Page 29 of Mechanic

“Because these two knuckleheads are going to unpack your car and put your stuff upstairs,” she says as if it’s a fact, giving the guys a wide-eyed look as if daring them to argue.

“Oh, no, that’s okay,” I argue. “I can get it myself. Thank you, though.”

“It’s the least they can do,” Gypsy says flatly as we engage in a silent standoff.

My shoulders sag in defeat as I pull my keys out of my pocket and hand them over. Gypsy tosses them at Madox, who catches them mid-air. The men walk out the door just as Gypsy sets a plate in front of me.

By the time I finish eating, the guys return, handing me back my keys.

They take seats at the bar, flanking me, one on each side.

“Gypsy, can you get each of the guys a drink on me?”

Without hesitation she pours each of them a beer.

“Thank you both for helping me. You really didn’t have to, but I appreciate it,” I say sincerely.

The guys wave me off as they quickly gulp down their beers, pushing the now-empty glasses to the edge of the bar, indicating they want a refill.

“So, ah, I’m Antonia,” I say; the need to fill the silence is almost overwhelming.

“I’m Madox,” the one on my left says. “This is Daegyn,” he states, nodding his head in the direction of the guy on my right.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” I say in response.

We fall into an easy conversation. Other customers come and go as we sit and drink. They try to talk me into shooting some pool, but I suck at pool. After a lot of pleading on their part, I caved. In only three rounds, they gave up the game, finally believing my lack of pool-playing abilities.

Other customers come and go, and it isn’t long before the alcohol starts to hit me.

“Madox, why don’t you walk Antonia upstairs? I’m afraid she is going to get hurt if she goes it alone,” Gypsy asks him, her eyes focused on me.

He doesn’t argue, rising to his feet. Gypsy hands him my keys as I toss some money onto the bar to pay for my drinks and lunch.

Swaying slightly when I stand, Madox grips my elbow to steady me.

“Thank you, see you later,” I mutter before he guides me around the back of the building and up a flight of stairs.

Once Madox is confident that I don’t need anything, he leaves me alone. Surrounded by my meager belongings my breath catches at the sight of Gram’s urn.

“Oh, Gram,” I sigh out. As sappy and possibly concerning my actions might be, I approach the urn that the guys placed in the center of the small dining room table. Wrapping my arms around it, the marble feels warm.

Shaking off the melancholy thoughts, no doubt brought about as a result of the vodka, my feet move through the apartment.

The bed has nothing on it, just a mattress and box spring. Making a mental note to ask Gypsy if the bed is a full or a queen—I have never been able to tell the difference—so I can buy bedding. I face plant onto the couch before falling into an alcohol-induced sleep.

Chapter 18

Antonia

I’ve been in Padston for two days.

Not having much with me, it took no time at all to unpack my belongings.

Becoming familiar with the town and its occupants has been a little tough. To say they are guarded toward newcomers is an understatement.

The grocery store had a larger selection of items than I expected it to have. And the small cafe attached to it has become one of my favorite places.

It’s Saturday evening, and I am getting ready to head down to the bar.

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