Carter
Tomorrow. The parts will be shipped tomorrow. Which means I’ll have them on Wednesday. And that means her car will be ready to go by Friday.
I knew it would happen. I’ve anticipated it. Expected it. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
And I really,reallydon’t like it.
Ask her to stay.
It’s a ludicrous thought after only knowing her for seven days, especially when she hid out in the basement for two of them.
So, five days then. I’ve known Kenna Bennett for five short days. Yet the pull I feel toward her is gargantuan.
And that look. Man. All I’ve been able to think about today is that look. She wants me. She just doesn’twantto want me.
Because she’s leaving? Or is it more?
I’m dying to know everything about her. Where is the money coming from? Why is she here? Who is she running away from? Is there anything I can do to get her to stay?
I’m on towing duty today, so when I get a text, I slip on my coat and head out. The job is located halfway between here and White Plains. The entire way, I think of the drive to the pool yesterday and how Kenna and I kept stealing glances at each other as the kids belted out songs behind us.
I pound my fists into the steering wheel when I almost plow into the van in front of me at a stoplight. I’m distracted.She’sdistracting me.
The light turns green and something catches my eye. It’smycar. Traveling in the opposite direction, back toward Calloway Creek. Kenna was in White Plains.
But… why?
I just add it to the ever-growing list of things I want to know about her.
Friday, my brain reminds me. I only have four more days to make something happen. What, I’m not sure. But something.
I get the broken-down Acura into a stall and park the tow truck around back. When I enter through the back door of the shop, Lincoln and Dax are in a heated discussion.
“You’re wrong,” Dax says.
“Have you seen last week’s reports?” Lincoln paces behind the counter. “They’re shit. And it’s just week one. What happens if it continues to get worse?”
“The weather was bad is all.”
“Did you even bother to drive by the place? I did. Their stalls were full—unlike ours. So, it doesn’t seemtheirbusiness was impacted by weather at all.”
I approach, hoping to be a voice of reason. “Listen guys, we all know business will be affected somewhat, but let’s not jump to conclusions. It’s a new store. People will try it out. They’ll compare prices. In and out times. Friendliness of staff. But they’re a chain. Not as personal, and certainly more expensive than us as they need to cover franchise costs and stuff. Most customers will try them and come back. I’d bet on it.”
“Are you sure?” Lincoln scoffs, shaking his head. “Because youarebetting on it. You’re betting our shop on it.”
“Being a bit overdramatic aren’t we?” I say with a raised brow.
Lincoln studies me. “Weren’t you the very person who just last week said we’d feel the impact? What happened since then to make you so goddamn optimistic?”
“It’s the girl,” Mia says, walking by us and dropping the words like an unexploded bomb on her way to the service bays.
“What girl?” Lincoln asks.
“Have you been living under a rock?” Dax says. “The chick who’s living in Carter’s basement with her kid. The one he towed in last week.” He thumbs to the rear of the store when Lincoln still isn’t getting it. “The Lexus LX?”
“Oh right. Sorry, I’ve been a bit distracted this week.”
Dax elbows me. “Tiffany’s been home all week.” He snickers and does an obscene gesture with his hands.
