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“Good job today, kid. You impressed me with your work on the Volkswagen. Those cars aren’t easy, and even though you struggled, you didn’t give up.”
I nod. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” His compliment makes me feel good inside, like all my hard work, all my studying in tech school, is finally paying off.
“Keep it up. Enjoy tomorrow off—paid. My thanks to you.” Don walks over to me and pats me on the shoulder.
“Really? You sure? I don’t mind coming in. I can—”
Don puts his hand up, cutting me off. “I’m sure. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Don. I really appreciate it. And thank you for working with me before I went to school and even during. Few jobs would be so flexible.”
“I knew you had the talent, kid. Not only that, but you also have the drive. Motivation and passion. You remind me a lot of myself at your age. I see my hunch was correct because look at you now. Most of the guys I’ve seen come through here barely knew how to do an oil change at your age, never mind fix trannies and work on foreign motors.” Don claps me on the shoulder again and smiles.
He looks like a proud dad.
A ping of sadness runs through me. I wish my dad were more like him. Happy and proud of what I’ve become.
But at least someone is. And even if they weren’t, I’m proud of my fucking self.
Less than a year ago, I had no clue who I was or what I wanted for a career. Now look at me. I have a degree and a good-paying job, along with a proud boss.
“Oh, and Ty?”
“Yeah, boss?” I ask on my way out.
“Do something fun tomorrow, kid, will ya?”
I laugh and wave goodbye. But as I climb into my Jeep, I suddenly remember who called me earlier.
When I check my phone, I see she’s left a message. With a deep breath, I hit play.
* * *
Hey—uh... shoot. Hey Ty, it’s Lo. Obviously. Uh, I was hoping maybe I could take you up on that offer to help with my car? Uh, just let me know, thanks, uh, okay, bye.
I smile as I listen to her message a couple of times. I doubt she wanted to ask me, but something changed her mind. Did she realize how easy it would be to just let me help?
I should let her sweat it out for a few days, but I can’t. I feel too bad knowing she’s driving that car around with a spare tire. One hard bump or fast turn and that thing will pop, leaving her stranded.
I shoot her a text back instead of a call. I can’t let myself turn into a big softie around her again, not after the way she treated me. Whatever her reasons were for ignoring my calls and texts and getting mad at seeing me, they might be valid, but her actions weren’t.
Tyler: I’m off tmw. How’s Thursday? I’ll send u the address of the shop.
Chloe: Perfect. What time?
Tyler: How’s 9?
Chloe: See u then
I spend my day off at the beach with Colby and Carter. A huge group of guys is playing a volleyball game, and we end up jumping in.
Arriving home later with a bad sunburn, I take a cool shower and slather on the aloe, but it continues to burn. Fuck, going to work like this will suck tomorrow.
Then I remember I’m seeing Lo. Great. She’ll love the lobster look.
After a restless night of sleep, I wake up on fire. My sunburn is even more red, the dark color looking angrier. Every part of me hurts.
Shit. Why the hell didn’t I think to put on sunscreen?
