Page 34 of Pedal to the Metal

A knock on the door reminds us that we’re not alone. I drop my head back on pillow and let out a frustrated growl. “I swear I’m getting my own place," I whisper to her. Another knock comes from the door, “What?” I holler.

“Are you taking me to school?” I hear Jovi ask through the door.

I look at Londynn and the way the stray rays of sunlight coming through the blinds makes her hair shine and catches the smoothness of her tan skin. I want to tell Jovi no, but I know I can’t. Besides I need some space to get control of myself and my emotions. “I should take him," I tell her while smiling apologetically. She smiles and nods. I lean up and kiss her again before telling Jovi yes. , “You have plans for today?” I ask her.

“Yeah, I have to go see Farrah since she’s getting back today, and I have a therapy session.” I notice she glances away when she mentions therapy, but I don’t want it to be something she’s ashamed of.

I cross the room while pulling my t-shirt over my head. “You want me to go with you?” I offer her. She shakes her head no which I expected. “I’m proud of you.”

“For what?”

“For sticking with something that isn’t the easiest thing. I’m sure going to therapy and talking about all of your feelings and emotions isn’t the easiest thing, but you do it. It makes me so proud for you and of you," I explain to her.

She sits up and wraps her arms around my neck. “As if last night didn’t seal the deal you had to go and say all the right things. I can’t wait until later," she tells me before she starts kissing me. All too soon Jovi is knocking on my door again. Shepulls away and I want to protest but she tries to push me from the bed. “Go boyfriend.”

I chuckle and before I make it to the door, I glance back at her. She’s lying back on the bed, and I’ve never seen a more beautiful vision. “I like that pet name.”

A huge smile breaks across her face. “Good! I do too!” she exclaims with a wink in my direction.

“I’ll see you after work pretty girl. If you get bored stop by later.” I open the door because I know if I don’t then I’ll never get out of this bedroom.

****

On the way to school Jovi couldn’t sit still and then I remembered that he was going to be starting his Operation Monrowe. “You okay man?”

He wipes his palms on his jeans. “Yeah, I’m just nervous.”

As I pull into a parking spot, I rest a hand on Jovi’s shoulder and give him a little squeeze. “Don’t be nervous Jovi. You’re a great guy, one of the best I know. You’re smart and you’re a James boy so don’t you worry about anything.”

“There she is," he whispers in awe. I follow his eye line and see a petite auburn-haired beauty. Her hair lay’s in long soft curls and her blue eyes shine from across the parking lot. I can see what Jovi sees in her.

I look over at my little brother and see the fascination on his face and I can’t help but laugh. “You’re in trouble little brother.”

He whips his head back towards me, “What? Why?”

“Because I know that look all too well.” I see a look of worry come across his face. “It’s okay. You’re a James boy so being in trouble is inevitable. Now, get out and go to school and start this Operation Monrowe.”

He’s already out of the car when he leans back in, “Thanks Jagger.”

I just nod as I watch my little brother cross the parking lot and disappear into the building. When I pull into the shop’s parking lot, I can’t help but wonder what Londynn is up to right now. “Good morning little brother!” I hear Bowie holler from across the shop as I enter. I just shake my head and wave. I go into Axell’s office, “I should be done with Mr. McAvoy’s car today.”

“Good. I’m sure he’ll be happy to get it back," he tells me without looking up from the paperwork.

I stand there for a little longer, but I might as well be invisible. “Everything okay Ax?”

He takes a deep breath before looking up. “Yeah, just had a little argument with Sadie this morning. Fighting with her always throws my day off.”

“Well don’t sweat it. I’m sure it’ll all be okay. If anyone is meant to be together it’s you and Sadie," I tell him and offer a smile before turning around to leave. I work all morning on finishing up the car I was working on. The feeling of being watched is what caught my attention. I roll out from under the car to see Londynn leaning against the tool cabinet. “Enjoying the view?”

“More than you know," she says while biting on her bottom lip. She holds up a bag of fast food. “I brought lunch.”

“Let me wash up and then we can go eat somewhere," I tell her but just as I’m about to walk away I turn back and lean down kissing her coconut glossed lips. “Sorry I couldn’t resist.” I hear her giggle as I walk away.

****

Londynn

Shortly after everyone had left to start their days, I get up to start mine. I wondered around the room trying to figure out what was Jagger’s or what belonged to one of his brothers.My phone starts ringing, and I see Farrah’s picture bouncing around. “Hello.”

---