by Emery Jacobs
Jane grins, because she thinks she’s about to force me to confess, but she’s mistaken. I will never confess anything to this crazy bitch.
“Then a couple nights ago, it was you in that dark hallway with Emmie. What were you doing at Vic’s Place, Mr. Matson?” Her eyes dart toward Leo as he walks into the lobby from the shop.
“Hey, man, how much longer you gonna be? I need some help out back.” He looks at Jane and then back at me.
“Give me five more minutes and I’ll be there,” I tell him.
He reaches for the door handle, hesitating for a moment. He turns slightly and looks back at me. “Everything okay out here?”
The tension between me and the crazy redhead must be worse than I thought if Leo is picking up on it, because he’s usually not very perceptive.
I nod my head. “Yeah, everything’s good. I’m just going over a few prices with Jane. She needs a lot of work done on her—”
Leo doesn’t give me time to finish my sentence before he slams the door and walks back into the shop. Thank fuck, because I had no idea where I was going with that lie. Point proven—I’m a terrible liar.
I glance back at Jane, who’s still standing in the same spot, waiting for my response to her question.
“I was at Vic’s Place having a drink while I waited for my brother, who never showed up. When he was an hour late, I left. Is that a damn crime?” I grind out through my teeth and then take in a deep breath before continuing, “I have work to do and I don’t see the purpose of this conversation, but if you must know, I sometimes meet a friend of mine at Luna’s Wine Bar on Friday afternoons. I don’t like wine, but she does.” I walk over to the exit door and push it open then my focus is back on Jane. “Now, I’ve given you more information than you deserve, and I think it’s best you leave.” My voice is intense and demanding.
I fold my arms across my chest and lean against the open door. My eyes never leave hers. I refuse to give her any indication that her assumptions are true.
“The exit is this way,” I say with a forced smile.
She releases a heavy sigh before walking toward me. As she steps into the Texas heat, she stops and hesitates a few seconds before turning back to face me. “That station wagon, over there.” She looks away from me and at the 1988 brown Ford Station Wagon parked near the building. I don’t follow her gaze, because I know exactly which car she’s talking about.
“What about it?”
Her eyes dart back in my direction. “Is it yours?”
“It belongs to the shop.” I shrug, stepping away from the door and back into the lobby. “Goodbye, Jane!” I yell as the door slams behind me. She’s finally fucking gone. “Dammit! Why in the hell did I do this to myself?” I mumble.
I make my way across the room toward the shop, but before I make it out of the lobby, the front door swings open.
“You know what’s funny, Mr. Matson?” It’s Jane again. I’ll never forget the sound of her fucking voice. It’s like every accusation she makes embeds its irritating sound into my brain a little more.
I squeeze my eyes shut for a beat then turn to face her. I ignore her question, because she’s going to continue to talk whether I answer her or not. Why is she still here?
“That’s the same car that was parked in front of Emmie’s house when my husband and I drove her home from Vic’s—the same night she was in the hallway with you.”
My spine stiffens as she says the words. I knew Miles’s plan was going to end badly. What I didn’t realize was that it would all unravel so soon.
I don’t look away from her, and I don’t give her the satisfaction of addressing anything she just said.
“What? Can’t defend yourself from the truth?” She laughs. “I’m not going to breathe a word of this to Emmie, because I don’t want to frighten her. The last thing she needs is to think she has some crazy stalker, but I can promise you this: if I ever see you around her again, you will regret it.” She spins on her heels and walks out of the building, slamming the door behind her.
I drop my head back and take in a couple of deep breaths. Thank fuck, she’s gone. This shit has gotten so out of hand in such a short period of time. My business is shit, and if I don’t do something soon, I will lose everything. My family depends on this place as much as I do, but if I keep doing this stupid-as-fuck stalker stuff for Miles, then I’ll end up in jail. Not to mention, I’ve grown to like Emmie just by watching her live her life. Does that make me pathetic? Probably, but I don’t give a shit. She’s beautiful and happy, two things that have been missing from my life for a long time. Emmie Carmichael has given me something to look forward to, even though she doesn’t know it. God, I’m a sick son of a bitch.
I stick my head into the shop and scan the area for Leo. Once my eyes land on him, I yell for him to bring me a cigarette. I never smoke, but after that encounter with Jane, I need something to calm my nerves while I review all the lies I just told, starting with meeting a friend at that damn wine bar. I had to beg my sister, Hannah, to meet me. I told her we needed to talk about Mom, which was partly the truth but mostly a lie. Me and Leo hanging out at Vic’s Place—that will never happen, at least not while he’s dating Lydia. She would have my ass if I dragged him into a bar.
“What the hell, man? Since when did you start smoking?” he asks, walking in my direction.
“Just give me a fucking cigarette,” I demand.
“Okay, okay, damn. Don’t get your panties in a wad.” He chuckles as he hands one over. “Who’s the redhead?”
“Nobody important.” I grab the lighter from him.
“She may not be anybody important, but the conversation you were having with her obviously was.” He shakes his head. “The tension in the room was so damn thick I could barely breathe when I came in here to check on you.”
