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“Personal.”
“I figured as much. You’ve been different the past several months.” He threw the rag on the ground and stalked toward the fridge in the corner.
I followed him. A beer with my dad sounded good, even if it wasn’t noon yet. In my family, it was never too early for alcohol.
“I hadn’t thought much about it until you mentioned moving into your house.” He removed two bottles and passed one to me. We twisted off the cap and guzzled as we eyed each other. He probably wondered if I’d lower my guard and spill my guts. I wouldn’t.
“I told you, I just want privacy.”
“I know you did. So what’s on your mind?” He asked as he leaned against the counter. I was a little surprised he was so direct. Usually, he danced around a topic.
“I’ve been spinning my wheels on an issue. I broke something I can’t seem to fix and it’s driving me nuts. I don’t know what to do.”
“Most issues are like engines and carburetors. Sometimes the problem is surface level, easily detected, and quickly fixed. Other times it’s a complex matter that requires us to take apart the whole damn engine to find. Those are a bitch to fix.”
“They sure are.” I glanced around, hoping he didn’t connect the dots.
He bobbed his head. “Parts get strewn about. You’ve got grease up to your elbows, and a massive headache, but once you find the problem and repair it, the motor will purr like a kitten.”
“I may have missed a step.” I took a swig of beer, considering his words. “I haven’t gotten grease up to my elbows yet, only a massive headache.”
“Then you haven’t found the problem.”
“No, I guess I haven’t.”
“I’d say it’s time to dig in and get dirty, son.” He reached into his pocket for a smoke. “Who’s the woman?”
Shit, he connected the dots.
“Not ready to go there yet.” I finished my beer, then tossed the bottle into the recycle bin. He and Lady M had probably talked about me behind my back.
I was sure she would mention Karma tonight when they went to bed. Or not. Lady M could be discrete and keep a secret—when she wanted.
“You know all your mother and I want for our kids is for you to be happy. The last time you were like this, it involved Karma.” He lit his cigarette, inhaled the nicotine into his lungs, and slowly blew it out. His expression was smug, with a mischievous glint in his gray depths.
Damn, he was good.
“Yeah.”
His salt and pepper eyebrows lifted curiously, but he didn’t question me anymore as he took another drag.
“Thanks for the talk. I need to get to the club.”
“And get your elbows dirty?”
“Yep, but I’m pretty damn certain I’m gonna have to bathe in grease.” I stalked out of the hangar.
His laughter echoed off the metal walls.
All my dealings with Karma up to this point had been surface-level. She hadn’t given me a chance to dig deep and get dirty, always cutting me off or shutting me down. I had let her have the upper hand for too long.
The time had come to take control of the situation and stop walking on eggshells, stop fearing I’d lose her all over again.
Dismantling everything sounded intimidating and scary, but it needed to be done before rebuilding our relationship. It wasn’t something I looked forward to, but necessary if I wanted Karma and Nova in my life.
I more than wanted them in my life.
I needed them with me.
