Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“You’re my family, too, but we need to talk about something funny or embarrassing. I’m at my max capacity for crying today.” Bernie parks in Gabe’s spot in the garage. He didn’t have to do all that, except I know why he did. It’s also the reason I’m going to accept a part-time position at McCoy’s Auto Repair. I need better winter clothes. I’m also going to need a car, extra hours, extra money, so I’d be stupid not to accept the offer.
“Do I need to whoop Gabe’s ass for making you cry, sweet pea?” My laughter is the only thing you can hear in the cab of his truck. I’m shaking my head.
“Didn’t think so. I’ve got a great set of ears. They’re all yours whenever. It’s an open invitation,” Bernie says with a soft smile on his face. “You go on in now, and I’ll watch you until the door is closed, alright?” My hand covers his on the center console, squeezing it before leaning over and kissing his cheek.
“You’re the best, Bernie. I’ll probably take you up on that offer. Some of my childhood and adulthood was hard. Gabe was upset today when I opened up to him, not that I blame him. It wasn’t easy to live through, let alone tell someone else, and he’s awfully protective of me, kind of like another McCoy I know.” I wink, and he nods slightly. I see the way his throat bobs, and maybe telling him won’t be a good thing either. Gabe and Bernie are fixers, but the past isn’t something you can fix. You can only work on your future and breaking the cycle, so you don’t treat someone the way you were treated.
“Anytime, sweet pea, anytime.”
“Oh, do you think I can get a ride to work every now and then? I’m sure Denny and Nikki will have me on the schedule as soon as everything is back open. I’ll be able to walk to the shop once my shift is over. At least until I get a car?” I ask him.
“You got it. You know as well as I do, Gabe will be the one taking you to work. Coming home, I’ll pick you up whenever. Think about the job he offered you. You’re an amazing waitress, but, honey, it’s hard on your back, your feet, and a whole list of other stuff. You talked about going to college one day. You’ll make money faster, have more time to study, and I’m not sure what you plan on going to college for, but I’ll tell you this: there’s a lot of businesses around here that could use your enthusiasm and work ethic.” Man, today must be one of those days when the tears are going to fall no matter how much you don’t want them to. Everything Bernie is saying is true. I’m stubborn to the core, thinking and assuming I could do everything on my own. Refusing to take the help Gabe offered is dumb.
“You’re right. I’m going to do a lot of thinking between now and when Gabe gets home, though I already know the answer. I’m pretty sure you do, too. Thank you, Grandpa Bernie, for everything. I can’t find the words,” I tell him as my hand grabs the handle.
“You don’t have to thank me, Carsynn. You keep loving my boy as much as I know you do, give me a few great-grandkids before I’m too old to chase them around, and that’s all the thanks I’ll need.” My lips quiver, my eyes water, and I nod, unable to respond with the emotion clogging my throat. “Go on, honey. I’ll see you later.” I look at Gramps one last time, chest aching with happiness, tears ready to tumble down my cheeks. You’d think it’s that time of the month with the way I’m all over the place with my crying jags today.
“I’d say call me when you get home, except Gabe doesn’t have a house phone. Maybe I can convince him to install one like yours?” Then again, it’s probably an added expense and not a necessity.
“I’ll call Gabe when I get home, and he’ll deliver you the news I made it there safe. Carsynn, there isn’t much he wouldn’t do for you, but if you want a phone like mine, we’ll hit up the antique mall and find one of your own.” See? He’s the best. Bernie’s house is full of amazing items he’s collected throughout the years. There isn’t anything brand new in his house, except for maybe his beloved recliner.
“Okay, thanks again, Grandpa Bernie. Today was a great day.” I finally say my goodbyes. I’ve prolonged him leaving long enough. It’s time for me to go inside, cook dinner, and clean up the house a little bit before Gabe gets home. It’s funny. I was so opposed to help, but now, a few days of being around him, I’m changing my tune. Maybe Grandpa Bernie has the right idea about me loving Gabe. It’s hard to put a name on something you’ve never had, but if the ache in my chest when he’s away, the way my eyes track his every move, or how my stomach flutters when he walks into a room are an indication, then yeah, this must be what love feels like.