10. Hayes
Chapter ten
Hayes
It’s only been two weeks, but hiring Lennon was the smartest thing I have ever done. No one would be able to tell that she has never worked in this field before. She has turned so much around in my life. Lennon has gone above and beyond not only for my business but my family as well. Once she got all invoices put in the system, she went through request offs and made the next two schedules for the mechanics and my tow truck drivers. Every nook and cranny at the shop has been cleaned. Yesterday, she came out to my home shop and cleaned and organized. Imagine my surprise when she started taking pictures of Travis and I working, while asking as very specific questions about what stage of the process we were on. Before she left, she showed me her phone, specifically the Instagram account she created for my business.
On Wednesday, she asked about a baby-sitting schedule for Rosie. I let her know that between myself, my sister, and my dad, we just figure it out. There is no set schedule. Lennon proceeded to tell me that she had an idea and came back to me an hour later with not only a shared calendar between the family, but also printed calendars. She put the calendars up at the front desk, my office, the office at home, and to my dad and sister.
It's now Saturday and my daughter somehow convinced me to have a cookout and to invite everyone over. She made the call to Lennon herself to extend the invitation. The connection between my daughter and Lennon was immediate. The only person Rosie talks about is Lennon. My dad got here early to help me get all the meat prepped and ready to go on the smoker.
“Son, that Lennon is something else. She called me up and let me know that she needed my schedule for the month and what days I was available to help with Rosie. I was scared to tell her I only had my days for two weeks. So, I may have to switch some days at the end of the month with your sister. ”
I throw my head back and laugh. Lennon is the sweetest person that I have ever met, but she is very particular about how she wants things done. I’m starting to think that it helps her with anxiety. And since the shop has never run this smoothly, I’m letting her run with it.
“Ha, I know. She only started two weeks ago and already the shop is running smoother. I don’t know what I’m going to do when she finds something that she wants to do.” I don’t want to think about the day she says she is leaving me.
The shop. Leaving the shop.
I’m already addicted to seeing her three days a week. What is she going to be wearing? How is she going to have her honey-colored hair styled? How many times can I get her to laugh? I came to the realization last night that I am falling for my best friend’s little sister. The sister that just got out of a bad relationship.
“She’s special that one.” With that, my dad brings a tray of chicken out to my back deck. He has never been one for gossip or small talk; he says his peace and that is that. I know Lennon is special. Hell, everyone that comes in contact with her figures it out quickly. Even though she has gone through hell, she is the bright spot on a cloudy day. When she directs a smile your way, your troubles seem to melt away .
I try to shake my thoughts of Lennon and finish prepping the food. Everyone should be getting here soon, so I need to get the rest of the meat on the grill. I check the coolers one more time; one for the kids filled with juice and water, and the adult cooler filled with beer and seltzers. Shelby is the one that usually has everyone over, so I hope I do this cookout justice.
Only an hour later, pure chaos descended on my once peaceful house. I’ve never had this many people over but looking at Rosie, running around laughing with the other kids, I make a mental note to have everyone over more. Lennon thought that it would be nice if I extended the invitation to my employees, and even though they were shocked to see the invitation up in the breakroom, they all decided to show up.
I spot Lennon across the yard, talking to some of my mechanics. There is a tightness in my chest when one of the guys throws his arm around her shoulder. Even from my distance, I notice the tightness in her shoulders from my spot next to the grill. Lennon has done a great job with the customers and with the crew, but I have noticed that when people get too close to her or are too loud, she becomes uncomfortable. I’m about to charge over to the group and rip one of my guys’ hands from my girl, but Travis somehow wedges himself between the two, severing the connection. Lennon’s body immediately relaxes next to my young protégé.
Wait…when did I start considering Lennon my girl? She is my employee.
“Do I need to have words with that kid?” I didn’t realize Cash had walked up to me, but I follow his gaze until it lands on Travis. “No, man, Travis is fine. He came up to me the other day and told me that he sees a lot in Lennon as he did with his mom.” My friend narrows his eyes, so I rush to finish my story. “His dad beat her for years I guess; he hasn’t really told me the whole story. I think he just wants to shield Lennon from…everything.” Cash nods his head, but then gets pulled away by his kids getting into a fight…with each other.
My dad takes the meat off the grill, and once everyone has loaded up their plates, we all find a spot to sit. Rosie immediately pulled Lennon to sit next to her and me, which I am not upset about. I’ve been so busy playing host that I haven’t had much time to talk to her. And I don’t want to think too much about why that makes me upset.
“Lennon, why are boys so mean?” In wanting to know where this line of questioning is going to go, I don’t reprimand my daughter for speaking with her food in her mouth. Or interrupting someone while they are trying to eat. What can I say, I’m figuring it out as I go. And right now, I want to be nosy.
“Well, sweetie, I think that just depends on the boy. Sometimes people are mean because they are hurting. And there are many reasons for that. Maybe something happened, something big, and that left their heart hurting.” I love that when Rosie talks to Lennon, Lennon gives Rosie her full attention. And she never tries to dumb her answers down or gives a soft answer. I am shocked that we are already at the stage of life where boys are being mean to her.
“Hmm…well, how come Denny is always mean and when he got here, Crosby started being mean to me. He is never mean to me. He’s my best friend!” I’m midway of getting up because I heard my little girl sniffle, but Lennon beats me to it. She scoops Rosie into her lap, and they are speaking in hushed voices. I see my dad out of the corner of my eye, and he is staring at the two women that are never far from my thoughts, when he looks my way he nods and goes back to talking to Scottie.
“I love you so much, Lennon.”
“I love you too, sweet Ro Ro.”
And there goes the final piece holding me back from Lennon. My daughter loves her, Lennon loves my daughter. And I’m tired of fighting my feelings for her.
She isn’t ready. I need to get thoughts of her out of my mind.