44. Parking Spot
FORTY-FOUR
Parking Spot
TARA
A few days later, with the leaves on the central Ohio trees on a steady path toward their peak autumn colors which would rival those of any New England town, Tara, Steve, and Logan helped John move into his tiny new apartment above Aiden’s auto shop. . The sun shone brightly, and a light breeze blew, rustling the first leaves from their tall branches.
Thanks to the Bailey family SUV and Logan’s large pickup truck, they transported all of John’s belongings in only one trip. The apartment came with a bed, a small chest of drawers, and a hand-me-down card table and chairs. A quick trip out to a local thrift shop added some kitchen basics and a cheap TV so he could play his video games and watch movies. With a galley kitchen and a small bathroom, he had everything he needed for his first time living on his own.
“It’s not fancy, but it’s mine.” John stood with his hands on his hips to survey his new apartment, which seemed smaller with three additional people inside. “Thank you all so much for helping me move in.” He gave everyone a big hug. Tears welled in his eyes as he hugged Steve. “Thank you for everything, Steve. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“You’re welcome. You have our numbers, so if you need anything...”
“I promise I’ll text you.” John smiled through some happy tears. He quickly wiped them away with his palm. “I never thought I’d be happy to have a car accident.”
Steve returned his thanks with a genuine smile. “Well, just try not to have another one.”
After leaving John to unpack his apartment, Logan gave Tara a quick goodbye hug and shook hands with Steve before climbing back into his truck to go.
On the drive back downtown, Tara smiled when Steve spoke up. “Now that I have my apartment to myself again. Want to pick up some dinner and come up?”
Tara laughed. “What? Still no proper date?”
“I still owe you that, don’t I?”
“I don’t mind, you know. John was so excited.”
“He was,” Steve agreed and reached out to take her hand in his. “But I’m more excited about spending time with you.” He brushed a kiss across her knuckles.
“Good. Because I have a surprise for you.” Tara pulled into the intersection when the light turned green.
A few minutes later, Tara parked her car behind the shop.
She extended her arms as soon as they were out of her car as if she were revealing the Crown Jewels. “Surprise!”
Tara watched as Steve’s momentary confusion morphed into a wide grin as he saw a Reserved for Motorcycles Only sign in the last spot. It also had Apt 1 to discourage other bikers from stealing his designated spot.
“Yours will probably be the only one with its own parking spot, but at least you won’t get towed again.”
Steve wrapped his hand around her neck and pressed his lips against hers. Tara responded by looping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. She warmed as he tightened his other arm around her waist and whispered a thank you in her ear.