Heart Unseen

by Andrew Grey

  “How about some good news?” Brent picked up a small stack of papers and handed then to him. “We’ve had at least a dozen people settle their accounts in the last two days. I put the statements in a folder on the desk for you to look at. I think, going forward, we should curtail the practice as much as possible. You had a great deal of money tied up like that.”

  “I know. I was trying to help people out and I could afford it then.” How things could change on a dime. Trevor sat at the desk and began going through the receipts and other papers. “Business seems to be up.”

  “We’re booked solid for the next ten days, with people calling for appointments all the time. I’ve been able to take additional work by adding some hours for the part-timers.” Brent looked out the window to the shop where Scott was bent over the hood of a car, working inside the engine. Lee stood next to him, both of them talking nonstop. Brent didn’t take his eyes off Scott.

  Trevor cleared his throat and said nothing as Brent’s attention returned to him.

  “To take on more business at the moment, we’d need another service bay.”

  “If it keeps up, we might shift some hours around. Maybe some of the guys would rather come in at noon and work later into the evening. Make the resources we have stretch even further.” Business doing so well really gave Trevor hope that they could work their way out of this hole. “How is Lee doing?” he asked as he watched the two of them together.

  “Really well. He and Scott seem like a good team. There are things he can’t do, but he makes Scott more efficient, and the kid loves cars. His mother will be back in a few hours to pick him up. She didn’t want to leave him here alone, but Scott convinced her.” There was possibly a slight touch of jealousy in Brent’s voice. He turned away from the window. “I heard from Dean—who is still angry with you for no good reason, I might add—that you’re still seeing James.”

  Trevor looked up from the receipts and set the papers back down on the desk. “Yes. He and I are dating.”

  Brent sat on the nearby chair. “Maybe this isn’t the place to ask, but we’ve been friends for a long time and I’ve never seen you date anyone, not since Chase. This guy must be pretty special.”

  “He is, and I wish I could put my finger on exactly why.” Trevor leaned back, smiling a little as he thought of James. “Sometimes James sees things more clearly than the rest of us, and he got under my skin before I even realized what was happening.” He sighed softly. “He makes me happy, and it scares me half to death.” Trevor swallowed around the lump in his throat as he leaned forward, the chair creaking. “I don’t know if I can do it.”

  “Do what, Trevor? Have a relationship? Have more than what you’ve had for years? It’s time, Trevor. You need to deal with what happened.”

  “I did.”

  Brent leaned over the desk. “You didn’t. What you did was put Chase in a box in your head and then tried to never open that box again. Do you realize that in the years since Chase, you’ve never talked about him at all? It’s like he never existed as far as you’re concerned.”

  “Brent,” Trevor growled under his breath.

  “No. I’m your friend first. You can fire me if you want to, but we’ve been friends for years. I can tell you that if James is making you deal with what happened with Chase, then that’s a good thing, and if you’re willing to open your heart once again, then that’s good too. It’s time you started to live again, not just existing from day to day and guy to guy.”

  “Dean doesn’t think so.”

  “That’s because Dean wants someone he can go out and pick up guys with. He wants the old Trevor because that’s what he needs right now. Think about it. He was with Dumbass and he didn’t go out. He was a fucking homebody. So you do what’s right for you and not what you think someone else wants.”

  Trevor wasn’t sure what to think at that moment. “I don’t know if I can.”

  Now Brent sat back. “The great Trevor Michaelson felled and bested by something that was outside his control and that he feels so guilty about, he’d rather close it off than just look it in the eye and deal with it.” Brent stood, looming over the desk. “You’re actually going to tell me that you’d rather give up a chance at happiness with James than deal with your pain? Because it won’t go away on its own.”

  Trevor jumped to his feet, trying like hell to intimidate Brent into backing down, but he didn’t, not for a second. Brent glared right back at him just as hard. “How in the fuck did you get so smart?”

  “It certainly wasn’t from hanging around with you all these years.”

