“Of course he does. He’s named after one of my favorite fictional characters.” She searches my face for some sort of recognition. “Don't tell me you’ve never read To Kill A Mockingbird.”
“I love that movie,” Mama says, placing the gifts back into the basket. “Used to have a crush on Gregory Peck.”
Callie’s face lights up like a kid on Christmas. “The book is better, as with most adaptations, but if you’re more of a cinephile, it’s a great movie, too.”
Goddamn, I love when she sounds all smart and shit. I could stand here and listen to her talk all day, but we don’t have time. “We’d better get going. Wouldn’t wanna keep Atticus waiting.”
Chapter 11
Atticus Fatticus
? Indigo - Sam Barber, Avery Anna
Jaxon
When we arrive backat my place, Griffin’s already elbow deep in Callie’s shitty hatchback. She heads inside to text Mo, and I take the opportunity to check on her car without her around. I have a sinking feeling in my gut that it’s not going to be good news.
“How’s it looking?” I ask, slipping my hands into my pockets.
He swipes the back of his hand along his forehead, leaving behind a black smudge. “Like it’d be better off in a junkyard.”
“Fuck. Can you fix it?”
“It’s gonna take some time, and it won’t be cheap.”
That’s what I was afraid of. Callie’s gonna lose her shit when she finds out. She’s doing everything she can to put the pieces of her life back together, but it keeps falling apart around her. I can’t let this be another loss. “I’ll cover it. Tell Callie you know a guy.”
Griffin grins, wiping his hands on a rag.
“I mean it, Griff. Not a penny out of her pocket. She’s been through enough.”
Crossing his arms over his barrel chest, he leans against the car and nods once. “I hear you, brother.”
Callie jogs down the front steps and joins us. “Please tell me I can get to work tomorrow.”
Griffin grimaces. “Not in this car, I’m afraid. I need to order parts, and since it’s an older model, it might take a while.”
Callie’s face falls. “How much do you need? I don’t get paid ‘til tomorrow, but?—”
“Don't you worry your pretty little head. I’ve got a guy who owes me a favor. Might take a bit to get the parts, but it won’t cost a thing.”
“I have to at least pay you for your time.” She pulls my jacket tighter across herself.
Something about seeing my name stitched across her chest feels so fucking right.
“Not a chance.”
“But—”
Tires crunch on gravel, drawing our attention to the lime green Mini Cooper pulling into my driveway. Mo’s timing is impeccable.
Callie’s face lights up when Mo steps out of the ridiculous vehicle. She pulls open the back door and brings out what looks like a large duffel bag with mesh windows. There’s a low yowling sound coming from inside.
“I’m gonna make some calls,” Griffin says, closing the hood of her car. “I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks, Griff.”
As Griffin heads to his truck, I make my way over to Callie.
