I push my hands into the pockets of my jeans. I like my own company because I can think about Hollie. ‘I’ll think about it. Later, Bren.’
The sun’s almost down by the time Echo comes to the shop.
‘Why are you still here?’ he drawls, leaning against the wood frame of the building. A building that has no business still standing, given the number of people who’d like to see it torn down and turned to dust.
I wipe the sweat on my forehead with my wrist because my fingers are covered in grease. My back aches from being hunched over a table for the last two hours, putting the pieces of an engine back together. ‘I’m almost done,’ I tell him.
Echo raises his brows. ‘You checked in on your momma lately?’
‘Was over there two nights ago.’
‘She doin’ all right without Noah?’
‘I mean, she ain’t over the moon about it or nothin’. She knows why he had to go.’
I glance up at my boss. Above his head, skeeters circle the light bulb that hangs by a single wire from the ceiling. We’re not like them auto mechanics over in Canyon. You bring your vehicle to Rapture, you know what you’re getting. This place is a backwater, but we know our trade. And I’m a self-confessed motorhead.
‘Had a visitor come by earlier,’ Echo says. ‘Goes by the name of Hollie Palmer.’
My hands still in surprise. There it is again. That weird ache in my chest. The feeling that makes me feel nauseous whenever I think about her. I think it’s why I’ve been working so hard. If I don’t keep busy, she fills out my brain.
‘Why would Hollie Palmer come to see you?’ I ask, though there’s no keeping that strangled sound from my voice. Fuck.
‘Asked if she could have a wristband. For tomorrow night.’
I wipe my hands on my overalls. Step back from the half-assembled engine. Echo chewed me right out for leaving her alone in Roswell, and even before that, I spent the rest of my ride back to Rapture wondering if I oughtn’t turn back around and pick her up. I was also pissed at myself for still not having the stones to ask if it was her I kissed in that closet at Amber’s party.
‘Nice girl,’ Echo says. ‘That accent is something, right? Made it pretty clear she’s no supporter of her stepmom.’
‘She’s not.’
‘Told her you’ll be offering her that apology. So, you’d better clean yourself up and git on over Scotch tomorrow night.’
I look at the floor. Roll my eyes when he can’t see me. ‘I can swing by where she works.’The thought has crossed my mind. Daily. Hourly.
Echo shakes his head like he’s disappointed in me. ‘This girl, AJ, I don’t think it’s a good idea that you… you know.’
I pick up a rag and go back to work. ‘Know what, Echo?’
‘I see you taking girls upstairs some nights. I also see the light go on in this place. I see what you’re doing.’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about Echo.’
‘I’m tryna say Hollie Palmer is not one of them girls. She’s the mayor’s stepdaughter, and she’s classy too. You offer her an apology, y’hear, but that’s all.’
‘I’m not interested in Hollie Palmer, Echo.’And nice to know you don’t think I’m good enough for her.
It’s a straight up lie, but I’m not looking to make Echo’s life more complicated than it already is.
‘Good.’
I never had a girl play on my mind like this before. I can’t even picture the exact reason. When I lie there, in bed, staring at the ceiling, it occurs to me it’s a multitude of little things. Like how she comes across as a shrinking violet, until you get to know her, and then she relaxes into your company. But the shyness is also kinda endearing. Like how she cares so much. The fact is, I don’t know what I’d say to Hollie, but I can’t get her out my brain.
‘Well, say you’re sorry, boy, then leave her be.’
I sigh. ‘I’m not a boy, Echo.How many times?’
‘Yeah? Well, only real men can admit their mistakes. I ain’t seen that happening around here lately. Come on. Finish up, then wash up. Come have a drink.’