I toss the lighter back to Leo and take a much-needed drag.
“Like I said, it was nothing, just some chick sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong,” I declare as smoke escapes from my lips.
“Yeah, whatever you say, big brother. Whatever you say.” He walks back into the shop without another word.
“What the fuck am I going to do?” I mumble to myself, walking across the small room to the exit door. I’ve gotta get out of this place for a few minutes. “Dammit!” I grumble, kicking the door.
A scream rings out as the door flies open. A young brunette is standing just steps away from me.
“Shit, did I hit you?” I ask, pulling the cigarette from my mouth.
Bulging green eyes stare at me as she grips the clipboard she’s holding closer to her chest. “No, thank God,” she stammers.
I drop the cigarette to the ground and grind out the flickering flame with the heel of my boot.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea you were standing on the other side of the door.” I force a smile. “What can I help you with?”
She pulls in a couple quick breaths and then her shoulders visibly relax.
“I’m Abby.”
My forced smile remains intact as I guide her into the lobby without saying a word.
11
Emmie
“Where are you?” Ava asks as I pull my Jeep into the parking lot of Jim Matson’s Automotive.
I could lie. I want to lie, but in the end, it would be pointless. Ava’s my best friend, and lying to her is not an option.
I balance my phone between my ear and shoulder while I grab my purse, climb out of the car, and shut the door.
“I’m at a used car lot. I’m going in to talk to someone about helping me sell the Lexus.” It’s technically not a lie. There’s a small area on the north end of the property where Beau has a few cars for sale; I noticed it the day Leo towed my Jeep here and thought maybe they would let me put the Lexus out there with the others.
“Which one?”
“Which one, what?” I repeat, trying my best to play dumb and hoping she’ll stop with the inquisition, though I know she won’t.
; “Which car lot? What did you think I meant?”
“Umm… don’t be mad?” I scan the parking lot to be sure I’m alone before I continue.
“Mad? Why would I be mad, Emmie? I’m actually happy you’re taking the initiative to sell the car.”
“I’m at Jim Matson’s Automotive,” I say, and then hold the phone away from my ear. I’m not sure exactly what I expect, but just in case Ava decides to recite all the reasons I shouldn’t be here, I won’t have to hear them. I close my eyes and count to ten then bring the phone back to my ear. Silence. I pull the phone away again, this time to look at the screen to be sure we’re still connected; we are. Either she said what she had to say in the ten seconds I wasn’t listening, or I rendered her completely shocked and she’s speechless.
“Ava? Are you there?” I ask after bringing the phone back to my ear once again.
“Of course I’m still here. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I thought you would be mad because I decided to ask Beau to help me sell my car.”
“And do what? Hang up on you like I’m twelve?” She laughs.
It’s been two weeks since the kiss with Beau at Vic’s Place. I have neither seen him nor spoken to him; there has been zero effort by either of us to make any contact. I almost wish he had let me walk away after he initially rejected my kiss—almost being the key word. Deep down inside, I’m happy he pulled me back into the most amazing kiss of my life.
Jane hasn’t spoken another word about me kissing Beau. She also hasn’t mentioned any of her crazy ideas about Beau being the same guy who has been hanging out at the wine bar. Actually, we’ve been back to Luna’s twice since I kissed him, and neither he nor anyone who looks like him has been there.
I told Ava about the kiss and that I’ve basically thought about Beau every day since. Of course, she says to move on, which means do not chase after him, because if he were interested, he would have already called. I know she’s right, but I want to see him just one more time, and not at a bar, but during the light of day when neither of us has been drinking. I have to know if the attraction is real.
“You’re right; I’m being ridiculous. I know you wouldn’t hang up on me. It just feels weird for me to be so bold when it comes to a man, and I guess I don’t want you to think badly of me for… I don’t know, going after what I want.”
Being bold, going after what I want—is that what I’m doing? I trudge across the parking lot, taking slow, steady steps.
“Aw, Emmie. I could never think badly of you for trying to find happiness, and if you think this guy will make you happy, then go get him.”
“Thanks, Ava. You know I love you,” I say as I make my way to the narrow sidewalk leading to the front entrance. Before I reach the door, I stop for a couple seconds and lean against the side of the building while Ava and I say our goodbyes.
A flicker of apprehension courses through me as I step into the lobby. I take a deep breath and my shoulders immediately relax. Better. I can do this. My plan is to meet this challenge head on, and if he says no, I’ll walk away from Beau without another thought. This will be easy.
As I make my way to the counter, I look around the lobby. Yeesh! Looks like somebody’s been busy. It doesn’t even look like the same room. The walls used to be a dirty gray and are now a bright turquoise. The concrete floor has been lightly stained, and there is a large yellow rug covering almost half the space. A small wooden cabinet sits in the corner with a Keurig coffeemaker and a pod display rack full of a variety of coffees and teas. The new furniture consists of oversized comfy chairs and no fake leather couch. A small flat-screen television is mounted on the wall, and there are fresh flowers on the oblong table that sits directly below it. There is also a small refrigerator located next to a shelf that offers an array of snacks.
