Page 52 of Finding You

“No,” Will grumbled. “She’s going with Phil Decker. I hate that guy.”

“Damn. Sorry, buddy.”

“Yeah, well…”

“Um…if it’s okay with the two of you,” MacKenzie interrupted. “I’m just gonna…you know…move.” Devin helped by slowly turning toward the open door and then the two of them awkwardly maneuvered around until her feet were on the ground. Turning to Will, she gave him a pat on the arm. “Sorry about Cindy, but thanks for coming to help.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Mustang on the truck. What happened? We tested everything like a hundred times!”

“Oh, uh…it just…”

“It was running hot,” Devin replied. “I guess something wasn’t as tightened down as we thought. I’m going to check it out tomorrow, but for now, let’s get it back in the garage.”

“Sounds good,” Will said, ready to do what needed to be done.

Devin looked over at MacKenzie and saw that she was all flushed and still giving him a look that told him to hurry so they could get home.

There was definitely more he wanted to say–like how they might continue in his pickup when they got back to his house–but for now, it would have to wait. The quicker they got the Mustang situated, the faster they could leave.

Guilt was making her a little crazy.

The next morning, she watched as Devin immediately went to work running diagnostic tests on the Mustang and she almost confessed that she was responsible for it.

Almost.

Knowing that the festival was starting today and the shop was on limited hours, she was confident that she’d bought herself some time.

“Kind of a moot point after yesterday’s conversation, but…whatever,” she murmured.

Still, it didn’t change the fact that Devin was beating himself up for something that wasn’t his fault. Last night she’d told him not to worry about it and to take care of his customers first, but wouldn’t you know it, everyone who had their car in this morning only needed minor stuff done.

“Alan Huxley’s car is ready,” Will announced as he strolled into the front office. “Oil change and filled the windshield wiper fluid.”

“Thanks,” she said with a smile as she pulled up Alan’s account on the computer and entered today’s work. Within minutes, he was paid and out the door. “It seems like there are no major car repairs today.”

Wiping his hands on a rag, Will nodded. “I don’t think you’ve grasped just how big of a deal this festival is to the town. No one’s gonna risk missing out.” Placing the rag in his back pocket, he leaned against her desk. “Now, next week? That’s gonna be a totally different story. I can almost guarantee that we’re going to be slammed with appointments.” Then he paused and studied her for a moment. “You still planning on being here?”

Twisting in her chair to face him, she arched a brow. “Wow. That was direct.”

He shrugged. “I don’t see a point in beating around the bush.” And for such a lighthearted and easygoing guy, he suddenly got very serious. “Look, Devin’s one of my best friends and we look out for each other. You’ve been very up front with the fact that you’re going to Oregon, but with the way things have changed between the two of you, I…” He paused. “I guess…it’s going to be hard on him when you leave. And the longer you stay, the harder it’s going to be. So…”

She wasn’t sure if she should be offended or not. “What are you saying, Will? That I shouldn’t stay beyond the festival?”

When he didn’t respond right away, MacKenzie figured she had her answer.

“The last thing I want to do is hurt Devin,” she said, doing her best not to sound too defensive. “And I think it’s great that you’re looking out for your friend, but this really isn’t any of your business. I’ll know when it’s time to leave.”

“I’m not trying to be a dick…”

“Then you failed,” she said, and this time she was a little snappish. “How long I stay or how soon I leave is something we’re both trying to figure out, but it’s good to know where you stand, so…thanks.” Turning her back on him, she finished entering some invoices that Devin has asked her to do earlier.

“Mac, come on…”

Will was the only person in Sweetbriar Ridge to call her that and she used to think it was an endearment, but now she wasn’t so sure. All she knew was there was a reason she didn’t trust easily. She got lulled into a false sense of security in this quaint little town, but apparently people were the same no matter where you went, and she’d be smart to remember that.

Fortunately, the morning didn’t drag and by the time noon came around and they were getting ready to close, she was more than ready to leave.

“Everyone have a good time and we’ll see you up there!” Devin called out before locking up. But when he turned to face her, she knew the instant he figured out something was wrong. “I’d ask why you’re upset, but I have a feeling it has to do with Will.”

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