Make You Mine

by Louise, Tia

  Shit. I’ve said too much.

  Confusion lines Drew’s face. “What does that mean?”

  “Look.” I release her and turn away, rubbing the back of my neck, trying to get the tension out of my shoulders. “I want to talk to you about this. We need to talk.”

  “We could talk on our date. Friday?”

  Friday. Looking up at the sky, I wonder if I can wait that long. “Okay.” It’s a definite. “We’ll talk Friday.”

  She steps forward and touches my arm. “I’m ready to listen.”

  With a gentle kiss, she says goodbye. I can’t help wondering if she has any idea what I’m going to say. How could she possibly be ready?

  Chapter 25

  Drew

  The Jag is as good as new. The engine is restored, and when I pick it up after getting new tires, Gray stands back looking at it with pride.

  “One childhood dream come true.”

  “One?”

  He gives me a wink. “I have a few more I’m still working on.”

  Happiness sparkles in my stomach. I can’t wait until Friday.

  “Maybe you can drive it on our date.” When I take the car keys, I lean in a little too close.

  He takes advantage and gives me a brief kiss on the lips. Too brief for me.

  “Delivery guy just left those oil filters.” Billy passes us, holding a black contraption with white accordion folds all around it over his head. “I’ll call your friend and tell her to come back tomorrow.”

  I exhale a quiet little growl.

  Gray grins down at me and shakes his head. “I’m letting Billy take care of that one.”

  “He seems to be very excited about the job.”

  With the tip of his finger, he touches the side of my nose. “Ned says for you not to let it bother you.”

  I reach up and slide my finger over my temple. “Tanya says you’d better watch your back.”

  He kisses my lips, and I take the keys. “I was thinking about Friday. It feels so far away.”

  “Yeah?” He follows me slowly to where my dad’s old car is parked.

  “Maybe you could come over for dinner one night this week… Maybe Wednesday?”

  His brow furrows, and he drops his chin. When he looks up at me, his blue eyes are so round, so sexy. “With your dad?”

  Reaching out, I slide the hair off his forehead with my finger. I just had to touch him. “If he makes it downstairs, which I’m hoping he does.”

  I’ve got the prescription bag in my car. Fingers crossed.

  “I think I need to talk to you first.” He looks so pained. I remember how he said he’d hurt me earlier, and my heartbeat picks up.

  “Okay…” I think about it more. “Maybe we can have our date on Wednesday, then.”

  He shrugs. “Don’t you go to prayer meeting?”

  “I can skip a week.”

  “Always a bad influence.” The anxiety in his eyes softens, and a little bubble of happiness pops in my stomach.

  “The worst.” I step forward and hold his cheek, kissing him out in the parking lot where everyone can see. I really don’t care.

  Warm hands cover my waist, but he only holds me a moment before pulling back. “Wednesday.”

  “What about Wednesday?” That familiar old voice causes me to spin around. “Grayson? Are you planning to attend prayer meeting?”

  Ralph’s mother is standing in front of us, frowning down like the witch from The Wizard of Oz. Miss Gulch.

  “No!” I answer too fast.

  It’s ridiculous. I’m not a child. This woman doesn’t scare me anymore. Her black eyes narrow like a crow, and a trickle of doubt moves through me.

  “No? Is there something more important than learning to be the best version of yourself? Sacrificing your time to the lord?”

  “Gray and I have other plans.” I straighten my back, defiant. If anyone made him feel like an outsider, it was this woman. I’m proud to be seen with him.

  “Hi, Mrs. Stern. I haven’t seen you since I got back in town.” Gray’s manner is so cool, it bolsters my confidence.

  “I need an oil change.” She almost seems sorry to admit it. “Ralph told me you’d reopened the garage.”

  “Isn’t it interesting how we actually need certain businesses?” I don’t even try to hide the tone in my voice.

  “Ralph also said you asked him out last Friday.” She turns those beady eyes on me. “Back in my day, women didn’t ask men on dates, but I guess that’s neither here nor there.”

