TROUBLES
Trey
IT’S A SLOW morning at the garage, which is typical around here. My schedule is booked with annual tune-ups, new brake pads, and flat tires. These tasks have become second nature, ingrained in my system like breathing. Makes the time fly by fast.
There’s nothing better than getting covered in grease and grime, proof of a successful day. Each smudge on my coveralls is a badge of honor. Spending hours doing something I enjoy always feels like a gift, and there isn’t much I cherish. Geeking out over foreign parts or finding a more efficient tool are perks I’ll never take for granted. Plus, cars make the best companions since they never talk back.
My hands move automatically as I reach for the wrench and tighten a loose bolt. Then I tweak the battery’s wire connection and replace the safety caps. Straightening from under the hood, I stretch while taking a deep inhale. The shop smells like rubber and oil, exactly as it should. The air is musty and stale, but to me, it’s the sweetest scent.
For some reason, the scent of a certain flower perfume from a particular blonde broad comes to mind.
I shove that thought away with a harsh scrub along my forehead. That chick, Raven, is still screwing with my mind days later. Why do I find it sexy that her name contrasts with those fair features? She’s a puzzle I don’t have time—or patience—for. At least I haven’t seen her since the night at Dagos. Another bristled conversation with her might toss me over the edge of sanity. There’s something about her light features mixed with that sass
Fuck, she was hot.
Raven brought out the worst in me, which is really damning evidence of her impact. I’m not a nice person—my attitude is shitty at best—yet she managed to drag me lower. I’m fucking furious that she ran me out of the bar, but I’m more pissed at myself for giving her the power to do it. Sweat dots my brow as the temperature seems to skyrocket. I use my rag to wipe away the heat but my skin keeps burning.
I can’t stop obsessing over her vibrant eyes. The color will surely haunt my dreams. If I wasn’t such an asshole, I would’ve let her sit down just to stare at the light blue swirling into dark navy.
Jesus, I sound like a whipped pussy.
I shake off the disturbing feeling and concentrate on the list of jobs parked in the lot. They’re my priorities, not some newcomer who will be gone by Sunday.
Jacked Up is my uncle’s shop, his pride and joy, and it has become mine too. I’ve been working here since my arms could reach under the hood. My eyes refocus on the Chevy’s engine in front of me, a complex layout most people don’t take the time to understand. I’ve spent years buried in pistons and valves, studying the mechanics that turn individual parts into a collaborative machine. If I make the smallest mistake, the car won’t run right. Even the most common problem can cause a fatal accident.
I’m all too aware of the tragic possibilities, and not just because of my occupation.
When my uncle’s hand claps my shoulder, I startle more than normal. Getting lost in the past always has that effect on me. I release a rusty breath while freeing myself from the lingering ghosts. My chin lifts in greeting, but I wait for him to break the silence first.
“What’s up, kid?”
I’m twenty-three, but Jack still considers me a snot-nose punk. In most ways, he’s not far off.
I shrug. “Almost done with the 30,000-mile maintenance for Marla. Then I’m getting started on that 2016 Ford’s rotation. After that,” I wave toward the lot, “whatever’s left.”
His forehead wrinkles. “That’s all fine, but I mean, what’s going on up here?” Jack taps my temple for emphasis.
I jerk back. “The fuck?” We rarely talk feelings. As in never.
“You’ve been acting strange lately. Could it have anything to do with your Friday night at Dagos?”
Damn small-town gossip.
I lean against the car’s bumper and meet his eyes, the same caramel shade as mine. “Since when do you care about the rumor mill?”
“I can’t ask about trouble you’re causing?”
“Aren’t I always?”
Jack’s fingers rake through his shaggy hair. “Greyson told me your reaction was extreme to a new girl.”
I grunt. “What the hell does he know?”
“Considering he grew up with you, I’d say a lot.”
“There were a few chicks I argued with. Not sure which one you’re referring to.” I’m lying straight through my teeth.
His nostrils flare with a heavy breath. “Think about it, Trey. This time sounded worse than usual. What happened?”
“You assume it’s my fault?”
“Isn’t it always? You’re acting like I haven’t spent the last twelve years raising your ass. Tell me about her.”
My muscles bunch at the mention of Raven, an instinct I can’t control. My uncle laughs.
“Fuck, she already got her claws in you.” It’s not a question.
I scoff and cross my arms tight over my chest. “Ha, I thought you knew everything? No woman gets under my skin. You trained me well.”
“Ah, shit. That makes me feel like the worst role model ever. I should have done better by you, for your parents’ sake if nothing else.”
I give him a blank stare. This guy is my idol. He’s everything I’ve always wanted to be. Hearing him say this crazy shit makes my head spin.
“Are we really having this conversation right now? What twilight zone did I get dropped into?”
He punches my arm. “Knock it off. I’m serious. You’ve grown up proud and strong but rude as hell. I didn’t think much of it considering all that’s happened. You’re still young and can get away with it, but eventually that shit gets old.”
“Have you looked in a mirror lately, gramps? Where do you think I got my manners from?” Only eleven years separate us, making Jack more of a brother than anything. But I like giving him shit whenever possible, especially when he’s blasting me.
“Oh, fuck off. I might be a grumpy bastard, but I’ll always offer an available seat to a woman. Hell, I’d give up my own spot in a heartbeat. I’d rather swallow razor blades than watch a lady stand around while I sit. I might have taught you a lot of stupid garbage, but that didn’t come from me. What is wrong with you?”
