Page 16 of Forever Endeavor

“Gary has a pretty big fucking mouth,” Sonny grumbled, reaching for a quarter-inch ratchet before diving back under the hood.

“That’s one of the reasons I married him. Well, that and he makes a mean lime margarita,” Gurdeep said, laughing. “I kid, I kid. But seriously, what’s the deal with the girl?”

“My uncle has a stray cat complex. He felt the need to take her in and now she’s staying in our spare room until her car is fixed. We went out for a beer and that’s it. End of story.”

“But I heard you danced with her, and it was a slooow dance.”

“Geez, I gotta stop tipping Gary so well.” Sonny attempted to focus on the blown gasket, but was all too aware that Gurdeep remained annoyingly close by. “Yeah, okay, I danced with her. So what?”

Gurdeep shrugged. “So…nothing. It’s just that it’s been a long time, man. Maybe it’s time to get back in the saddle.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t, so just drop it.”

“Drop what?” asked a woman’s voice.

Sonny looked over the side and spotted ten candy-pink toenails.Billie?He shot upright and THUNK! Again!Fuck!He blinked through the blinding pain. After the double vision faded, he realized she was smiling sweetly, holding a tray of takeaway coffees and a white bakery box.

She winced. “Ouch, are you okay? That had to hurt.”

“I’m fine. I’ve got a pretty thick skull.”

“So I’ve noticed.” She and Gurdeep laughed together before introducing themselves. Billie immediately offered him one of the steaming cups. “The coffee shop also had fresh bear claws so I picked up some for you boys.”

“Wow, thanks Billie. You’re a sight for sore eyes…and sore heads,” Gurdeep chuckled. “So, what brings you in? Afraid your car isn’t ready yet; we’re still waiting on parts.”

“Actually, I’m here to ask Sonny if he’s free for dinner.”

Sonny gulped. “What? Why?”

“It’s the least I can do after the way you manhandled those redneck douche waffles.”

Gurdeep’s face twisted. “Say what now?”

“Didn’t he tell you? He defended my honor at The Pelican last night.”

Sonny wiped his dirty hands in a rag. “Nah, it was nothing. I forgot about it already.”

Billie beamed. “I didn’t, and I’d really like to show you my appreciation.”

“It’s not necessary, the coffee’s plenty good. Consider us squared up,” he said, noticing her smile replaced by a miffed pout. Guess the princess wasn’t used to being turned down.

Gurdeep glared. “Sonny’s being shy. I’m certain that what he means to say is that he’s overwhelmed by your generous offer, and that he’d love to have dinner with you tonight, Billie.”

Sonny cleared his throat. “I can’t. I have plans.”

Gurdeep’s brow scrunched. “No, you do not have plans.”

“Yes. I. Do.” Sonny grew more adamant. “Gary’s holding a spot open for me tonight at The Pell.”

Billie shrugged. “We can have dinner at The Pell. I don’t mind.”

“Nah, I really don’t think it’s going to be your kind of scene,” Sonny said.

Her face puckered. “And what kind of scene is that?”

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