  “I didn’t want to eat alone.” I sense Gray listening to my reply. “Ralph wanted to tell me about his almonds.”

  The old woman squares her shoulders. “He planted ten acres of trees last month. It’s a bold move. Very entrepreneurial. I’m glad to see people in this town being more appreciative.”

  “He’s very enthusiastic. I hope it works out for him.”

  “It’s very kind of you to say that.” Her smile is as off-putting as her frown. “I’ll be sure and tell him.”

  I remember Ralph’s comments about starting a new dynasty, and now I’m sure I know who gave him that idea. I make a point of turning to Gray again and speaking clearly.

  “I’ll see you Wednesday, then. You can drive the Jag.”

  He shakes his head, warmth in his eyes, before turning to Mrs. Stern. “You can just drive right in that first bay.”

  Wednesday feels like it will never arrive. I manage to get Dad to take the pills, and I do my best to keep from dancing a jig in the kitchen as he reads the instructions, the side effects, then nods and puts one of the white capsules on his tongue.

  The next day, Darlene makes progress. “My mom asked why I haven’t worn skirts in so long.” She looks at her black fingernails then glances up at me. “I told her because the last time I wore a skirt, Mr. Johnson reached under it and touched me.”

  Holding my expression neutral, I nod slowly. “How did telling her make you feel?”

  She shrugs. “I don’t know. Like I’d gotten something off my chest finally.”

  “That’s really good.” I smile warmly. “What did your mother say?”

  Her brow furrows. “She said she didn’t like my outfit.”

  Anger tightens my stomach. I glance at the black skirt she’s paired with knee-high pantyhose, but I don’t make a judgment. “She didn’t acknowledge what you said about the neighbor?”

  “No. She made me feel like a loser.” Her finger is in her mouth, and she chews on the cuticle a minute. “I told her I was experimenting with new trends.”

  “I like how you stood up for yourself.” I can’t fake a smile now, though. “Why do you think your mother would ignore what you said?”

  She shrugs again, looking out the window. “She doesn’t want to think about it? She feels guilty? She doesn’t care.”

  Darlene speaks the words so fast, it’s like she’s solving a math problem. “Sometimes people pretend not to care to hide their fear. Or how much they’re hurting.”

  She doesn’t respond to this. I glance at the clock. “I have one more assignment. I’d like you to try and say one empowering thing to your mother every day this week. Do you think you can do that?”

  Her nose wrinkles, and she stands. “Why?”

  “I think it would benefit both of you. Make you feel stronger and make her feel stronger as well. Can you do that?”

  “What if I don’t know anything empowering to say?”

  It’s a legit question. “Visit this website.” I hand her a card.

  She takes it, blinking a few times while reading. Then she smiles. “Okay.”

  “Okay.” My chest is so full. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen her smile.

  After entering my notes, I hop up and rush out of my office. Dotty is behind the desk drinking a coffee and eating a muffin. It gives me an idea.

  I give her a wave. “I just have to run out for ten minutes. I’ve got my cell.”

  She gives me a confused nod, but I don’t wa
it around to explain. I know exactly what’s happening right now. Billy’s words are burning in my ears, and I have a plan. I trot down to the corner bakery and snag a box of muffins before heading to the garage.

  Sure enough, when I get there, Leslie is sitting in a chair by the back wall. She’s wearing black pants and a red sweater, and her arms are crossed so her breasts are pushed together and higher.

  She doesn’t see me enter, and I scan the room quickly, looking for Gray. I don’t see him, and Billy emerges from under Leslie’s tiny car.

  “Oh, hey, Miss Drew.” He pulls a towel out of his back pocket and walks over to me.

  I notice for the first time he’s wearing Gray’s old work shirt. “Hey… I just brought you guys a little thank you gift.” I look around again. “For working so hard on the Jag. Where’s Gray?”

