“That I don’t know. Jordan was his usual irritable self this morning, barking at me on the phone to get my ass ready to guard you. I rolled my eyes like I usually do and got dressed. It’s fine, honest. I’m used to this. Jordan does what he does for a reason. My guess is Sheldon drove him up a fucking wall with annoyance until Jordan caved and agreed to put a guard on you. I’m just the lucky one who got to take you today.”
“I’m sorry. This isn’t the best way to spend your time.”
“Please. I’m usually on standby for whenever he needs something. At least I get to be busy.”
Before I could say anything else, Kayli pulled up to the shop. It was better Kayli was with me rather than Sheldon. With him, I’d be more nervous only because he’d be here. I didn’t know how to act around him. It was like I was starting over in every way when I wasn’t.
“Let’s do this,” she said and turned off the SUV.
It was just a job. If I sucked at it, at least I’d tried. That counted for a lot. Not everyone would be able to leap into a new career. I had to keep looking on the bright side. I could also learn a lot about cars, considering I didn’t know much about them.
We entered through the front door of the shop. Keith was waiting for us behind the reception desk, and there were a few customers sitting in chairs while their vehicles were being taken care of.
“Forest,” Keith said in greeting, a smile on his face. “Let me take care of this, and I’ll introduce you to our team. They’re excited to meet you.”
A man exited the office in the hallway where I was interviewed. He had wavy brown hair and wore a pair of coveralls that hung on his waist, a black tank top covering his upper half. “That’s because we can use K on the floor. We’re slammed. The heat isn’t helping either. We’re not the nicest bunch when we’re sweating.”
“Forest, this is Damian. Day meet Forest.”
Damian stepped forward to offer his hand. We shook. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
“We need the organization in there.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
“Can I help you?” Keith asked, looking behind me.
“Me?” I heard Kayli say. “No, I’m with Forest. I’ll be here all day.”
Keith raised his eyebrows, then lowered them. “You know what? I don’t even care. JJ said you might have someone with you. I didn’t expect…”
“Kayli,” she said. “You’ll remember me, I’m sure.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it.”
Damian suddenly stepped in front of Keith. “He means that in a strictlyyou aren’t evergoing thereway.”
“Hey, I’m only here to work,” Kayli replied. “It’s too bad though. All that grease and sweat?—”
“Anyway,” Keith cut in. “Let’s take you out there so the customers can relax in the air-conditioning.” I had to wonder how much more Kayli or Damian would have said had others not been listening.
Damian clapped me on the shoulder the moment we were out of the customers’ earshot. “If you couldn’t tell from that, Keith and I are in a relationship with each other, and Jeremy, another one of our mechanics. I’m assuming there won’t be any shit from you, considering JJ vouched for you as well.”
I held my hands up. “I’m guessing you know nothing about me.”
“We’ve been busy, and Keith hasn’t filled much in.”
“My brother is one of Jordan Sr.’s partners. I’m more than fine with three people being in a relationship.”
“Ohhh, that makes sense now. No wonder you were a quick hire. I already figured you knew your shit to work in the office, but having you be part of that life makes it easier to be here and not stress over being around JJ when he stops by.” I could see how it would bother others who weren’t comfortable working with JJ, given who his father was.
“Honestly,” I said, “I’m grateful to be given a chance. This is a career change for me. I wanted something different, closer to home.”
“It’s a fun environment when we’re not neck deep in repairs.”
Damian went back to work while Keith introduced me to the other people who were working today. Kayli was introduced as well.
