“Did it occur to you that I can handle this on my own?” Quar didn’t mean it to come out bitchy, and he smiled to take the edge of the words.
Jim snorted at him. “Right. Don’t make me feel useless. My ego can’t take it. Tell me everything.”
Jim would nag him until he caved, so Quar spent the betterpart of an hour talking about Forest and what he hoped would happen with him. Quar didn’t focus on his fears.
And Jim listened, told him to be careful but not to let a good sub go.
That was the kind of advice Quar liked to hear. It was going to be a long week, but Quar would also enjoy it in a strange way.
He was right about the cracked heads on Forest’s car. Quar worked on repairing theengine over the course of the week, doing what he could to save Forest money. He doubted Forest would appreciate a discounted bill—or at least a steeply discounted bill. He had pride, and Quar respected that.
But Forest probably didn’t have a grand lying around waiting to be tossed Quar’s way, so he did what he could to keep the cost of repairs down.
And he practiced his bodywork skills onForest’s car for free. The rust repair wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot better than it had been before Quar messed with it.
Quar detailed Forest’s car Friday, cleaning it inside and out since the engine work was finished. It had pleased him to discover that Forest had kept the inside of the car trash-free. Quar definitely approved of that.Just one more way he and I are in sync.
“Hey, Jim.Here’s the bill for Forest’s car.” Quar handed Jim the invoice. “I’ll let you take care of this.”
“Sure thing. I’ve been waiting to call him back since you told me who he was,” Jim said. “I’m gonna ask him if you give good head.”
“Don’t you dare,” Quar warned, almost positive Jim was teasing.
Jim snickered and waved the bill. “Of course, I wouldn’t do that, but you’re funny-looking when youget all uppity like that.”
“Ass,” Quar muttered. “Get back to work.”
Quar whistled as he went to wash his hands. He had one night to go, then he’d get to see Forest again.A little over twenty-four hours.He could make it.
