Page 72 of Suits and Spark Plugs

My hands were shaking as I entered the lobby of Mainstreet Mechanic. I was surprised to see Steve, the founder and former owner of the shop, lounging at the reception desk. He greeted me cheerfully.

“Olivia Phelps. How nice to see you.” He smiled. “I hear you’re keeping things nice and clean around here. How can I help you today?”

“I was looking for Connor.”

“Shoot. He’s off this afternoon on a few personal errands. I’m watching the shop, keeping an eye on his crew. Is it something I can help you with?”

Relief flooded my body until my arms felt like rubber bands. I could handle this all without the need to have a face-to-face conversation. Cowardly? Yes. Didn’t mean I wasn’t grateful for the out. Steve would tell Connor I had come to the shop, which would give me bonus points. I’d not planned on talking to anyone but Connor himself, but in so many ways this was better. For a tiny blip of a second, I wondered what had taken Connor out of the shop for an afternoon. Maybe he was dating out of town now. The thought made my breath hitch until I pushed it away and focused on my good fortune.

“I need to settle my account.” I opened my purse and pulled out the bills. “I believe this is what’s left.”

Steve sat up straight and tapped a few keys on the computer. “Yeah, looks like $250 is it. Does this mean Connor’s going to need to start paying you for cleaning?”

“Oh, uh, no, actually this will be my resignation too.” I stumbled over the words.

“Is this because of the kerfluffle that happened here the other day?” he asked. He reached out for the money and I handed it to him.

“I don’t think I’d call it a kerfluffle.” I bit my lip and wrinkled up my nose. “More like a complete disaster.”

Steve laughed. “I’m sorry I missed it. Nothing that exciting ever happened to me.”

“Well, it was bad.”

“Nah. Every guy dreams of being rescued by a beautiful lady.”

A small, unexpected bubble of amusement rose, causing me to grin. “I don’t think Connor agrees.”

“Does he know you’re quitting?”

I wished I couldn’t feel a blush coming on, nor the prick of guilt that came with it. “No, but trust me when I say he wants nothing to do with me after everything that’s happened.”

“It doesn’t feel right that Connor doesn’t know. This was his payment arrangement, after all. Let me just try to call him real quick.” Steve picked up the reception phone and started to dial from memory.

My hands clasped together in panic as I waited, but Connor never picked up. It was all I could do to keep from clapping and instead paste on a disappointed face.

“Why don’t I leave him a note in the office?” I suggested.

“I still think you should talk to him in person.” Steve looked thoughtful.

“I’ll leave the note and he can call me if there’s anything more to discuss. How’s that?” I gave him my best full-sized smile. He relented with a shake of his head. “Thanks, Mr. Anders. I know where everything is. I’ll be right back.”

Giddy feet carried me into the office, where I grabbed paper and pen and sat down to compose a note. Only, I wasn’t sure what to say. Kelly had suggested I apologize, so maybe I’d start with that.

Connor,

Sorry that I tried to rescue you and you were mad about it.

Nope. Scratch that. It was about as passive aggressive as it could be. I chewed on the top of the pen and tore off that sheet, crumpling it up and shoving it in my purse so that he wouldn’t discover it in his garbage can.

Step one: I needed to decide if I was actually sorry and what I’d be sorry for. Outside of the office I could hear the clanking sounds of automotive work. This was Connor’s livelihood. Working hard to support yourself was something I could understand. If there was anything I felt sorry for, it would be if I had caused problems with his business. It seemed like a good place to start.

Connor,

I never meant to do something that would hurt your shop in any way, and I hope that your business is okay.

Yeah, that was a better start. Next I just needed to get him the basic information so that we could both move on.

I’ve talked to Steve and paid off my account. Please consider this my resignation for the cleaning job. Thanks for your help with the payment plan.

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