I laughed as I stopped in front of him. “Yeah, you’re right. Thank you for today. I needed it.”
He gave me a questioning look. “Needed what?”
“A day just to relax and have fun. It felt like I could breathe properly for the first time in such a long time.”
“I’m glad I could help,” he said.
I could hear the sincerity in his voice. He really was glad that he had helped me.
“Anyway, I guess I’ll go now. Thanks again.” I started to move past him.
When I reached for the doorknob, he grabbed my arm to stop me. “Caley?”
“Yeah?”
“If you ever need to get away or…to breathe, come find me, okay? Bring Amelia if you have to, but don’t just run off. Come to me.”
“I will,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He released my arm, and before I could stop myself, I was hugging him, wrapping my arms around him. I tightly pulled him against me and buried my face in his shirt. I inhaled his scent, a mix of his cologne and his own unique smell. It made my stomach churn in the most disturbing way. For a moment, I lost myself. All I could focus on was the feel of his arms as he wrapped them around me. For a moment, I felt safe.
And then, just like that, it was over, and I was pulling away from him. The safe haven of his arms disappeared. I walked out the door, almost blindly, and tripped on my way to my car. I regretted hugging him, I did, but I couldn’t hide the fact that it’d brought me more peace than I had ever expected. What was even more unexpected was the longing I felt as I left him behind.
First thing the following Monday morning, I popped my head inside my father’s office. “Dad, do you have a second?”
My father glanced up from the papers scattered across his desk. “Sure.”
I stepped into his office and closed the door behind me. My father raised an eyebrow in surprise. We never closed the door unless it was something serious.
“Is everything okay?”
I nodded as I sat down in the uncomfortable wooden chair across from him. My eyes fell to the work orders covering his desk, and I frowned.
When I’d told Ethan we were drowning in repairs, I wasn’t kidding. We currently had three full-time mechanics and one part-time, but we still couldn’t keep up. Business was booming for my father, and while I was glad, I was also worried. More business meant more stress on my dad.
On top of running the business itself, he also handled a lot of the face-to-face interactions with customers. Most of the people were nice enough, but there were always the assholes who would come storming in, demanding special attention. I took what stress I could off of him, but I couldn’t take it all away.
The truth was, my father was getting older, and I constantly worried about his health. He was nearing fifty years old and not getting any younger. He didn’t need all the stress that accompanied dealing with the public.
Physically, my father was built like a rock. Well over six feet with a head of dark but starting to gray hair, he intimidated most people. His blue eyes were kind though, and he usually had a smile on his face, especially when Amelia was around. My little girl was his baby, and he spoiled her accordingly.
“How are the repairs in the shop coming along?” I asked, stalling to work up the nerve to ask about getting a job for Ethan.
“As expected. We’re behind again, but the guys are trying. I keep checking on them to make sure they’re not dicking off. I think I’m starting to annoy them,” my dad said.
I laughed. “You? Annoy someone? Never.”
“That’s my thought, too, but they seem to disagree. We’ll eventually get caught up, but it might not be for another two or three weeks at least. There’s just too much to do, and I’m paying all of them overtime.”
“I might have a solution—well, a partial one anyway,” I said.
“What kind of solution?” he asked.
“Well, I have a friend who works in a garage already. He’s looking for more work—specifically, part-time work—and I said I’d check with you to see if you would be interested in hiring him,” I said, hoping my voice was neutral.
“What kind of experience does he have?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I know he’s been working at the other car garage for a while, but I’m not sure about how long. From our conversations, I’ve gathered that he seems to know what he is talking about when it comes to cars,” I lied on that last part. I knew my dad wouldn’t hire him if I’d told him the truth. I had no idea what kind of experience Ethan had.
My dad studied me for a minute. “You know, I hate hiring people who are friends with someone, Caley. If things go south, it puts a sour taste in everyone’s mouths.”
“I know, but I really do think he’d be a good addition to the shop. He’s a good guy, and he does have experience. Besides, it would only be part-time since he already has a job. I thought he’d be able to help the guys get caught up.”
My dad was silent for a minute or two. I squirmed uncomfortably in my chair as I awaited his answer. Part of me hoped that Ethan would get the job because my dad really did need the help, and I wanted a valid excuse to see Ethan more often. The other part hoped my dad would say no. I worried about growing closer to Ethan, more than I already was. I felt like he was the only person I could really talk to. Having him near me constantly would only increase our bond—not to mention, my guilt over hiding him from Joey.
“All right, I’ll give him a chance. See if he can stop in tomorrow to fill out paperwork. Check with him to see what hours he can work, too.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Dad. You won’t regret this. I promise.”
“I hope not,” he said before glancing down at the work orders again. “Now, get out of here, and get some work done.”
I mock-saluted him before standing and walking out of the office. As soon as the door closed behind me, I pulled my phone out of my pocket to text Ethan.
Can you come by tomorrow to fill out some paperwork?
I’m hired?
No, I just want you to fill out random paperwork. Duh, yes, you’re hired.
Holy shit. Thanks, Caley. I seriously owe you for this. I get off work at two. I should be able to make it there by three.
Perfect. I’ll let my dad know. What kind of hours can you work? We’re open from nine to six, Monday to Friday, and eight to noon on Saturdays.
I work from seven to two during the week, so I could do three to six during the week and all day on Saturdays.
That should work since he’s only hiring you part-time.
Thank you for doing this. I mean it. No one else I know would have even tried to help me like this.
Hey, you’re helping us, too. No thanks needed. I have to get back to work. I think Joey will be back tonight, so I won’t be able to talk, but I’ll see you tomorrow at three.
See you then.
I spent the rest of my day trying not to think about the fact that Ethan would soon be a part of my daily life. It was harder than I’d thought. My mind kept drifting back and forth between elation and uncertainty. Either way, what was done was done. I couldn’t take back my father’s offer. Even if I could have, I knew I wouldn’t. That wouldn’t be fair to Ethan at all.