“Hi,” I say. Okay, so not exactly what I was thinking, but it’s a word so that’s a start. He walks a pace towards me and shoves both hands in his pockets, shaking his head as if to clear his mind.
“Hi!” I hear back, only it’s his friend who talks first, stepping forward and offering an energetic wave. “I’m Sean.” He extends his palm to mine. Releasing a hand from the blondies, I return the gesture. “And you are…”
“Claire,” Jay says quietly.
Still holding my hand he looks at Jay. “Claire?” After a brief pause his eyebrows shoot up, his eyes as wide as saucers. “Oh! Claireeeeeee.” He draws out my name. Turning back to me, hands still together, he adds, “You wouldn’t happen to, oh I don’t know, eat pizza?” He throws Jay a wink.
“And, that’s enough.” Jay grabs Sean by the shoulders and pulls our hands apart. He pushes him back towards the garage doors. “He was just leaving.”
“Bye, Claireeee.” Sean calls over his shoulder as he stumbles from the force of Jay’s push.
I can’t help but laugh, only stopping when suddenly Jay is back in front of me and his eyes are doing that piercing thing I’ve become so accustomed to in the last few days. This visit was much easier when it was just a thought in my mind. Seeing him here, with all of the tall, muscular, intimidating parts, is a completely different story.
“Hi,” I say again and his face softens, the look he gives me, so calm I could get lost in it. For someone who often looks conflicted, he wears peace well. Relishing in it, I wait to speak.
Finally, I hold the box up to him and smile cheerfully. “I brought blondies!”
He breaks his stare and chuckles, completely thrown off guard. “You brought blondies?”
“To say thanks for taking a look at the Maverick?” It wasn’t supposed to come out as a question.
He snickers again. “You brought dessert to a garage of red-blooded mechanics?”
Suddenly my cheeks flush with embarrassment. This was a terrible idea. Holding my breath I feel the creases under my arms become slick with humiliation.
He puts a hand on my shoulder, looking serious. “You may be the bravest woman I’ve ever met.” I exhale feeling my cheeks return to their normal color and then roll my eyes playfully.
“I’m serious!” He brings his palm to his chest earnestly. “I’m high class compared to these guys. Come on.” Placing his hand on my lower back he guides me inside. Thankfully my legs still work despite the sudden weakness in my knees.
Man, he wasn’t kidding. These guys are animals! They all but mauled me to get the blondies, leaving only crumbs behind.
When we first walked in, Jay yelled to the garage that there was food. No literally,“FOOD!”was all he said and six guys, including Sean and Zeke who I already knew, came running in my direction like a herd of wild horses. Every hand that reached into the box was covered with motor oil, yet no one seemed to care. One guy even rolled out from beneath a car, had another mechanic put a blondie in his mouth, and then rolled back under. It was fascinating. Like watching animals in the zoo at feeding time.
Jay just now gets a chance to introduce me. “This is Claire. Her dad owns the Maverick.”
Despite both of those things being facts, my ego is slightly bruised when he says that instead of “The devastatingly good kisser that he was falling head over heels for.” Either way, the guys are all polite, saying hello through mouthfuls of blondies or at least offering a nod in my direction. One of the guys, who says his name is Rick, follows up by asking whether or not my dad has sold the car.
“Not yet,” I answer. “He has a couple of people interested, but so far, it’s still sitting in my parent’s garage.”Much to my mother’s dismay. I fold up the empty box still blown away by what just took place and toss it into a nearby trash can.
It’s funny, I assumed Dad would sell the Maverick to the first bidder just to get rid of the thing, but he’s been much pickier than I expected.“This one’s just a kid,” “That offer’s too low.”I’m starting to think getting rid of the last thing he has of Grandpa’s may be harder than he thought.
Sean smacks Jay’s sculpted arm with the back of his hand. “Still got a chance, man!” Jay rolls his eyes unamused.
I subtly turn to him, but he’s avoiding my gaze. Is Jay interested in the car?
We’re interrupted by Zeke before I have a chance to ask. “So Jay, you bringin’ Claire to Madison’s 21st?”
Jay shifts uncomfortably from one foot to another. “Zeke man, I told you, nightclubs aren’t really my scene.”
Zeke scoffs. “Oh, and I’m a frequent flyer.” He makes a gesture down his heavy frame, finishing with two pats to his very impressive beer belly.
“I’m just saying, I appreciate the invite, but I think I’m going to pass on this one.”
Having known Maddie, through Zeke, since I learned to drive, I cut in. “Wait, Maddie’s turning twenty-one already?” I know I’m not old, but there’s something about someone whose sweet sixteen pictures you’ve seen, being able to drink legally, that’ll make you feel ancient.
“Don’t remind me.” Zeke blows through his lips. “Goin' all out too. Private party at Neon Nights and everything. She invited the whole crew.” Scanning the lot of guys as he speaks, he lands on Jay and holds his stare. “So damn any one of you if you let down my little girl.” Jay stares back very unintimidated.
Changing the mood, another voice chimes in. “She’s most excited to see me though right, boss?” This time it’s Sean who gestures downhisthick frame.