  Trevor sat back down, and Brent did the same. They were like wolves circling each other. Finally, Trevor relaxed.

  “Sometimes, my friend, you just have to let shit go.”

  Trevor rolled his eyes. “Maybe you should have that printed on T-shirts. You could make a fortune.”

  Brent groaned and turned to look out the window once again. Scott stood, a smudge of grease on his cheek, eyes bright, glancing back to Lee and then at Brent while trying not to appear as though he were looking. “Maybe you should allow yourself to be happy and to let what happened go.”

  Trevor put all his cards on the table. “James asked about Chase. He heard some things from my dad when he came to dinner. He wants me to tell him.”

  “I don’t know everything that happened, and it’s none of my business. But I think you should tell James if you’re really serious about him. I’ve messed up good relationships because I was stupid and kept things from them. Remember David? I messed up with him bad. He was in college and he was the nicest guy… trusting and gentle. I hurt him because I was secretive and wanted to play the field. I saw him the other day. He has a husband and twin boys. He lives three blocks from you, and he’s the happiest person I think I’ve ever met in my life. That could have been me if I hadn’t screwed it all up. So don’t you screw shit up with James. If you care about him, and more importantly, want him to care about you, deeply, passionately, then trust the guy.” Brent stood and left the office, closing the door quietly behind him.

  Trevor watched through the window as Brent made the rounds, talking to each of the guys and then going to work on one of the cars.

  TREVOR SPENT the rest of his morning at the Brown Deer garage, meeting Lee’s mother and reassuring her as best he could. “Lee is doing well and seems to like it here,” Trevor said once he’d ushered her into the office and offered her a cup of coffee.

  “But what if he gets hurt? There are pits and oil and….” She set her mug on the desk without touching it.

  “He works with Scott, and the two of them are getting along great.” Trevor motioned to where both of them had their heads under the hood of a car. “Look at them.”

  Lee straightened up, a grin on his lips, as Scott straightened as well, and they walked arm in arm around the car before going back to work.

  “Well, I’ll be.” She opened her purse and pulled out a tissue to dab her eyes. “I didn’t think I’d see him smile again.”

  “What I’d like is for you and Brent to work out a schedule for Lee. I’ll pay him for his time, and he can work alongside Scott.”

  “You mean…?”

  “I’m offering Lee a job if he wants it.”

  Tears rolled down her cheeks and she nodded. It was clearly hard for her to let go. “Then I’ll ask him tonight what he wants to do, and we’ll make any arrangements that are needed.” She dabbed her cheek and picked up the mug once again. “You’re an angel, you know that?”

  “This was James’s idea. He’s the angel as far as I’m concerned.”

  “I can’t argue with you there.” She sipped her coffee until Lee was ready to go.

  Trevor left shortly after her. He then visited two other shops that afternoon. All of his managers were reporting that business was up and that accounts were being settled. He got in touch with Ricky at the end of the day to tell him the state of affairs.

  “It’s going to be close…,” Ri
cky said.

  “I sold my bike,” Trevor told him and added how much he got. “That should ensure that we have the cash we need to pay the tax bill and keep the business running.”

  “Yes. And with people settling their accounts, your overall liquidity will improve.” Ricky sounded relieved.

  “I’ll deposit the check for the bike today, and that should prop us up enough. Now we need to concentrate on getting as much money out of Alan as we can.”

  “I worked with your lawyer, and we’ve had a lien put on everything we can. House, cars—you name it. I’ve also had his accounts frozen so he can’t access any cash he has. Apparently he’s trying to declare bankruptcy, but that isn’t going to work because of his criminal activity, so hopefully we’ll get something. We just need to see how everything shakes out legally, but you can get through the immediate threat and then we can work to make up the financial differences.” Ricky shuffled papers in the background. “I’m really sorry you had to sell your bike. I know that meant a great deal to you.”