  “Oh, he had to go get a part. We’ve been working on that old Chevy, you know? The exhaust system is shot. He found a replacement muffler for cheap at a junkyard and figured he’d take the truck and get it himself.”

  “Just like that?”

  “He was worried it might not last long. Some of these parts go fast.”

  I shouldn’t feel miffed. It’s silly. He doesn’t have to check in with me every time he runs an errand.

  I look down at the box of chocolate chip muffins. “He can have one when he gets back, I guess. They’ll still be good in a few hours, right?”

  “Oh, he had to go to Bixby. I expect he’ll spend the night.”

  My mouth falls open, but I quickly close it. I don’t want sneaky Leslie to think anything is going on.

  Too late.

  She puts her magazine down and walks over to where we’re talking. “What’s that, Drew Poo? Muffins?” She sneers down at the box. “You know some people pay for their car repairs with money.”

  That does it. “And some people know when they’ve worn out their welcome.”

  Leslie looks me up and down and laughs. “I know you’re not talking to me.” She waves her hand in an arc. “It’s called a place of business. Look it up.”

  “A place of business, as in car repairs. Not the kind of business you’re after.”

  “What kind of business is that, princess?” She steps closer.

  “Don’t call me princess.” My voice is low, just above a growl, and I notice Billy take a step back.

  Part of me is embarrassed to be having this out in front of him. The other part of me is sick of Leslie’s shit and ready to call her on it.

  The other part is winning today.

  Something in my eyes must warn her, because Leslie crosses her arms over her chest. “What are you worried about? Afraid your boyfriend’s going to see something he likes better?”

  “Gray is a man, and as long as I’ve known him, he’s never been interested in you.” I’m fighting hard to keep my voice calm, steady. “It’s really pathetic the way you keep coming around here. Have some self-respect, please.”

  “What’s pathetic is you trying to hold onto something that’s over.” She goes and sits in the chair again. “Gray has changed. He’s not the same person who left here. You don’t understand him anymore.”

  I walk straight to where she’s sitting and look down at her. “Stay away from Gray.”

  She slaps her hands on her thighs and stands again, putting us practically nose to nose. “Don’t tell me what to do, Drew baby.”

  “I’m also not a baby.”

  “You’re also not going to call dibs on Gray.” Her hands are on her hips. “He came back, and I waited to see if he’d pick up with you. He didn’t. He’s here.”

  “He’s mine.”

  “It doesn’t look that way to me.”

  “Look again.”

  We’re both breathing hard, nostrils flared, and in each other’s faces when Billy decides to risk his life. “Want me to take those muffins?”

  My eyes drop to the box, which I’m gripping so hard, it’s almost bent in half. I loosen my fingers and hand it to him. “Thanks, Billy.”

  “I’ll tell Gray you brought these, but I’m sure he’ll call or text you. He talks about you all the time.” I meet his dark gaze, and he smiles.

  Leslie shoves her hands on her hips with a huff. “Whose side are you on?”

  “I’d like to be on yours.” He turns to her with a wink. “Gray’s not available, but I am.”

  Adrenaline is surging in my veins, and Billy’s overt flirting after what just happened pulls me out of the moment. A laugh starts at the top of my stomach, and hiccups out on a breath, but I quickly shove it down. I don’t want to lose any ground here.

  “Thanks, Billy. I’ll see you later.”

  “See you around.”

  With great care, I turn on my heel and walk out the door. I continue walking boldly, fearlessly away from the garage, all the way back to my office. I think that was a win, but only time will tell.

  Chapter 26

  Gray

  “You got here just in time.” Chuck Hopper steps across a pile of junk to the old rusted-out Chevy Bel Air. “Fella down in Atlanta just called. Said he needed it for a movie. Offered three times what you’re paying.”

  I’m not sure what to say to that. I have no idea if Taylor’s prepared to pay more for the part. “Thanks for holding it for me.”

  “I’m a man of my word.” He stretches, scratching his oversized belly through the yellowed-white tank stretched over it.

