Page 7 of Wrong Number, Right Mechanic
I stood there staring at the door until Mom came looking for me, a million feelings spinning together violently, sloshing through my body and making me feel ill.
I just hope he doesn’t break it once again.
CHAPTER FOUR
Jaxon
As I got backin my truck and started the engine, a part of me wanted to go back inside and demand to stay. I mean, her mother did invite me to stay for dinner.
Yet Lyla was intent on pushing me away- why?
Was she afraid to see that our love for each other still existed?
I drove home in silence, not bothering with the radio, my thoughts on overdrive about her. I knew I hurt her deeply, but I didn’t expect her to fight so hard against it.
Did she still love me as I did her?
She didn’t say it back.
The thought stabbed me in the chest. But it’s what I deserved. I deserved to feel the same pain I caused her. Maybe then, and only then should I get a second chance with her.
Instead of focusing on the negatives, I looked towards the positives. Planning our dates. I would take her on as many dates as it took to prove my love. This time, I wasn’t going anywhere.I vowed to stay by her side for the rest of my days. And if she moved again, I was going with her.
“Did the two of you go on dates in high school?” Joe asked me the next morning over coffee before we opened up the shop for the day.
“Yes, a few. Most of the time it was figuring out whose parents weren’t home so we could make out.” I chuckled as I remembered our hot and heavy make-out sessions. I thought I was such hot shit. And so did she.
“I remember those days. I dated a Peggy Sue, and we’d make out beneath the bleachers. I always wondered what happened to her.” Joe sipped his coffee, a faraway look in his eyes.
“You should look her up on social media. Never know, maybe she’s still around and single.” I grinned and held my mug up for a cheer. Joe tapped my mug with his, and we both took a sip.
“You know, that’s actually not a bad idea. Thanks.”
“Keep me posted.”
Joe snapped his fingers suddenly. “Ah ha! I got it!”
“Got what?” I asked.
“Recreate your dates from high school. Women love romantic stuff. Plus, she’ll be impressed by what you can remember.”
I laughed. “That’s actually a pretty cool idea. Thanks.”
“Any time. Grab a pen and paper. We’ve got work to do.”
After jottingdown some ideas and putting together a plan, I made a to do list, along with anything I might need to grab at the store. First date was a recreation of our first date, dinner at the town dinner and stargazing at one of the mountain’s many lookout spots. Second date was a movie with dinner after, andthe third date was taking her to one of the local apple orchards. With September right around the corner, the apples were close to being ready, just like when we started dating a few weeks into sophomore year of high school.
As September went on, more apple orchards would open and fall celebrations and festivals would begin. I planned to take her to as many as she wanted, just like when we were teens, young and exploring the world together.
She’d fall in love with me the same way she did the first time, and she’d be back in my arms in no time.
“Make sure you bring her flowers. Every date, my friend. You’ve got some groveling to do.” Joe said before standing up from the table. “And now you’ve got some cars to work on.”
I chuckled as I cleaned up my cup and muffin wrapper. “Yeah, yeah, old man. I’m coming.”
“Watch it.” Joe joked, and another day began.
Keeping busy was the best way to make the time go by, and that’s exactly what I did. Finally, it was time to clock out, and I raced home, needing time to shower and get ready.