  Trevor swallowed hard. “Yeah. Well, things are the way they are.” He needed to change the subject. “I want to get together with you next week so we can review the processes we should put in place long term to prevent anything like this from happening again. I don’t think I can go through something like this one more time.”

  “No problem. I have a list of things you can put into place that will help. Let’s meet in my office on Wednesday at eleven. I’ll have everything ready, and we can get the ball rolling.”

  “Thanks, Ricky.” Trevor entered the appointment in his calendar and thanked Ricky for all his help.

  The garage was closing, and Trevor said good night to each of the guys as they left. He felt as though he could truly breathe for the first time in days. He’d managed to get the money he needed, even if it had cost him his motorcycle, and now he could repair the damage to the business and move it forward. Trevor locked up and got in his car, calling James as he rode.

  “What plans do you have for tonight? I thought we could have dinner somewhere.”

  “You sound happy.” James’s smile came through the line.

  “I got the last of the cash I needed, so at least things are looking up.”

  “I’m having dinner at Marti’s tonight. But maybe we can go tomorrow?” James offered.

  “Of course. That would be nice. I’ll pick you up at five if that works. I know a great miniature golf course. I found a key ring that beeps and will attach it to a stick that we can put in the holes.”

  “Really?” James’s voice rang with delight. “Okay. I’ll be ready at five.”

  Trevor ended the call and got off at his exit, then navigated the tree-lined, quiet streets to his home. He pulled around to his garage and pushed the button to raise the door when his phone rang again.

  “Trevor, it’s James.”

  “I know, sweetheart. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just called Marti, and she wanted to know if you want to come to dinner with us. She’s a great cook, and she promised her oven-fried chicken, which is amazing. And, of course, Zack will be there, so if you want to bring the motorcycle, he’ll flip.”

  Trevor paused. James was asking him to meet part of his family and he sounded so excited. “The motorcycle is gone. I sold it today in order to get the cash I needed for the business.” He suppressed a sigh. “What time is she expecting us?”

  “Half an hour?” James said with somewhat diminished enthusiasm.

  Trevor had nothing to do tonight but sit in front of the television. Normally on a night like this, he’d go to one of the clubs, but that held no appeal for him at all, and just the thought of seeing James made his heart beat a little faster. “I need to clean up, and I’ll be over as soon as I can to pick you up.”

  “Great, I’ll tell Marti that you’re coming. See you soon.” James hung up, and Trevor hurried inside at hyperspeed.

  He undressed, showered, and dressed in jeans and a lime-green polo shirt. He knew James couldn’t see him, but he wanted to impress James’s family. Then he locked the house and was out of the drive and on his way in world-record time. Everything was going his way until he hit the freeway and it slowed to a crawl. Once he got through downtown, it picked up and he was able to get to James’s house only a few minutes late.

  James was on the porch, looking yummy in a pair of jeans and a blue shirt that would show off his eyes if he weren’t wearing sunglasses. Trevor helped James to the car, and they made the short trip to Marti’s once James provided the address.

  When he pulled up to a beautifully redone bungalow, Trevor helped James out of the car and up the walk.

  The front door flew open and James’s nephew flew outside, naked as the day he was born. “Uncle Jimmy!”

  “Zack, you need to get dressed!” Marti called as she raced outside after him.

  “Hey, little man,” Trevor said, and Zack came to an instant halt, looking up at him and then raced back to his mother.

  “Is he a giant?” Zack asked.

  “No. But he is big. Now let’s get you inside and dressed so you can play with Uncle Jimmy.” She turned to them. “Welcome to the madhouse. Come on in.”

  Trevor led James inside, following Marti and a naked, squirming Zack.

  “There’s a chair near the television. Can you lead me there?” James asked, and Trevor guided him over. James sat, and Trevor took a seat next to him.

  Tim came in, and Trevor stood to shake his hand and thank him for the invitation. “Are you kidding? Marti has been trying to meet you for weeks now.” He smiled and motioned for him to sit. Zack barreled into the room in jeans and a T-shirt with a truck on it, then leaped into James’s lap.