My temper flares and grows with each of his words. “Where is this all coming from? Why are you suddenly shoving advice down my throat?”
“I’ve always been proud of you, Trey. I hope you know that. Working beside you each day, watching your talent shine, seeing the love for this shop in your eyes . . . that all makes me feel like I did alright. But when I hear two biddies yammering away about you cussing out a girl, just for trying to sit down at the bar?” His bellow vibrates through me when he asks, “How can I be happy about that?”
He’s right. I know that like an indisputable fact. But backing down has never been my thing.
“Save the lecture, Jack. I’m not a child you need to scold. The situation was handled, end of story. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” I growl.
He scratches his scruffy jaw. “Oh, yeah? It’d be nice if I could actually believe that. You’ve got the entire town buzzing like pissed-off hornets. Why didn’t you just give that girl a chair?”
“Because I was in a bad fucking mood and she was the final straw. Am I not allowed to have a peaceful night to myself? I’d already dealt with too much female drama and didn’t want to sit around listening to more. She caught me off guard, and that really pissed me off. She was too damn tempting, and I’d had enough. Happy now? Was that enough sharing for you?” I give far too much away, but it’s too late for regrets.
I comb through my hair before yanking on the ends. It’s not even noon, and this day is already shot to hell. A loud groan rips from my throat as the frustration boils in my gut. A desire to punch the Chevy’s grille burns my hand. I’m mad at Jack and Raven and all the damn gossips in town.
Fuck.
“Hey,” Jack murmurs while resting a hand on my back. “We’re all good, Kid. Calm down, huh?” I shake him off. My eyes meet his, and as I study him, he appears older. Jack’s face is creasing with strain as he tries talking sense into me, like he’s been doing for more than a decade. He was far too young when he got saddled with sole custody of me. Who wants that type of responsibility at twenty-two? Yet he didn’t think twice before signing the papers and taking me in. And how do I repay him? By making his life a struggle.
I really am an asshole.
He reaches for me again, and this time, I accept his peace offering. “No use getting all bent outta shape, Trey. We’re just having a respectful discussion. I didn’t come out here to start a fight. Just try being respectful, especially around newcomers. You never know what they’re in town for. Maybe she needs her car fixed. How do you think it’ll go over when she sees you behind the counter after what happened at Dagos?” His all-knowing stare bores into me, hammering the point straight home. “But seriously. If the chick is smokin’, that’s more reason to have her sit by you. I feel like there are pieces missing to this picture.”
“I don’t sleep with every woman who shows interest, regardless of how appealing she is. Plus, Raven made it clear she wants nothing to do with me. Not that I would have done anything. Can we stop talking about this now?”
When a smirk curls his lips, I realize my mistake. Another frustrated groan escapes me.
“Raven, eh? You know her name? What else aren’t you telling me, Trey?”
“Nothing. End of story. I only got her name because Delilah kept repeating it while demanding an apology. If I ever see her again, it will be too soon.” The words hold no truth, but Jack doesn’t need to know that. I wouldn’t mind getting another look at Raven, so long as she keeps her trap shut. “No happily ever after for this guy. I’ll be a bachelor all my life, just like you.”
Jack sighs, regret clinging to the sound. “You don’t know it all, Trey. Think I actually planned to spend my life alone? Nah. I had a girl once, the one, but she got away. We were too young, and I treated her badly. When she left for school, I didn’t stop her. I was way too stubborn, and my wounded pride wouldn’t allow it. She wasn’t willing to stay without a promise of more. I didn’t give her what she needed.”
He rubs at his eyes, looking more weary and worn than I’ve seen in a long while. The snarky response waiting on the tip of my tongue dies off. Jack has always been a solid pillar for me to lean on. Witnessing this side of him is a shock to my system. I wait silently while he seems to gather his thoughts. His voice is low and almost hoarse when he continues.
“Life happened, and you came to stay with me. Don’t think for a minute you held me back from chasing her because I wasn’t going anywhere regardless. I planted deeper roots, opened the shop, did my best raising you, but never forgot her. I’ve done alright, sure. Could I be doing better? Absolutely,” he mutters with a sad smile. “Being an ornery old goat ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. I’m sure you don’t care, but that’s a life lesson worth listening to.”
I let his words sink in, confusion clouding my thoughts. “Why are you telling me this now? Not sure I understand the point.”
“Because of your girl. Raven.”
My arm slashes through the air. “Oh, hell no. She isn’t my anything.”
“Uh huh. I said the same thing once. Damn, it really is like looking in the mirror sometimes.” Jack squints and tilts his head.
“Knock it off. I’m nothing like you in that respect. I have no interest in finding the one,” I lace the words out with extra venom, “or believe she even exists. Just no.”
“You’re such a shit, Trey,” he says with a smirk. “Don’t end up like me. I’m trying to give you advice.”
“And I’m telling you to take a hike.”
“Where did I go wrong?”
“I lost track years ago.”
He chuckles. “At least you’ve got a bit of humor left. But seriously—”
“Can we drop this yet?” I interrupt. “If I try to be less of an asshole to women, will you leave me alone?”
“Fine, just stop burning bridges all over town, yeah? It’s bad for business. You represent our brand so if nothing else, think of that.”
And that’s when his spiel sinks in and strikes a chord. I’d never purposefully cause harm to the shop. “Yeah, all right. I’ll do better.”
“Even when the girls are driving you crazy?” He pushes further.
“I get the message,” I snap.
“Good. I’m glad that’s settled.” He taps the car’s frame. “Now, stop slacking off and get back to work.”