25
What in the hell is Merv talking about? I’m a good employee! I’m never late, I hardly ever take time off or call in sick. I don’t complain about stupid customers who don’t know the level of octane they need for their cars.
So why is he firing me?
“Don’t worry, you’ll get a nice severance package so you can take your time before starting your new job. I’ll miss ya. But it’s time to move on.” Merv sniffs and clears his throat. Is he getting emotional over this?
“I don’t have a new job! You’re not making any sense, old man.”
“If I may,” Slater interjects. “The reason I wanted to talk to Merv was to make sure I was making a good decision in offering you a job at my shop. I figured you were a good bet, but Merv’s spent the last ten minutes raving about what an amazing mechanic you are, so now I’ll be bummed if you tell me no. Though, it sounds like you might be in need of a job, anyway, so…” He trails off with a smirk.
“Y-you want to offer me a job? Why?”
“You didn’t see the way Saint was moping around for you, even though it’s been less than a day. I don’t like to see him hurting, and I have the means to solve the distance issue. Plus, I could use an extra set of hands at the shop, and I’d be honored to have someone of your expertise working for me.”
“I don’t have a place to live.”
Saint’s hand tightens in mine. “My home is yours, Mikey. Just like my heart.”
I chew on my lip, my head spinning with how fast everything has happened. This is crazy. Saint and I are moving too fast. We barely know each other, and I’m considering taking a new job, moving to a different town—living in hishouse—just to be with him?
“This feels too fast,” I admit out loud.
Merv scoffs, rounding the front desk to stand in front of me. He places a calloused hand on my shoulder and holds my eyes as he says, “It may be fast, kid, but don’t let it stop you from following your heart. What ya and the baker have is special, anyone can see it. Ya ain’t gonna find love under the hood of a car. Ya gotta open yourself up to it. Take chances. Plus, you’re fired. So, I think ya should take the job.” With a wink, Merv steps back.
“Who’s going to replace me? Surely you don’t want Rob to train the new guy.”
“I’ve got another seasoned mechanic ready to start when I give him the go ahead. I’ll train him myself. Rob was always going to be temporary, so I was lookin’ for his replacement.”
“I guess I’m moving to Cupid’s Cove.” I look at Slater, who has a big smile on his face. “Looks like you’ve got a new employee.”
Saint spins me around, grabs my hips, and crashes his lips against mine. “You won’t regret this, sweetheart.”Kiss.“Thankyou for trusting me.”Kiss.“I’m so fucking happy.”Kiss.“I love you so much.”Kiss.
Then he freezes and pulls back, his eyes wide, like he didn’t mean to say it out loud.
“I’m happy for ya, but I don’t need to see that shit in my shop,” Merv barks, causing Saint and me to break apart before I can say anything.
My face heats with embarrassment, but Saint’s chest is puffed up like a peacock.
“Sorry, Merv.” But he doesn't sound the least bit sorry. “Mind if I hang out here today so I can go home with my girl?”
“Wait, you’re staying in Salem? The part for your van won’t be here until tomorrow.”
Saint shrugs. “Ruby can handle the café, and when the van is done, we can pack up your stuff in the back and move you home.”
Home.
Growing up, my home was the house I shared with my dad. When I moved out, I still considered it home. When he died and I sold it, I didn’t have a place to call home. I haven’t felt that breath of relief when you’re in a familiar place, the nostalgia that feels like being wrapped in a warm hug, in so long.
Until this weekend with Saint in Cupid’s Cove.
Now, my home is with a man who smells like cinnamon and vanilla, bakes for a living, and will seemingly do whatever it takes to be with me.
After a long daycatching up on work, Saint and I ride the elevator up to my apartment hand in hand.
His thumb swipes back and forth across my knuckles, and the touch soothes the anxiety swirling in my stomach all day over the upturn my life has taken in the last six hours.
Saint stayed in the lobby all day, reading. At lunch time, he went and bought us pizza, and we ate in the small break room while he told me about the book.
