“I know that Russ was talking shit about me, and you standing up for me is a contributing factor as to why you were arrested.”
“Oh–”
“Jo, I don’t need you to protect me anymore. I can fight my own battles.”
“I know,” I stammer. “I just saw red. He was talking about my siblings, and him bringing up you just pushed me over the edge.”
He nods. “I get it. Just don’t let Russ be the reason you end up in jail. That asshole is not worth it. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
“Good point.” I have no idea what else to say. Most guys would probably feel emasculated that a girl stood up for them. Maybe they’d be mad about it.
But not Beau.
Instead of being pissed, he’s telling me not to get myself into trouble.
He takes a deep breath and says, “Okay, are you ready to learn a little about cars?”
“Ready when you are.”
The next few hours are spent diagnosing and fixing things on the Ford. The rapport between Beau and myself is strange. We haven’t talked about our history. We haven’t argued. We are just talking about the car. There’s a familiar connection–although anyone who didn’t know us would think we are just coworkers doing their jobs.
Although I miss hanging out with him like we used to, this is nice. I feel like maybe he’s coming around and this will be a turning point for us.
Or maybe he’s just doing what Jack asked him to without making waves.
Every once in a while, he puts his hand over mine to show me how to do something or lines up his large body behind me. I can tell it isn’t meant to be sexual in the slightest, but something about it is still putting dirty thoughts in my mind.
Maybe my libido isn’t on hiatus. Maybe it’s just confused and aimed in the wrong direction.
Everyone else in the shop is getting ready to leave, and we are finishing up on the job at hand.
I’m surprised when he says, “I know it’s getting close to quitting time, but if you’re up for it, we can start working on the Chevy over there…unless you have big plans tonight.” He gives me a smile that I haven’t seen in years.
“No big plans.” I smile back. “Let’s do it.”
“Alright, let’s take a fifteen minute break, and we will get started.”
“Sounds good.”
When he walks away, I do a little happy dance because I feel like we are finally getting somewhere. I hope that this is the beginning of a fresh start for us.
When Beau leaves, Jamie comes walking into the bay. I thought he had already left for the evening, but judging by the backpack slung over his shoulder, he’s on his way.
“Hey, Jo,” he greets. “I have a question for you.”
“Shoot.”
“Would you want to come to the Halloween dance with me?”
“When did the town start doing the dance again?” I question. They stopped it back when I was in high school because they wanted to focus on the Fall festival instead.
“Last year,” he replies. “I figured we could go as friends if you’re interested.”
Honestly, if I’m going with anyone as a friend, I would want it to be Beau. No offense to Jamie, but it’s the truth.
“Uh, do you know who all is going from the shop?” I ask, hopefully implying that maybe it could be a group thing.
“I think Adam said that he might go, and Drew will probably go with Ronnie, but I don’t know about Jack and Dylan.”
