Page 62 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“I heard you still had a thing for Ana Gutierrez and wondered,” Big Jim said with a smile. “I guess I’ve got my answer now.”

Rory opened his mouth to deny it, but what was the point?

“I don’t think she has a thing for me,” he said instead, shrugging. “Some things aren’t meant to be.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Big Jim said. “Anyway, you forgot your certificate. I figure if those two lovebirds got each other, then it’s only fair that you get a double pancake breakfast.”

“Thank you,” Rory said, laughing as he took the envelope. “I appreciate it, Big Jim.”

The big man slapped him on the back, and headed back to the judges’ table.

“Rory,” Maggie called out.

He turned back to see her slipping through the crowd to get to him.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her eyes contrite. “I was kind of using you to make Arnold see that he did want something serious with me.”

“It’s okay,” Rory said. “I’m glad it worked and you two are happy.”

“Thanks,” she said. “I figured you and Ana were kind of doing the same thing, so you weren’t in any danger of falling for me.”

“Are my feelings about her that obvious?” Rory asked, chuckling.

“Yeah,” Maggie said. “You know she was the only thing you actually talked about that night at dinner.”

“I guess you’re right,” Rory admitted, holding out the envelope. “Anyway, you and Arnold should enjoy this together.”

“Seriously?” Maggie asked.

“I know teachers can’t turn down free meals,” he teased her. “Besides, you guys deserve a romantic breakfast together.”

“Thank you,” Maggie said, accepting the envelope when he held it out a second time. “But I know exactly how I’m going to pay you back for this.”

“Maggie,” Arnold’s daughter, Emily, called to her as she made her way through the crowd to them and took Maggie’s hand.

“You don’t owe me anything,” Rory told her.

“I’ll message you tomorrow,” Maggie yelled to him as Emily dragged her away.

Rory could only smile after them. He was glad to see that the three of them had found happiness together—even if it highlighted his own loneliness.

But he was done feeling sorry for himself.

It was time to either give up, or do something about it.

18

ANA

Ana hurried down Ambler Road, watching her breath plume into little clouds in the cold night air, and feeling like a fool.

She had just gotten her wish. Rory said he was lonely, and she had said she could set him up with Maggie. And the plan had been a stunning success.

Right now, Rory was kissing Maggie, to the cheers and congratulations of all their friends and well-wishers.

And no matter how much she fought it, Ana’s poor heart was still aching with feelings for Rory, even as she felt it breaking into pieces.

I have so much to be grateful for, she reminded herself. I have my mom, and Theo, and our shop. And I have the two best friends in the world. If I care about Rory, why would I deny him the companionship he was pining for? Did I really want him to stay lonely, just to spare my feelings?