  “I can bring my truck around and load up what I need.”

  “Just let me know when you’re done, and we can price it per part.”

  I spend the next several hours with my tools gutting the old heap. From what Billy and I can tell, Taylor’s kept his car somewhat up to date. Still, we haven’t looked at everything.

  It’s late in the afternoon when I’m done. Chuck has a stump of a cigar in the corner of his mouth, and his red face is sweaty.

  “Let’s see.” He looks over in the bed of my truck.

  I’m standing beside him looking as well.

  “Muffler, radiator… what’s that?”

  “Clutch.” I shrug. “You never know.”

  He does a nod and tallies it up, giving me the total, which comes in right at the amount Taylor authorized. I toss a canvass tarp over the parts and head to the Plucky Duck motel on the highway. It doesn’t look like anyone’s stayed here in fifty years, but the owner shows me to a clean room.

  “Just staying one night?” The proprietor Elmer Pepper squints at me like I’m a bank robber.

  “Just need a place to crash on the way home.” I do my best to give him a reassuring smile.

  “Where’s home?”

  The question gives me an unexpected pause. “Oakville.”

  His ancient eyes narrow. “You sure?”

  The image of Drew waiting for me, sitting on that palette solidifies my answer. “You bet. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

  “Welp,” he shrugs. “The pool’s clean if you feel like swimming. Otherwise, if you want to pay up front you can take off in the morning when you’re ready.”

  “Sure.” I walk with him to the small office and hand over seventy-five dollars.

  “Got a card I can scan for damages?” I give him the plastic, and he scans it. “I won’t charge it unless you break something.”

  “Sure.” I start for the door, then I hesitate. “I’ll take a picture of the room before I leave in the morning.”

  Elmer only shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

  I’m dead on my feet when I crash on the scratchy bedspread. I am not thinking about the horror stories I’ve heard about places like this and semen stains everywhere.

  Okay, I am now.

  I stand and rip the scratchy bedspread off, tossing it on the matching double bed across from me. I collapse again, now on the bare sheets and pull out my phone.

  One person has been on my mind all day. I send her a quick text.

  Me: Thinking about you, Drew-baby.

  Truth be told, when I foun
d this car online, the idea of getting out, driving for three hours to Bixby felt like a godsend. I needed to clear my head. Everything with Drew was building up, and I was fucking sharing my feelings with people like Dagwood Magee. Shit. Great way to have it all over town.

  I’m saved from my cringe-fest by a reply from Drew.

  Drew: It’s about time. I’ve had a miserable day.

  I’m immediately concerned.

  Me: What’s wrong? What happened?

  Could it be her dad? Did somebody tell him my truck had been parked outside her house overnight? Shit. The little dots are torturous. Why the fuck did I leave?

  Drew: You didn’t tell me you were going to Bixby. I was so confused.

  My exhale of relief turns into a chuckle.

  Me: Sorry, baby. This rehab got me distracted. I found a prized part. Had to beat the competition for it.

  Drew: If that’s all it was. You could have called.

  Me: I will next time. I wasn’t thinking.

  Drew: I like when you call me baby. I like that you said next time.

  The surge of warmth moving through my stomach is like a drug. I love her words. Without hesitation, I hit the call button. I need to hear her voice. It only rings once.

  “Hey.” Her voice is like a soothing balm to my tired insides.

  “Hey.” I wonder if she can hear my smile. “You’ll never guess where I’m staying?”

  She exhales a light laugh. “Tell me.”

  “The Plucky Duck motel.”

  That makes her laugh for real, and I smile. I love the way she sounds.

  “Where the heck is the Plucky Duck motel?”

  “It’s between Bixby and home. It’s on the highway near Oceanside Village. Remember that place?”

  “No.” Her voice is soft, warm.

  “Ah, I don’t know. I guess I kept up with stuff like this. It’s just a little bedroom community that was popular along the coast.”