Page 42 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“How was your day?” she asked at the same time.

“Oh,” he said. “I, uh, had to find a heater core leak in an old Chrysler. The owner came in because there was a puddle on the floorboard. At first, she thought maybe her grandson left a popsicle in there because that fluid has a sweet smell. Took me near all day to get to it, but she’s back in one piece now and running well. The Chrysler, not the lady.”

He frowned at himself for launching into a whole story. Much as he wanted to be on the boring side, he found his own work so interesting that it was hard not to get into it.

But Maggie was sneaking a glance at her phone, so he figured he hadn’t accidentally charmed her.

They passed the rest of their time waiting for their meal in strange snippets of awkward conversation.

“Here we are,” Ned said in a very excited way as he rolled a cart full of food over to them.

The food looked incredible and they both dug in, the clinking of silverware pleasantly breaking the silence between them.

Rory was pretty sure he’d gotten some sauce on his shirt with his very first bite, but he felt loads better with food in his belly. And the ribs were almost as good as the ones his grandma used to make.

“How’s your chicken?” he asked.

“It’s nice,” she said with a smile, her first genuine one of the night, as far as he could tell.

Maybe we were both just hungry, he thought to himself.

“Mine too,” he said. “I’m glad Ana suggested this place.”

“Ana says such nice things about you,” Maggie said fondly.

“Oh, yeah?” Rory said, warmth spreading in his chest. “She’s the best. I feel lucky to be her friend.”

“You know, she and her mom always make sure I have nice enough clothes to start the school year,” Maggie said. “Sometimes her mom will put things aside for me. And last year, Ana donated a whole bag of hand-knit mittens for some of my students who didn’t have enough warm things.”

“That sounds just like her,” Rory said. “She’s always got an eye out for anyone who needs help.”

“I guess that’s why we’re here,” Maggie said with a sheepish smile, gesturing between them. “A couple of charity cases.”

“She’s got a good heart,” Rory agreed. “She doesn’t like the idea of anyone feeling lonely.”

“Did you know she volunteered at the assisted living place up on Route One back in high school?” Maggie asked. “She didn’t get credit for it at school or anything. Just wanted to help.”

“Wow,” Rory said.

When he was high-school age, he’d been working, and spending what little time he had off with his sister and his friends. But even if he’d had more time, he was sure he would have been playing sports or going to parties—not serving his community the way Ana had.

I don’t deserve her.

The conversation got easier after that, almost like Ana herself had come along to loosen their tongues. By the time their meal was done, Rory felt like he had a new friend, even if he couldn’t convince himself to have any romantic feelings for Maggie.

“Can I interest you in dessert and coffee?” Ned asked when he stopped by the table.

“No, thank you,” Maggie said right away. “I have an early day tomorrow.”

Rory took care of the check, and they headed out together.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” he told her.

She nodded, but didn’t make eye contact with him.

Are we back to square one? he wondered.

When they reached her little car, his throat started to tighten. She was probably expecting him to try and kiss her, and he definitely didn’t want to do that.