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“This isn’t my shop to offer,” Huck said. “It’s up to you.”
“There you go again,” his dad sighed. “Handing off all the hard choices so you don’t have to feel responsible.”
“I’m responsible, Pop.”
“I know you are. But not for everything. It’s not your fault Sydney left. But it is your responsibility not to let her have taken a piece of you. You owe it to yourself to move on. Really move on. And that means letting Autumn know you want her to stay.”
“Yeah, but she’s not interested in sticking around.”
She’d made that clear the last time he’d seen her.
“Son, I know you’re afraid of someone leaving you again, but let me tell you something. I’ve seen that woman with you. And the only reason she wouldn’t stay is if you don’t give her a reason to.”
Shit, he hadn’t gotten a lecture from his dad in a long time. But Pete wasn’t entirely wrong. Still, he needed to think. A lot hung in the balance in the next forty-eight hours. Jenna and Colt would be back, Autumn would have her own life, own plans. He didn’t know what waited for her. Could he risk it? Put it all out there?
His dad said she’d stay if he gave her a reason?
“I don’t have a reason,” he said lowly. Women like Autumn weren’t meant to be tied down. Huck wouldn’t be a sucker for a second time. Before he could get another earful from his dad, he turned and walked out.
His dad called after him. The last thing he heard from his dad was, “Just talk to her, son.”
But just the thought of “putting himself out there” made his gut twist.
…
Autumn walked into the shop, ready to start the day. Granted her day started at noon, but she worked late, so the shift was welcome. The shop was quieter in the evenings, and she had a chance to work on the car.
“Hey there,” Pete said.
“What do we have today?” she asked, looking over a Plymouth that hadn’t been there yesterday.
“That just needs new shocks and breaks,” Pete said motioning at the car.
“Okay, I’m on it.”
“You’re in good spirits,” Pete said. “Have you thought about the job?”
She looked at the kind older man. He knew about LA, he was also the only one who knew that she hadn’t technically said yes to the offer yet. It was a sure thing, but Autumn was dragging her feet.
“Yeah, I’ve thought about it. Smart thing would be for me to take it.” She gave her best smile despite her chest feeling heavier than normal.
“That’s wonderful!” Pete said, and damn near charged her, wrapping her in a hug. Apparently he was happy to see her go too. “I was thinking that we could spend the next several months really getting you acquainted with everything before I set you loose on your own. I’ll still be around after I officially retire of course but—”
Autumns brows shot up. “Wait? What are you talking about?”
Pete stepped back and examined her face. He looked confused. Just like she felt.
“Didn’t Huck talk to you? We spoke earlier today about the future of the shop and you…”
Pete trailed off, but Autumn didn’t need him to finish for her to understand what had happened. Pete wanted her to take over his shop. An idea that should have her jumping up and down with joy, if not for the fact that Huck didn’t want her long-term.
“Huck was supposed to talk to me about it?” she whispered. Pete didn’t say anything. A look of sadness crossed his face. Shit, a stupid sting pricked her eyes. So close. She was so close to having something real. Something long-term. She was so close to being worthwhile.
But Huck didn’t choose her. Otherwise, he would have talked with her the way Pete had thought. The kicker was, she been secretly hoping Diamond could be her home. But once again, she’d gotten caught up in a dream that could never be real.
“I’m sorry, Pete,” she said, hating that she choked on the last word. “But I’ve got to go.”
Because standing there, within reaching distance of something she wanted so bad only to realize that Huck didn’t want her back and this could never be her place to land, was too much to bear.
