Page 30 of Suits and Spark Plugs

In the end, she was right. I didn’t make it back the next day. In fact, it was another two days of life in bed before I emerged, which had been upsetting to everyone in my life. Mom and Sadie acted like I’d personally disappointed them, Jake said my job was on the line—although who believed that?—and Blaine was getting downright whiny. I’d pushed him off while Dad had been in town, and now with being sick it had been almost two weeks since we’d seen each other in person. All I could do was continue to promise I’d make it up to him.

I still felt weak and woozy, but on the fourth day I decided I needed to get out for a change of scenery. The only logical choice was to head over to Mainstreet Mechanic for an after-hours study session. My schoolwork was falling drastically behind, and I wouldn’t be around anyone else. Win-win.

I didn’t bother taking a shower, knowing it would feel good but end up wearing me down, which I figured was fine because I’d soaked in the tub the day before. I put on a knit cap to handle my hair, sweat pants, and an old T-shirt that proclaimed “Science: It’s like Magic, But Real.” I covered it all with a coat, slung my backpack over my shoulder, told Sadie where I’d be, and braved the cold air with my mouth tucked into the warmth of my collar.

It was a relief to slip into the quiet, dark mechanic’s office and soak in the peace after so many days of Mom and Sadie banging on my door and asking when I’d be better. I had all my notebooks, a phone charger, and a plan to do a lot of catch up. I was hoping to feel well enough to work the next day, so I’d avoid cleaning tonight but start exercising my brain.

After about two hours I needed to stretch, so I walked out of the office into the lobby. Darkness had fully fallen, and with the lights out in the building around me I was able to watch traffic roll by as light snowflakes fell. It made a dreamy scene, and I imagined how I’d paint it. I’d start with blacks and fade into sky blue at the top. Headlights and taillights would be slashes of yellows and reds. Trees would be a little green mixed into the black. My hands couldn’t wait to hold a brush.

As I watched, a sedan pulled into the parking lot. It took me a moment, but I recognized it as Blaine’s BMW. A smile lit my face when he stepped out and started walking toward the building. It was too dark to see much more than his outline as I unlocked the door and opened it for him.

“Hey, babe. I went to your house to bang down the door and insist on seeing my Valentine, but Sadie told me you were here.” He bent to give me a hug, which I returned, but I turned my face away when he tried to kiss me.

“You don’t want this, and I’m not sure I’m all better yet,” I said in a voice still raspy from the illness combined with a little shock that he’d mentioned Valentine’s Day. Was that happening already? I’d really lost track of time.

He released me quickly and stepped back. “Yeah. You didn’t sound good at all when we talked on the phone.” He looked around. “Do you think you’ll be good enough to go on a date in a few days? I can’t wait to spend our first Valentine’s Day together.”

A small smile curved my lips as I realized that this year I’d actually have someone to celebrate with. “I’ll be better if it kills me.”

He ran a finger down my cheek and looked at me with tender eyes. “I hope you’re not already back to cleaning this place. Couldn’t you have asked for a couple more days to rest?”

“Oh, yeah. The owner told me I could use the office to study after hours, so that’s what I’m doing tonight. I have a ton to catch up on.”

His tender expression frosted over with confusion. “You’re using the shop to study?” His voice sounded a little ill at ease.

“Hey, I’m desperate.”

“It’s weird that he offered.”

True. That had been my first reaction too, but I didn’t say it. “It’s a little different, but where else should I study? The diner and my house are both out. The library is closed this late at night. No one cares that I’m here, or comes to bother me.” I shrugged.

As if to completely discredit what I was saying, another set of headlights shone briefly into the lobby as a truck pulled in. I groaned when I realized it was Connor. This wasn’t going to look good to Blaine, or to him.

“Who’s that?” Blaine said as he turned to look out.

I let out a heavy breath. “It’s Connor. He probably saw your car in the lot and a man’s shape inside with me, and wants to make sure everything is okay.”

Blaine made a sound I couldn’t interpret but said nothing as Connor came in. Connor’s posture was stiff and wary until he saw who it was. He relaxed a bit, tucking his hands into the front of the green hoodie he was wearing. Between the green hoodie and his bright hair I immediately thought of a leprechaun but wisely kept it to myself.

“I thought I said you couldn’t use this as a make-out spot,” he said in a light tone, although his eyes remained cautious as he walked to stand near me and Blaine.

Surprised, I started to laugh at his remark, but it turned into a cough that had me doubling over. Blaine’s warm hand settled between my shoulder blades and rubbed in soothing circles until the spasm was over and I could stand straight again. It felt amazing, and I was grateful for the compassion. Only...when I stood straight, Blaine was standing with his hands in his jacket pockets, and it was Connor’s hand on my back. Blaine’s eyes had taken on frosty disapproval. I didn’t blame him. I wasn’t sure I approved either.

“Do you need a drink?” Connor asked. He was either oblivious or unconcerned with Blaine’s reaction. I was afraid it was the later. I nodded.

“Where’s your water cooler?” Blaine interjected. Connor pointed and Blaine strode over stiffly to fill a paper cup, and hurried back to my side.

“Thanks,” I rasped out as I took it from his hand. I took little sips until I felt my throat and lungs settle down. “We weren’t making out. I was studying and he was looking for me. Sadie told him I was here.”

“It sounds like you should be home in bed,” Connor replied. I heard a crinkling sound in his pocket right before he shoved a hard candy in my direction. “Suck on this.”

I awkwardly took the candy from his hand and popped it into my mouth. “I have been for days. I’m falling behind.” The candy began its job of coating my throat, and I was able to breathe a little easier.

“Your school is online. It can’t be so demanding that you aren’t able to miss a few days without killing yourself to get back to it,” Blaine said.

I shook my head. “I have deadlines just like any other school, and I really have to study tonight.”

Blaine’s lips formed a flat, straight line. “Fine. I’ll sit here with you.”

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