He reluctantly agrees. He has a few more kisses that almost get out of control, but Georgia calling breaks it up.
“So?” Georgia asks when we hit the highway.
“We covered all the bases,” I admit.
“I knew it!” I give her some details, more about the emotions and some of the things we said to each other. She shakes her head in shock for most of it, saying she’s still getting used to this new Luke.
All too soon we’re out front of the mechanic shop. I dread going in but know it’s the right way to end things. Plus, I want to make sure everything is all caught up for them.
“You sure you wanna quit?” Georgia asks.
“Yeah.”
“You gonna need a ride home? I can come back to pick you up later.”
“Nah, Luke’s insisting he be the one to come and get me. See you later. Love you,” I say before exiting her car.
“Love you, too,” I hear her say before the door slams shut. I give her a wave, take a deep breath, and head into the body shop.
The bell over the door gives a little chime as I step inside, and the familiar smell of motor oil and rubber hits me, making me smile. That smell will always remind me of my father and being in the shop with him. Those memories fill me with less sadness lately.
Joey is at the desk, buried under paperwork. He lifts his head, and his face breaks into one of his easy smiles.
“I was worried you wouldn’t come in today,” he says, setting down his pencil. “After the hockey game last night. I’m so freaking thankful you did.” He holds up a stack of invoices.
I freeze for a second.How did he know I went to the game?But I brush it off. Everyone went. The whole town practically shuts down for Kingmakers hockey.
“I wanted to catch up on paperwork before...” I trail off, guilt twisting in my stomach. Joey has stacks of invoices spread across the desk, and the computer screen has spreadsheets of inventory lists up. And I’m going to quit on him in a few hours. “Before I get to the filing.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Madeline.” He stands, giving me space so I can take over. “Seriously. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I sit down, pulling a stack of invoices toward me. “It’s just a few hours. Don’t act like I’m saving your life.”
“You kind of are.” He takes the chair on the other side of the desk. “So. How was the game?”
“Fine.” I keep my head down, sorting papers. I need to dive in so I can get as much done as possible. “We won.”
“I heard Locke got into a fight. Threw some guy into the boards?”
I glance up, surprised. “Word travels fast.”
“Small town.” Joey shrugs, but his eyes are sharp, watching me. “Guy’s got a temper, huh?” I know where he’s trying to lead with that comment, and I don’t appreciate it.
“It’s hockey. If there isn’t a fight, what’s even the point?” I joke, wanting to shift away from Luke. The two of them clearly don’t like each other, which is more of a reason I shouldn’t keep working here. I don’t want that drama. “He was defending someone,” I add.
“Sure he was.” Joey shakes his head. “Just be careful, Madeline. Guys like that... they start off protective and end up controlling. I’ve seen it.”
I don’t bother responding; I focus on the paperwork, the numbers blurring together. The sooner I’m done here, the sooner I’m free. Joey must get the message because at some point he heads back into the shop, but it’s not long before he ventures back in, dropping down into the chair in front of my desk again.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Are you happy?” The question catches me off guard. Then again, maybe he’s sensing I want to quit. I look up, and he’s watching me, his expression serious. “At Kingmakers,” he continues. “With the hockey crowd. That life. Is it what you wanted?”
I think about Luke and Georgia. My sister is here too.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I think it is.” Sometimes you don’t know what you want until it’s staring you right in the face.
