With my free hand, I tap my fingers on the desktop.
It seems strange that Axel didn’t call me. But before I jump to any crazy conclusions, I consider that maybe the person who called doesn’t know about my relationship with Axel. And they just called the owner like they would when any car was finished.
I’ve tapped my fingers a few more times when an idea pops into my brain.
Opening my texts, I send a quick question and get a reply almost immediately.
“Hey, Leslie,” I raise my voice. “Griff is gonna come in to help out today.” Leslie glances around at the customers already seated with their drinks and I smile. “He’s covering for me. I’m gonna run out for an early lunch.”
“Oh, gotcha. Sounds good.”
Griff lives a few blocks away, and since he told me he was looking for extra hours, I’m not surprised when he struts through the front door not five minutes later.
“Thanks, Griff.”
He tips an invisible hat, “No problem, Boss.”
I shake my head as I grab my things, “I shouldn’t be long, but you can stay ‘til the end of the shift if you want.”
“Take your time, Lez and I can cover it.”
Leslie rolls her eyes at the nickname, but I know they secretly adore working together.
“Thanks!” I say over my shoulder as I step outside, feeling lighter already.
* * *
It’s notuntil I’m pulling Axel’s fancy black car into a parking spot that I remember what happened the last time I was here.
I cringe thinking about Axel dragging me out of my damaged car and into his office. Our round of rough, and not so quiet, oral sex. Him demanding I wait in his office for hours. And then me cowering at his side when we left, so I wouldn’t have to face any of his employees.
And now here I am. About to walk in. By myself.
I chew on my lip.
Maybe this was a bad idea and I should go.
But there are two guys standing near an open garage door already staring at me.
Or maybe they’re staring because of the car. Their boss’s car.
Well, I really cocked that up. Can’t leave now.
Grabbing the bag of sandwiches that I picked up on my way over, I sling my purse over my shoulder and climb out.
The guys haven’t moved so I take a deep breath and head their way.
You can do this.
They’re nice people.
Axel wouldn’t hire jerks.
With that mental pump up I plaster a smile on my face.
“Hi!” my hand lifts in an awkward wave, Axel’s key fob bouncing with the movement.
“Hey,” they say in unison, one looking more perplexed than the other.