I take a sip. The familiar warm cinnamon and chocolate sprinkles hit my tongue over the frothy top of the latte, exactly how I like it. Damn, it’s good.
I set the cup down on a nearby workbench and slide back under the car, picking up where I left off. The radio is playing low in the background, and I start humming along without thinking, still riding that quiet, warm high from the weekend.
…
A couple hours later the owner of the Chevy strolls into the yard. He walks around the car once. “No more leaks?”
“None,” I confirm. “She’s good to go.”
He pays without complaint, thanks me again, and drives off happily.
I whistle across the open yard. “Pablo!”
Pablo turns his head from where he’s stacking tires and smiles. “You good, boss?”
“Bring Mrs. Ray’s Mazda inside for its service, please.”
He nods and heads back inside to grab the key. Both ramps are still tied up with longer jobs, so I’ll be on the creeper again. I don’t mind… I spent years working like this before we could afford the lifts.
I’m just about to put the tools I used on the Chevy away, when Larry appears out of nowhere, making me jump. “Ohfuck… Jesus Christ, Larry…”
Larry laughs loud; the big booming laugh he’s always had, and holds his hands up. “Me and Maria were passing by. Thought we’d bring you all some of them baguettes you like.”
I smile, genuinely surprised. “You didn’t have to do that, man.”
Maria rounds the corner a second later, bright smile on her face. “Oh hey, Slade.” She even steps in for a hug.
I pat her back awkwardly. “Uh… hi?”
When she pulls away, she taps the tip of her nose and winks at me.Is that supposed to mean something?
…
We all end up sitting outside at the little shaded table behind the garage, the big umbrella overhead cutting the glare of the afternoon sun. I’m sprawled back in one of the plastic chairs, legs stretched out, when Maria walks over carrying a pitcher of her homemade lemonade, ice cubes clinking softly against the glass.
She passes me a glassful, and I take a long sip, letting out a satisfied hum. “Mm, perfect as always, Maria… best lemonade in town, hands down.”
She grins. “Oh, I know. That’s why I made some this morning.”
I frown and look at Larry. “I thought you were just ‘passing by.’ How is it that your wife made lemonade for methis morning?”
Larry freezes slightly. “Uh…” He glances at Maria for help.
I set my food and drink down. “Actually… you’reallacting strange. The lemonade, the baguettes, Todd going across town to get me a coffee before work this morning…”
They all flick their eyes around awkwardly.
Maria finally speaks. “Me and Carla had a coffee date… with Andrew, on Saturday morning.”
I go very still. “That wasyouhe went to see? He said he was hanging out with a couple friends…”
Maria nods. “He… told us everything.”
My stomach drops. I whisper, “What?”
Maria lifts her hands quickly. “Now don’t get angry at him, okay? He doesn’t want you moving three towns over just so you can be open in public.”
I stand up so fast the chair scrapes loudly behind me. I can’t deal with this right now. I walk away without another word, grab the creeper, and slide straight under Mrs. Ray’s Mazda. I’m not even working on anything… I just need a second to steady myself.Fuck. They know;they’ve known all weekend. Is that why Andrew wanted to get away with me? To show me how good it would feel to be free like that? I run both hands down my face, torn between being pissed at Andrew and weirdly relieved that he took the weight off my shoulders.
