AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Which brings me to the reason why I am heading to the garage today to go steal my dad away. I learned over the years that the man can’t resist good food, especially if he didn’t have to cook or clean up after. So, I figured it’s time I make a meal, and maybe stash some in his freezer for him like I used to when I still lived at the house. I know his doctor has mentioned him eating a better diet, so I figured if I could convince him to come shopping with me, we could find a few heart healthy things that I’ll be able to spruce up and make deliciously tasty at the same time.
As I pull up to the shop, all of the bay doors are up, and I can hearMorgan Wallenblasting from the speakers. I can’t help but laugh when I get out of my car and see Emerson standing on a step stool, head buried in a truck’s motor, as her butt sticks out swaying back and forth to the song. Hearing my laughter, Emerson straightens out of the truck with a huge grin on her face before she comes bounding my way.
My little sister is a babe, and she doesn’t even realize it. She’s got a cute button nose, blue eyes, blonde hair that always has that beachy wave look that girls kill to have, but hers is all natural. You can’t forget the smudge of grease on her forehead. She makes her way to give me a hug, but I instantly put my hands up and step back.
“Sorry, Sunshine, but I do not feel like wearing grease today.” She just laughs and shrugs as she looks down. Em is wearing overalls with one strap undone, a white crop top underneath, and just a hint of her belly showing. When she turns, I catch the sun glinting off her belly button ring. Sure, she’s gotten some guys who have given her shit for being a girl and how she dresses at the shop sometimes, but on a hot, humid summer day in Pennsylvania, I don’t blame her for wearing the baggy pants and the crop top.
“I can’t really be mad at you when I know how many clothes I end up ruining due to grease. But I am voicing my formal complaint about not being able to hug you and requesting extra hugs the next time I see you.” She smiles and her blue eyes and dimple on her one cheek pop out. Emerson looks like the picture of innocence, but I am never fooled by that smile.
“I think I can manage that. Where’s dad at?”
“He’s in the office with the air conditioning talking to his boys while they drink all of our coffee and eat all of the free baked goods I bought for the paying customers.”
“Uh-oh, do I sense some tension there, sis?”
“Eh, yes, but not really. More so just me being grouchy about being ready to take over and dad saying he is to, but then he’s always here. I know he’s going to be a little lost once he’s fully retired, but he can always pop in when he wants. He’s just being stubborn and trying to act like he doesn’t care if I implement something new, but then he’s a damn grouch the rest of the day because things are changing.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely a tough one. Especially since we really haven’t changed a whole lot in the office since mom passed, well at least not the physical space. Just give him a little time to come around to the improvements. And in the meantime, why don’t I see if I can get him out of your hair for the afternoon?”
“Oh, where are you going to take him?”
“Eh, nowhere exciting. Just figured we could head over to the grocery store and pick out some stuff and then I’ll spend the rest of the afternoon making him ready to eat meals and have dinner there. You’re more than welcome to come. Do you know what shift Chayse works today?”
“Eh, I think she’s on the night shift, so she probably won’t make it. I'm probably gonna pass and get caught up with some stuff in the office since dad and his cronies won’t be hovering around.”
“Oh, that makes sense. And I forgot to tell you that I plan on bringing up letting you hire a new mechanic tonight. One that you get to vet and choose, and he doesn’t have a say unless you specifically ask him.”
“Really? That would be awesome, Spence. I know he would pick someone who would do a good job, but I want to make sure they are a good fit and won’t be retiring in five years just to leave me high and dry again.”
“Exactly. So let me get him out of your hair and I will go butter him up so that you can get a little help and don’t have to pull these long days like Chayse. I miss you both and would like to do some more fun stuff this summer before I have to dive back into teacher mode full time again.”
“You’re the best, Spence. I miss you too. Text the sister group chat and I promise we will get together soon.”
“Sounds great. I’ll see you later.” Emerson waves and heads back over to the truck she was working on before I interrupted her. It will never get old seeing my tiny sister working on these huge vehicles that could swallow her whole. But this is what she was born to do and she’s an amazing mechanic.
I head into the office and find dad with two of his best friends shooting the breeze sitting in the few chairs that are there for the clients who are waiting for their vehicles to be repaired. Dad and his buddies all jump up when they see me and give me a hug and say hello.
“Well, this is the best surprise. I didn’t know you were stopping by today. What are you up to?”
“Hi Dad. I was wondering if you would like to head to the store and help me pick out some groceries and then I will make some of those freezer meals you love.”
“Oh, Spencer girl, how you spoil me. Sorry guys, but I’d rather spend my day with a pretty girl who’s going to cook for me than stare at your ugly mugs for the rest of the day.” The guys just laugh because they know how my dad is, and they don’t dare disagree in fear that I will hold out on them and maybe not be invited to one of our family cookouts.
We say a quick goodbye and head to our local grocery store. It isn’t too busy this time of day in the middle of summer, so dad and I are able to take our time walking through the aisles as we plan what meals I can make for him to reheat later. We are just turning the corner of an aisle when I hear mumbles and look up to see Brant standing there with an obviously pregnant Jasmine.
Before I can say anything, I hear him yelp, “oh, shit,” as he quickly tries turning back around and going the other way. Poor Jasmine is following behind and doesn’t see us and has no idea why Brant is acting like a lunatic before she looks up and makes direct eye contact with me. Her mouth drops open as her hand comes to her belly.
Brant is still attempting to flee, but unfortunately for him, he runs right into a display of Depends which startles Jasmine. The adult diapers go flying everywhere as Brant trips on a pack and sprawls out on the floor, which finally breaks Jasmine from her trance. She rushes over and starts dragging Brant up as he fumbles to find his footing.
I am so stunned at the scene unfolding that I don’t know whether to laugh or cover my face in embarrassment and run away. I’m sure I will laugh at this when I eventually tell my sisters, but I can’t get over the fact that Jasmine is pregnant, and most likely conceived well before Brant and I split up. The decision is made for me when I hear a booming laugh sound from behind Brant and look up to see Maverick standing there with a cart full of food.
My fight or flight kicks in and I quickly spin our cart around leaving my dad standing there wheezing as he too laughs his head off. He doesn’t even notice I’ve left him there, and hopefully Maverick didn’t get a chance to see me.
I’m two aisles over when I know I’m not that lucky. I’m walking down the aisle towards the frozen foods when I feel a chill race over me as I feel someone staring at me. My nipples tighten and I just know if I turn, Maverick will be standing there. Before I get a chance to attempt to flee, he’s right behind me running his fingers down my arm to my hand. He leans in and I can feel his breath on my ear.
“Hey Sweets. I thought that was your sweet ass rounding the corner like it was on fire.” I can’t help but shiver at his nearness and that voice whispering in my ear. He gives my hand a tug and I spin around, losing my balance and planting my hands on his chest to steady myself. Maverick’s smile is almost blinding when he lifts my chin to look him in the eyes. I can feel my blush spreading and try to divert my gaze, but he won’t allow it.
"Damn, you’re a sight. How have you been? I haven’t seen you since…” he trails off because we both know the last time we saw each other. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’ve been avoiding The Tavern which is such a shame since I have that summer brew just waiting for you to come in and have a drink.”
