Page 537 of One More Kiss

Mick

Now

One bootedfoot kicked mine where they stuck out from under the car, and my cousin’s voice floated down to me. “I can't believe you're still here.”

I rolled the creeper out from under the old Camaro and rested my elbows on my knees as I peered up at him. “Sorry, hope you don't mind. There's no room to work on it at my place.”

Travis leaned against the workbench behind him and crossed his arms over his chest. “You know I don't care. Just figured you'd be ready to get out of here, being a Saturday night at all.”

The shop was closed tomorrow, but I had nothing waiting for me at home, nothing to do. I knew a lot of the guys headed to Mason’s Tavern or one of the other local bars on Friday and Saturday nights, but I stayed as far away from that scene as possible. Having just been released three weeks ago, I couldn't afford to jeopardize my parole.

While I was away, I’d read every book in the jail library about cars and eventually moved into studying auto mechanics. As soon as I was released, my cousin had offered me a position working in his shop. Though I had virtually no hands-on experience, I was a quick learner. I loved working with my hands, and seeing the practical application of what I’d read fascinated me.

I shook my head and stood. “Nah, just gonna head home and chill.”

Travis’s expression said he approved of my choice, but I knew he would never say as much. He tipped his head toward the old Camaro. “How's it coming?”

“Good.” I wiped my hands on a rag. “I really appreciate this.”

He waved off my thanks. “Told you, I picked it up cheap. Better than you walking everywhere.”

It was true. The old Camaro I was currently working on had been purchased at an auction a little over a week ago for five-hundred bucks. It was more money than I had to my name at the moment, not to mention the tally of parts I was paying off a little at a time.

I tapped a small notebook on the workbench. “Here's a list of inventory I used so you can deduct from my next paycheck.”

He nodded, but I doubted he would even look at it. Each time I tried to offer my appreciation, Travis just waved it off. I was family, he said, I had nothing to thank him for. Related by our mothers who were sisters, we’d grown up just a few streets apart. Travis was a couple years younger than me, so thank God he hadn't been out the night I was picked up.

Holding back my gratitude, I flicked a glance at the clock. I'd been working for well over an hour after close, and I was sure he was ready to head out. “I'll get outta your hair so you can close up.”

“No worries.” My cousin extracted a set of keys from his pocket and tossed them my way. “That's what I wanted to talk to you about.”

I stared at them stupidly. “You're giving me keys?”

He dipped his chin. “I have a proposition for you—be my manager and close up each night.”

“Of course, but... why?” I was a criminal, not exactly the type of guy you trusted with your business.

“So I can spend a little more time with Meghan.”

He had to know that wasn’t what I was asking, and I felt a little trickle of panic slither down my spine. This was my first job since I’d gotten out of jail—hell, it was my first real job considering I was still a kid when I went in. I didn’t want to fuck it up. Desperately, I grasped at straws. “You sure? Diego’s been here longer than me. What about him? Or…” Hell, literally anyone else would probably be a better choice.

I trailed off, and Travis stared at me for several seconds before responding. “I trust you.”

Long-forgotten emotion clogged my throat. I didn’t know what to say, so I finally just nodded. “Thanks, man.”

“You’re welcome.”

I pocketed the keys, unsure exactly of what else to say. Thankfully, Travis just tipped his head my way. “I’m headed out for the night. See ya Monday.”

“Later.”

I watched as he left through the side door, and his car pulled out of the parking lot less than a minute later. The keys felt like a boulder in my pocket, and a strange feeling welled up in my chest. I’d spent more than half my life in jail; but now I’d been given a chance to prove myself. To be more than a criminal. Travis had put his trust in me, and I wouldn’t let him down.

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