Two
Reaf
The factthat I get to marry the person I love most in just under two weeks is the only thing that is keeping me going today at the shop. So many cars have come through the garage today. Families getting ready for road trips with their kids, and college students making sure all is okay before they head to the coast for Spring Break.
Truth be told, I’ve always been a little envious of those that can go do all these things during their breaks from school. I’ve always worked to help my mom as much as possible. It wasn’t easy after my dad left. Bryce doesn’t even remember him. On the days I’m feeling jealous, I just think of all the stupid things I won’t get caught doing, and how my family always has each other's back.
A small part of me wonders if Tonya wishes she could join in the shenanigans included during most Spring Break trips. But the other part doesn’t care because soon I’ll be her other half and we make our own traditions and plans.
“Reaf,” my boss calls across the garage. “Check on the customer that just walked in. After you get done with whatever they need, you can leave for the day.”
“Sure thing.” My hands are almost black from the oil change I just finished. I grab the closest towel while walking to the side door that leads into the lobby area. It’s nice to get a little fresh air, even if it’s from inside the building. I take a deep breath, grateful for the break from the smell of gas, oil and tools.
Throwing the shop towel into the nearby trash can, I don’t look up as I ask, “How can I help you today?”
“For starters, you can call off your wedding to Tonya. She’s the only real shot my son has at a normal life, instead of being with that girl that works in the tattoo shop.” A female voice says, full of venom.
Why in the hell is Jake’s mom here? And what the actual fuck? Who starts a conversation like that? “Excuse me?” I’m so taken aback that I don’t have any other words.
“You heard me.” She straightens to her full height and looks down her nose at me. To her I’m nobody. Not worth the dirt on the bottom of her shiny, low heels. “Call off your wedding, and give Jake the chance to be with the mother of his child.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but that’s not going to happen. Jake doesn’t want anything to do with you, or your husband. And he’s perfectly happy with Charleigh. You can’t order me to do your bidding. I’m in love with Tonya and I’ll be making her my wife next weekend.” I roll up the sleeves of my long sleeve shirt. “Now, if you don’t have a car you wish to be serviced, I suggest you vacate the premises.”
The glare she shoots me is enough to make a weaker man bow down to her demands. But I’ve dealt with people like her my entire life. I’ve never let others push me around, and I'm sure as hell not going to let her do it. She huffs when she sees I’m not going to give and turns to leave. Before she walks out the door, she makes a parting statement. “This isn’t over.”
Once she’s out of sight, I let out a sigh of relief. What the hell gives her the right to ask me to do something like that. I’m not worried about Tonya’s feelings for me, but I’d be lying if I said the interaction didn’t rankle.
“Who was that?” Rick, my boss, asks as he walks into the lobby.
“Just a bitter old woman trying to cause problems.” I glance into the now mostly empty garage. “Can I head out now?”
He nods and looks at the calendar for tomorrow. “Try to be in early tomorrow. It’s going to be another busy one.”
“Okay.” I don’t give him a chance to say anything else. I grab my keys from the drawer under the counter and hurry out the door. I really need to see my girl right now.
* * *
The drive to Tonya’s house goes by in a blur. I can’t believe the audacity of Jake’s mom. Did she really think I was going to roll over and let her dictate what I’m going to do? She must be out of her damn mind to even entertain the idea.
I check the review mirror, more out of habit than anything else, and I’m surprised my face isn’t flushed with anger. I need to get my emotions under control before I get there. I don’t want her to see how pissed off I am.
Do I even tell her? She’s already stressed with all the wedding planning. I don’t want to add this to her already full plate. If she won’t let me help with decorations, or anything else for that matter, the least I can do is keep this away from her.
I park the car and take a few deep breaths, doing everything I can to rein in my frustration. Minutes later, I’m at the front door and knocking on the solid wood. A spring inspired wreath hangs in the middle, and almost falls down when I knock again. That's weird. She’s usually home by now. I didn’t even bother to look in the driveway to see if her car was here.
Just as I turn around, the door swings open. “Reaf, what are you doing here?” Mr. Burgess’s booming voice comes from the doorway.
“I came by to see Tonya, and ask if she needed me to do anything.” It’s not a complete lie. I did come by to see her. But I know she won’t let me do anything to help her. She’s so freaking stubborn it’s unreal. I’m confident she gets it from her dad.
“She’s not here right now.” He opens the door wider. “You can come in, though. She should be here soon.”
I glance longingly at my car. It’s nothing personal against her dad, but spending time with him without Tonya as a buffer is always awkward. He wasn’t the biggest fan of me when I first started dating his daughter over a year ago. Yes, he gave me his blessing, and I’m sure the only reason is because he sees how happy I make her. Or, that she’s so stubborn that she would have run off with me. It could go either way.
I face him, and begin toward the door. “Thanks, Mr. Burgess.” Shutting the door softly behind me, I follow him into the living room. “Where is she anyway?”
He takes a seat on the couch facing the television. There’s a college basketball game showing on the screen with the volume muted. “Reaf, you’ll be family soon. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Jason?”
“Sorry, sir.” I mumble. “It’s just weird calling y’all by your first names. Blame that on my mom.”