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“He used to put me in his lap and take me for rides through the neighborhood.” The look in his eyes is wistful as he recalls the long-buried memories, and the story brings up similar memories I have with Grandad. “He probably never went faster than thirty-five or forty, but to a five-year-old boy it felt like flying.”
Brian smiles, and his clear blue eyes meet mine, coming back to the present. “After he passed, the bike ended up in my garage. It’s been out there for decades. Last time I checked, it didn’t run.”He laughs at himself then. “It probably didn’t fix itself since then, so I’d imagine it’s still not running. Would that be something you could fix?”
“I bet I could. Do you know what kind of bike it is?”
Brian laughs again. “A black BMW. That’s all I know.”
We make arrangements for me to bring it into the shop on Tuesday, so I can get a better idea what needs to be done.
Brian nods thoughtfully on his way out the door. “Good to see you today, Luke. Don’t be a stranger.”
As soon as I’ve been back to work long enough to dirty my hands again, my phone buzzes. Then it buzzes again. And again. I wipe my hands off and pull out my phone to see my mom’s number flashing across the screen.
“Luke? Are you there?” Her voice comes through as soon as I answer.
“Hi, Mom.” I put my wireless headphones in, so I can work.
“What took you so long to answer?”
“I’m working.”
She huffs, unhappy with that answer. “Cameron came by yesterday. He is such a vibrant young man. Handsome too. His hair is green now. Did you know that?”
“No, must be new. Did he help out with your list?”
“Yes, he’s so sweet. Not quite as good at fixing things as you are, but he makes a much better margarita.”Sure he does. I’m the one who spent over a decade bartending, but Cam makes a better margarita. “He mixed us a whole pitcher and told the funniest race stories. You know, I got my hair cut two weeks ago, and he’s the first person who noticed.”
“He’s a charming guy.”
“He gets that from me.”
“From you?” I ask, torquing down a head bolt.
“Yes. I spent more time raising that boy than his ownmother did. Lucas, don’t act like you never heard me say nurture is more powerful than nature. You know that.”
I hear her screen door slam in the background. It shouldn’t be doing that. The slow-close mechanism must need to be replaced. I take a break from the engine rebuild while Mom moves on from Cam stories to filling me in on the life of every girl I went to high school with, including extra details for the ones that still live in Ventura.
“How do you know that Marissa’s single?”
“Social media. I’m friends with all of your old girlfriends.”Should’ve known.The screen door slams again.
“I just ordered you a new hydraulic door closer for that screen. It should be there by Wednesday,” I tell her.
“Thank you, honey, but it won’t do me any good. I can’t fix the door myself, and you’re not here anymore to help me.” I check my watch. We made it a whole forty-five minutes before the guilt trip kicked in. Impressive.
“Cam should still be in town. I’ll ask him to come by again. Maybe he’ll make you more of hisamazingmargaritas.”
“That sounds nice, but it’s not the same as having you home.” Her voice is sweeter than normal, laying it on thick.
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry I can’t be there.”
“It’s okay. I understand you have yourpriorities,” she says, the last word dripping with condescension. The temptation to argue with her is heavy, but I know it won’t get me anywhere. And part of the guilt she’s throwing my way is sticking. She has to be lonely with Skye and me both gone.
“I’ll visit you as soon as I can, definitely for your birthday.”
“That’ll be nice,” she sighs. “I just never thought we’d be one of those families that only see each other on birthdays and holidays.”
My phone buzzes again, and I’m grateful for the excuse to getout of this conversation.
