Page 115 of Last Call

"Time to conquer your fears," Andi said, wrapping an arm around Riley.

"I don't like the sound of this."

"Come on, let's help Owen get his new friend settled."

"Do I have to touch it?"

Ida chose that moment to start singing. "Here, far, wherever you are..."

Riley grimaced. "How many creatures did she have in that emporium?" she asked Andi.

Andi winked.

An emporium? God help me.

Chapter Eight

Barb hadn’t expectedto see Pete’s tow truck heading her way.

“Dammit,” she muttered, watching it slow and pull onto the shoulder behind her car. Great. Now Pete was missing Fallon and Riley’s party because her car decided to play dead.

She would’ve fallen over if she hadn’t already been sitting when she saw who stepped out of the cab.

The woman shut the door and strolled toward her with easy confidence. Tall, lean, with long dark hair pulled into a low ponytail and work boots scuffed from actual labor—not style. She wore faded jeans, a navy t-shirt, and a playful smirk.

“Had a little issue, huh?” she asked, stopping just shy of the driver’s side window.

Barb blinked, confused. “Uh… yeah.”

“I’m guessing you were expecting someone with a little more facial hair?” the woman added.

Barb opened her mouth, then closed it again.

“I’m Parker,” she said, holding out her hand. “Parker Avery. I work for Pete.”

Barb took her hand, still trying to catch up. Beth had mentioned Pete was bringing on a new mechanic. She’d skippeda few important details. Like the fact that the new mechanic was stunning. And clearly very good at throwing people off balance.

“I... uh, well, I was expecting Pete,” Barb admitted.

“It’s okay,” Parker said, flashing a grin as she stepped back toward the front of Barb’s car. “You mind popping the hood for me?”

Barb fumbled to find the lever. She stepped out of the car as Parker lifted the hood and leaned over the engine like she’d done it a thousand times—probably because she had.

Definitely not what Barb had pictured. And definitely not what she’d braced herself for after a long day of coffee, car trouble, and kids.

Parker leaned under the hood, squinting as she adjusted a few wires and checked the fluids. She moved with quiet confidence—capable hands and a focused gaze.

Barb stood a few feet back, arms crossed, watching despite herself.

After a minute, Parker straightened and closed the hood with a solid thud.

“Well,” she said, brushing her hands on her jeans, “it’s not going to blow up, but it’s also not going anywhere under its own power. Probably a sensor, but I’ll have to run diagnostics at the shop.”

Barb nodded, already dreading the logistics. “Of course.”

“I’ll get it loaded up,” Parker said, heading back to the truck. “Is someone coming to get you, or do you want to ride with me?"

Barb hesitated. Riding in a tow truck with a striking stranger wasn’t on her bingo card for the day. Then again, neither was breaking down on the side of the road. "I'm supposed to be at a birthday party."

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