This room has a woman’s touch written all over it. Did he hire somebody to clean up the lobby? Or does he have a girlfriend and she decided to give this room a much-needed facelift? I haven’t really entertained the thought that he may be in a relationship. I mean, he kissed me, but I should know from experience that sometimes men don’t care if they are in a relationship or not. A cold knot forms in my stomach, but I squeeze my eyes shut for a second and push the negative thoughts far away. I refuse to let what Max did to me dictate the rest of my life.
“Ms. Carmichael?” Leo’s voice pulls me from my thoughts and I realize I’m standing in the middle of the room with my eyes closed, deep in thought. I’m sure he must think I’m crazy.
“Oh, hi, Leo. Sorry.” My eyes flutter open, and I shake my head a couple times before walking over to him. “I was just admiring the upgrade of your lobby when you walked in. I guess I didn’t hear the door open.” I cut my eyes toward the large window that separates the lobby from the shop.
“Is everything okay with your Jeep?” he asks.
“Yes, everything is fine. Thank you for taking care of it.” I smile as my gaze continues to search for Beau through the smudged glass window.
Leo leans on the counter and grins. I think he’s waiting for me to continue, or maybe he’s still trying to figure out why I was standing in the middle of the lobby with my eyes closed. Either way, I don’t think I’ve made a great impression where Leo’s concerned. Shit. Who am I kidding? I’ve obviously not done anything spectacular to impress his brother either, because if our kiss had been as good for him as it was for me, I would’ve heard from him by now.
“Is Beau here?” I ask, shifting my weight slightly.
“He’s working.” Leo nods toward the shop.
“I figured he would be busy, but do you think I could talk to him for a few minutes?” The tension has returned to my body in full force. For some insane reason, I thought Beau would see me and rush out to ask why I was here. Maybe thought is the wrong word; hoped, wished, or wanted seem more appropriate, because he’s not given me any indication he ever wants to see me again, and I never really thought about having to plead my case to Leo before speaking to Beau.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” Leo asks.
Now my mind is rolling through every possible scenario of why Beau is in the shop and Leo is standing in front of me. What if Beau saw me walk in and told Leo to take care of it because he didn’t want to talk to me? Did he tell his brother about the kiss we shared? Or maybe Beau thinks I’m some unstable stalker he won’t be able to get rid of. I should probably abort my plan and leave.
“No, I just need a couple minutes to speak with your brother, but if he’s busy, then don’t bother him. I can come back another time.” I bite my lip and look away. Then I suck in a deep breath and refocus my attention on Leo. “Just tell him I stopped by.” I turn to leave but stop before I make it to the door. “Never mind, you don’t have to tell him anything. I’ll catch up with him later.” I force a smile and take a few more steps until I’ve made it to the door. Dammit! I really screwed this up. I sounded like a rambling idiot. I shouldn’t have come here. Ava was right—Beau’s not interested or he would have made an effort to see me himself. How desperate I must appear.
“Wait, Ms. Carmichael, don’t go,” Leo calls out from behind me before I’ve had time to make it outside.
I stop mid-step and turn around. “Please, call me Emmie.”
“Yeah, sure, Emmie. Why don’t you sit down for a few minutes and let me check with Beau? He probably needs a break. He’s been working on the same car all morning.”
“Umm… I don’t know. If he’s busy, I don’t want to bother him.” I fold my arms across my chest.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll grab him real quick. Just have a seat and he’ll be right out,” Leo says, nodding toward the chairs to the right.
“Okay, if you’re sure he won’t mind.”
Leo smiles then spins around and walks into the shop. I slide into one of the new plush chairs, sigh out a couple breaths, and begin to organize my thoughts.
12
Beau
“There’s someone here to see you,
” Leo says as he walks around the old Buick I’ve been working on all morning.
“Who?” I ask, my mind frantically racing through the names of every person I know who could possibly show up here unannounced, Miles Carmichael being the first person on the list. I haven’t returned any of his text messages, emails, or phone calls over the past two weeks. Avoiding him is probably not the best idea, but it’ll have to do until I can figure out a way to clean up this mess.
“Ms. Carmichael,” he says as he makes his way over to me.
“Emmie?” I question, dropping my wrench to the floor and turning to face him.
“Yes, Emmie Carmichael. She’s out front waiting for you.”
“What does she want?” I position myself at just the right angle so I can glance around the car and into the lobby to see if I’m able to get a quick look at her, but she’s not there. “I don’t see her. Are you sure she didn’t leave?” I look over at Leo.
He shakes his head. “No, dumbass, she didn’t leave. She’s sitting in one of those new fancy chairs you bought. I still don’t know how you were able to afford all that new shit in the lobby when we still need updated tools and new fans in the shop. You know, the place where the work is actually done?” he huffs.
“I’ve already explained my reasoning for updating the lobby, so don’t start in on me with any bullshit today.”