Page 47 of Grease Monkey
“I’ll be right back. I need to sort myself out. I bet I look an absolute wreck.”
Skip scrunches up his nose. “I didn’t want to say anything ’cause it’s your birthday and all, but you’re a fucking ugly crier, sis.”
She playfully punches his arm as she walks past him, making her way to the restrooms.
Skip steps forward, his hand stretched out. “Nice to finally put a face to the name.”
“Likewise,” I say, shaking his hand and gesturing for him to join us at our table. “I didn’t know she’d burst into tears at the sight of you, though.”
Skip laughs and flags down our waiter. “Yeah, she keeps her emotions hidden most of the time. But when she’s overwhelmed like that, they come out in waves.” The waiter stops by the table, and Skip picks up the drink menu. “Dale, can I get a latte, please? Want anything?” he asks me, showing me the drinks list. I shake my head, and Dale pops off to get his order.
Ana squeezes her brother’s shoulder, like she needs to touch him to know he’s real, as she returns to her seat. “How is this possible? How are you here right now?”
Skip waves down at his chef’s uniform. “I work here, dummy. This was all lover boy’s idea.”
Ana’s head whips to me, and I toss a shoulder upward.
“No big deal. I thought this would make your birthday special.”
She launches herself at me again, and Skip groans. “Morgana, I’m sitting right here.”
“Sorry.” She blushes. Settling back into her own seat, she links our fingers together, asking, “How did you know where he worked?”
“I found his Instagram page and sent him a message telling him who I was and what I had planned for your birthday.”
“And I jumped at the chance to see you, kiddo. It’s been far too long.” Skip’s eyes sadden as Ana reaches for his hand across the table.
They catch up for a while, asking what’s been happening over the last four years and reminiscing about their childhood while I sit and listen, soaking up the stories of young Ana, and enjoying the light that shines out of her eyes whenever she faces me to add in something extra to a story. Eventually, Skip’s attention lands on me.
“So, how much does our mommy dearest hate you?”
“Skip!” Ana chastises.
“What? I’m only asking. And don’t say Mom doesn’t hate him. He’s everything she despises in life, the stupid bitch.”
Okay, I think I might be in love with Ana’s brother.
“Yeah, she’s not my biggest fan,” I admit.
“I’ll say. I had to look through your IG account. You’re a mechanic, right?” I nod. “That’s so cool, dude. Where do you work?”
“In Stamford right now with my dad, but we’re”—I bring our joined hands to the top of the table—“going to head to Phoenix soon. Ana got into the University of Arizona, and I’ve always wanted to open my own auto shop back where I grew up.”
Skip’s eyes grow wide. “Arizona? Wow, congrats, Morgana. What did Mom do when you told her you’re not following their path to Harvard Law?”
Ana winces. “I haven’t told them yet.”
“Shit.” Skip whistles, then takes a deep breath. “Good luck with that, sis. Just stay strong. Don’t let her manipulate you into something you don’t want to do, okay?”
Ana’s brows furrow, and I can tell she desperately wants to ask what he means.
“Skip…”
Skip lifts his wrist and pushes up from his chair. “Shoot, guys, I gotta run. I’m on clean-up duty tonight since I asked for a longer break to see my baby sister.” He grabs Ana around the neck and playfully ruffles her hair.
We both stand, and Ana holds on to her brother like this will be the last time she will ever see him again, and I bump his fist with mine.
“Listen, don’t worry about the check. I’ve got it covered,” he says, and I hold up my arm, about to protest, when his hand clamps on my shoulder. “I said I’ve got it, okay?” Lowering his voice, he steps closer. “I feel like, as Morgana’s big brother, I should warn you not to be a dick, or you’ll answer to me or whatever, but that’s a given. Instead, I’m going to say, watch out for my mom. She’s got a mean streak a mile long, and for some reason, Morgana feels like she owes her something. But Morgana’s changed; she’s happier and seems stronger, which I guess is down to you. Just make sure she stands her ground when it comes to our parents, okay?”
