested, and I’ve never had to lie, and I ain’t now.” I wave and walk away, my groceries in a canvas tote. I think we’ve established I’m a dick.
Behind the grocery store is a small shop with random shit. It’s the kind of store that has everything, including housewares. I’m hoping it has a picnic blanket and a basket I can use for the groceries.
“Well, look who we have here,” muses Mrs. Wilson.
