His laughter sneaks out as he comes to sit down in front of my desk.
“When I was fixing the rear, I noticed the black paint. Perfect match to your Porsche that you brought in all banged up. Did you hit her or something?”
I scowl at him. “No. She ran over my parked car.”
His confusion is warranted. I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth.
“And you’re paying for the damages on her car because?” he asks, prying.
“Because she has liability only.”
I’d like to knock that smirk off his face. He’s lucky he’s the best mechanic I’ve ever known.
“And?” he asks slowly.
“And I shouldn’t have to justify any of my actions in my own garage,” I growl.
He laughs while holding his hands up defensively. “Sorry. Chill. I get it.”
Gets what?
“Why did you come up here?” I ask, annoyed at this point.
“To tell you I’ve done all I can do until the other parts get here. I’m heading out. You staying? I can work on something else if you want.”
“Nah. I’m about to head out, too. You had to work all weekend. After the car is finished, you can take off for a few days. On me.”
His mocking grin is still pissing me off. “Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
A text buzzes in, but I ignore it when I see my dad’s name on the screen. He must be getting married. Again. That’s the fourth text this week.
Wrench walks out as my eyes move to the window. I don’t want to deal with my father or his bridezilla right now. I have no desire to go back to that damn house for any reason.
I need a distraction.
The pet shop is right next door, and my distraction is served up on platter.
***
RYE
“So this one isn’t venomous?” I ask as the snake slithers over the guy’s hand, acting like a calm, gentle serpent. That almost sounds like an oxymoron.
“Nope,” he says, making the word pop as he smacks his gum.
“What happens if it bites?” I ask, now second guessing my master plan.
“Feels like the prick from a briar. No big deal.”
That’s not so bad. Besides, this thing seems so docile. “I’ll take it.”
He puts the green snake into a sack that resembles burlap material, but softer, and then he ties it at the top.
“You need an aquarium?”
After I torment the hell out of Brin with it, I’ll turn it loose. Snakes in aquariums... Not my thing.