Hallie
I woke up in the morning after sleeping hard for several hours. Dad was still asleep, and I rose quietly to make some coffee. We both needed it to wake up. I looked around the house and smiled at the memories here for a moment. The sun was shining through the generous windows in the old house, offering me a generous view of the scenery.
I was pouring a cup for myself when I heard Dad coughing in the living room. I hurried in with some water and handed him the glass, watching his face with worry etched on mine.
“Are you okay?” I asked as he nodded slowly.
“It takes me a while before I’m all clear. Thank you.” He took the water and sipped it slowly.
I looked back into the kitchen. I knew that he had to take his antibiotics throughout the day and wanted to get him his morning dose.
“Do you need to take your pills with food? Do they bother you?” I asked as he cleared his throat.
“They’re strong. I have been. There’s some yogurt in the fridge.” He replied as I nodded.
I walked in and opened the heavy door to see several strawberry containers on the shelf. I grabbed one, checking the date before I got a spoon and the prescription bottle. I emptied one into my hand and walked over to give him everything.
“Want coffee?” I asked brightly, trying not to think about how sick he was.
“I’d love some after I get this down.” He smiled warmly at me and I nodded, retreating to give him some space. Neither of us were morning people. I grabbed my phone and sat down at the small, round table to check emails and social media. I felt so far away from New York right now and I missed it as I scrolled through pictures that friends posted. The city never stopped, even when I wasn’t there. I pushed away my longing to be back as I moved on to a news page to distract myself.
Dad asked for some coffee after he was finished with his quick breakfast. I brought him a cup and discarded the yogurt container before sitting down on the couch.
“So, who is running the shop again?” I asked, unclear on who the guy was.
“His name is Colton. He’s Gus’ grandson.” Dad sipped his coffee with a smile on his face. “You probably don’t know him since his mama took off when she was young. Good kid. He just started getting close to them and Gus offered him the yard.”
I thought for a moment, picturing Gus and his pretty wife. I only knew their son, but he lived in some other state. I’d never heard too much about a daughter.
“How old is he?” I asked, wanting to picture this guy. I knew everyone in this town and the idea of someone I’d never seen helping me troubled me.
“Thirty-five. He’s not a kid.”
“Is he doing a good job?” I queried as Dad looked at me. He was smiling as he nodded.
“If he didn’t already have the yard, I might hire him myself.”
“Huh.” I said thoughtfully as I leaned back. “Maybe I should go down there and introduce myself to him. Offer him any help that he might need.” I had no idea what to do in an auto shop, but he might need help with customers or something. It had to be backed up down there.
“That’s a good idea. You can help a few hours a day. I can be left alone some.” Dad assured me, and I nodded.
“I’ll try to get down there soon. I want to thank him at the very least.” I sipped my coffee, planning things I needed to do ahead. I worked as an assistant to a magazine editor on the city and was used to multitasking, but running a home was not my forte. I hadn’t cooked in years since there was take out at all hours of the day by my small apartment. I worried about my dad’s favorite meals and how to cook them.
“Are you okay with your job?” Dad asked as I nodded.
“They’re fine with me taking some time off. They encouraged me to be gone for longer. I work a lot.” The office was crazy all the time with writers working and people dropping by for interviews and photo shoots. We had a section of the building where those were done if the writer didn’t want to go to a specific location. It was chaotic and gorgeously modern.
“Do you take care of yourself? You’ve lost a little weight.” I heard the concern in his voice.
“I don’t always sleep eight hours a day. I won’t lie. Everyone in the city eats out more than in but we walk it off. Most people walk everywhere. I wouldn’t dream of trying to drive there.” Dad knew all this from his visits. I used cabs to get us places or a friend with a car would drive us. He told me several times that he didn’t like the lifestyle.
“I can see why.” He scowled, and I smiled gently at him.
“I have the car here though. I need to get some stuff at the store and you need to tell me your favorites.” I looked at him and he nodded as he coughed again. “I should learn how to make soup. That’s good when you’re sick.”
“Half the town is offering to cook for me. I think you’ll be fine.” I shrugged.
“You’ve done so much for me that I want to help you, Dad. I haven’t been here for you.” I frowned.
“You have a life and that’s what I wanted for you.” It was. He always told me to chase my dreams even if he didn’t agree with them.
“You don’t think I left you… like Mom?” I asked quietly as he let out a sigh.
“No. You were old enough to go live your life. She was just selfish.” I nodded. “I love you, Hal. I want you to be happy.”
“I am. I miss you is all.” I stood and hugged him lightly, knowing how wrecked I’d be when he was gone. This brought me to reality if nothing else.
Once he was napping in his chair again, I dressed to head to the store. I chose worn jeans and a thick sweater from my suitcase after showering. I didn’t need to dress up here. I slipped my feet into thick boots and checked on Dad before leaving.
I had the list in my purse of what he wanted to start with. I vowed to look up recipes for soup and things that I could freeze for him once I was gone. I drove to the main road and glanced to the right before making the sharp turn. I might as well stop by the shop and introduce myself to this Colton guy. I wanted to be helpful. I drove a couple blocks before parking to the side, taking a long look at the huge building that housed most of the lumber yard. It was a fixture here in Chester. It was beautiful, and it looked as though someone was taking care of it.
I looked at the shop after that. Both bays were open, and I saw two cars parked inside. I went to the front door first, surprised to find it locked. I strode to the bays and stepped inside, looking around.
“Hello?” I called out, only hearing some rock music.
“Yeah. What can I help you with?” I heard a masculine voice, and a guy moved from under one of the hoods. I stared at him for a moment, stunned into silence. Colton was tall, at least six feet and I could tell that he was in shape even with the coverall on. His eyes were a bright blue that reminded me of tropical waters and I blinked. “Can I help you?”
“Is there a reason the door isn’t opened?” I asked as he smirked at me.
“I got caught up working on this sedan and I’m working here on my own. I’d go through these doors, anyway.” The man looked around. “Do you have a car that needs fixing?”
“I… no. I’m Hallie. Brian’s my dad.” Something passed over his face as he took me in. “I was going to the store for him and thought I’d stop by.”
“Hallie. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He wiped his hands on the shirt and stepped forward. “I’m Colton Hansen.”
“Hi. I’ve heard some about you as well. My dad really appreciates this.” I smiled, trying not to show him how much he was affecting me.
“It’s no problem. He’s a good man and I have a great staff at the yard.” His brown hair was tousled and looked like he’d been running his hands through it. Even if they were covered in oil and his hair might be the same way, I considered what it would feel like with my hands in his hair.
“Still, it means a lot to both of us.” I licked my stained lips lightly. “If you need any help, I could come in and lend a hand. Do the books, run the counter, whatever you need.”