“A friend’s. Mine is the one out front.”
Marcus sidles up beside me and grabs a torque wrench from a tray propped precariously on top of the front quarter panel.
I can’t count how many days I spent with Ry at his dad’s garage when we were younger, hanging out and helping him fixup cars. Or the nights we’d sneak out and steal them for that guy I used to work for.
Ry would be so proud that his children are following in his footsteps. Marcus has done a great job running the garage, while Knox handles the motocross team. Chris plans to get his MBA and join Marcus, and Elijah has mentioned more than once that Charlotte races at the Fields alongside her brothers.
“Want some help?” I offer.
“Do you know how to replace a belt?”
I bunch up my shirt sleeves. “Put me to work, boss.”
Chapter Ten
ELIZABETH
Stay
Figuratively throwinghim into the deep end of the pool, I don’t stop Charlotte when she manhandles a stunned Fallon up the porch steps and into the house.
My grin is enormous as I send Julien a quick text to let him know I’m back.
Me: Home.
He replies immediately.
Julien: Want to come over for dinner? You can tell us about Italy over beer and burgers.
I chew the inside of my cheek. Meredith is the only person I told about Fallon showing up in Venice.
Me: Tomorrow? I’m tired and just want to spend a quiet evening with the kids.
Julien: Is that the only reason?
My mental groan is huge. Meredith and her big, gossipy mouth. She can’t keep a secret to save her life.
Me: That was fast.
Julien: Morning run. Meet up at the park tomorrow morning.
More like I’m going to get grilled for the entire five miles.
Me: Fine.
Julien: Your fridge is stocked. We stopped by the grocery store on the way back from Topsail.
Me: Thanks. I owe you.
Julien: Yes, you do, and I expect payment tomorrow morning in the form of a full confession. Love you.
I’m going to strangle Meredith the next time I see her.
Once inside, I kick the door closed with my heel and toe off my sandals.
“Hello?” I call out when I’m met with silence. No one answers me. Knowing my boys, they’ll be out back in the garage tinkering with something.
The house smells good. Charlotte must’ve put out the water bowl of magnolia blossoms.