  “Read bumpy book,” Zack said, pressing a book into James’s hands. “Please.”

  “We’re working on manners,” Tim clarified, and James opened the book, using his fingers to read the story to Zack. Tim stood and tilted his head toward the kitchen. Trevor took the hint and followed him. “Zack adores him,” Tim said, and Trevor couldn’t help looking at James as he read.

  “He has the kindest soul I think I’ve ever encountered.” Trevor continued watching James as Tim opened the refrigerator.

  “Beer?”

  “Thanks.” Trevor found it hard to look away from the two of them. “James said once that he wished he could have children, but he didn’t think that was possible for him.”

  Zack laughed as James brought his voice squeaky high for the mouse in the story. The story concluded, and Zack clapped when the mouse was rescued from the trap by the nice little kitten. “Again!” Zack demanded, clapping furiously, and James began the story over.

  Trevor turned away and saw Tim watching him.

  “Dude, you got it bad.” Tim reached out, and Trevor clinked the bottle.

  “What are you two talking about?” Marti asked as she came in the room. Trevor reintroduced himself, and she motioned for him to sit at the table.

  “We were talking about your brother,” Tim answered as he sat as well.

  Marti got a beer and sat next to Tim. “Just so you know, this is the Inquisition. What are your plans as far as my brother is concerned?” She opened the bottle and took a swig.

  “My wife isn’t subtle.”

  “Subtle is for saps, especially where Jimmy is involved.” She turned her attention to Trevor, and damned if Marti didn’t look exactly like her mother.

  “James and I are feeling our way through things.” He wasn’t going to say things to her that he hadn’t told James. James deserved to know how he felt before members of his family did. “He’s….”

  “Jimmy is amazing.” Marti clarified.

  “You don’t have to sell me on him. I know exactly how incredible he is.”

  Zack clapped in the other room and raced in a few seconds later, thrust the book at his mother, and raced out. “I get another one.” He was already on the move.

  “Zackary, you need to let your uncle have a chanc
e to breathe,” Marti called, but he was already back with another, climbing into James’s lap and opening the book.

  “I can’t read this one. There are no bumps. I can only read bumpy books.”

  Zack raced off once again.

  “He’s so patient,” Trevor said almost under his breath, and when Zack returned with a bumpy book, James settled in to read the story about a turtle.

  “He’s like that with almost everyone, except our mother. The two of them butt heads constantly. I used to think she wanted to shelter him, but now I think she wants him on his own but dependent enough to still need her. What do you want to do with him?”

  “Open his world up. Tomorrow we’re playing mini golf. I have a beeper that we can use so the holes make noise and he has something to aim at. It doesn’t matter how well he does as long as he has a good time.” He couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

  “Trevor and I rode go-karts. It was so much fun. We always have fun.” James went back to reading, and Trevor shook his head. Sometimes he forgot about James’s doglike hearing.

  “He loved riding on the motorcycle with me.” Trevor hated that he’d had to sell it, and that was just another reason.

  “James said someone in your business was stealing from you,” Tim said.

  “Yes. I sold the motorcycle to help make up the shortfall, and now I need to get the business back on a sure footing. Once that’s done, I’ll save for another.” He looked forward to when he could ride with James pressed to his back once again. “It’ll just take some time. Business is good right now, and we’re going to make it. Now all I need to do is keep the guy who stole from me from showing up like a bad penny.” He turned back to James and let go of the frustration for now. That didn’t have a place here, and he didn’t want to taint James’s time with his family. “He helped me.”

  Marti and Tim shared a look between them.

  “He didn’t give me money, if that’s what you’re wondering. He made phone calls on my behalf and was able to help us collect some outstanding accounts.” Trevor was a little miffed, but he kept it to himself. “I’d never ask James for money.” It actually had never occurred to him. His business was his responsibility, and sink or swim, he’d never ask anyone else for help… not like that, anyway.