Page 109 of Ice Darling
I notice Brennon zoning out, and he picks up his phone to tap a message. My words fade into nothing, and I glance down at my dirty nails.
I used to have perfectly manicured nails so that I could shake hands with billionaires, investors, and politicians. Mom hammered into our heads the power of a firm handshake, clean hands, and a beautiful smile. Though I was the more rebellious one, not even I could escape those lessons.
My hands have never been clean or soft since I decided to become a mechanic. And I consider each callous a mark of honor.
Brennon finishes his text and turns to me with shark-like eyes. “I’m hearing a lot about being a mechanic. When do you intend to take over the company?”
“Did someone tell you I would?”
“Are you seriously going to dothisforever?” He circles a finger, indicating the entire town of Lucky Falls.
Rather than answer, I lean forward. “Drop me off here, Mills.”
“I can take you to your bike or wait for you until your job is done,” Mills offers.
“Don’t. It’s late, and you and Brennon need to get back.”
“But—”
“She’s right.” Brennon massages his temple. “I think I’m getting a headache from all the fumes in the car. I’d rather go home too.”
Mills’s lips press into a thin line. “I won’t be dropping you off on the side of the road to meet a stranger. Even if it’s your job, you’re still a Davenport.”
“Mills, this is Lucky Falls. I’ll be fine. Besides, the police station isn’t far from here.”
Mills relents with a frown. “Send me a message, so I know you got back safely.”
“I will.”
He pulls the car to a stop and twists around. “Miss Davenport.”
“Yes?”
“Being a mechanic looks good on you. I missed that smile.”
My lips curl up in response, and I jump out.
Free from that suffocating backseat, I inhale a breath of the crisp air and observe the town. The charming shops and cafes on Main Street light up the night. Beautiful string lights dangle from colorful awnings. It feels like I got sucked into a gorgeous Christmas globe—sans the snow and Christmas decorations.
I wonder if it snows in Lucky Falls? I look forward to seeing winter here.
“Good night, Cordelia!” An elderly couple waves as they walk by.
I think they were in the line at Phil’s Donuts this morning.
“Cordelia, hey.” An elderly man I’ve met a time or two in The Tipsy Tuna points at me as he shuffles past with his cane. “No bike today?”
“Thought I’d take a walk,” I say in passing.
“Enjoy!”
Feeling looser than I have in ages, I check the message Rebel sent me for the address. “The hardware store…the hardware store…”
I stop short when I spot a familiar vehicle parked on the side of the road. The hood is open, an unmistakeable sign that someone needs my help.
But that someone…is Renthrow.
I immediately quicken my steps to find him.
