Page 20 of When The Noise Stops

I didn't text Tiny. Didn't ask how the ride went. Didn't want to know.

A customer came in around noon. Middle-aged guy, expensive watch, too many questions.

"How much for an oil change?"

"Forty-five."

"Does that include the filter?"

"Yeah."

"What about synthetic? I hear synthetic is better."

I stared at him.

"You want synthetic?"

"I don't know. You tell me. What do you recommend?"

"I recommend you stop asking questions and let me do my job."

His mouth dropped open. I handed him a card and walked into the back.

I was in a mood. A bad one.

And I knew exactly why.

I got home around six. Tired. Hungry. My mood still fucked up.

I was reaching for my door when I heard footsteps behind me.

I turned.

Lila had flour on her cheek and was holding what looked like a hot chicken pot pie in her oven-mitt-covered hands, steam rising from the crust. She was wearing another sundress. This one blue. Her cleavage spilled out and bounced as she pushed right past me, shoulder brushing mine, and walked into my apartment like she lived there.

"I almost ate without you. Tiny wanted this sucker and I said no, I'd make him one later this week. He acted as if he hadn't eaten one of each of what I made today. The man is greedy, but then he's huge. Haha. I get why y'all call him tiny now," she laughed. She didn't give me a chance to respond, and she didn't catch her breath; she cut her eyes at me.

"Go shower," she called over her shoulder.

"You smell like grease. I'll plate this."

I stood in my open doorway. Staring at her. She was already in my kitchen, opening cabinets like she'd done it a hundred times, looking for plates.

"Lila—"

"Shower. Now," she pointed at the bathroom without looking.

"You can eat when you're clean."

"I finished my question. Are you high?"

She paused and threw her head back. "Only on life, Knox, only on life. And sugar too."

My fingers balled at my side. I liked the way she said my name.

I went to shower.

When I came out, she was sitting on my sofa and had everything set up. Two plates on my small table. Forks. Napkins. Bottled water and wine.