Chapter 12
DANNY
D anny pulled into the garage forecourt just as the sun was starting to set. He was knackered. The breakdown had taken twice as long as expected, mainly because the tourist’s car had decided to die in the most inconvenient spot possible—right in the middle of a narrow access road.
Still, at least he knew his dad was home safe and sound thanks to Michelle.
She’d sent him a message when they’d got back to the cottage, and he’d breathed a sigh of relief.
The amount of comfort those few lines had given him had come as something of a surprise.
Just hearing from Michelle had brought a dollop of calm to his stressful evening.
‘You’re being daft, Dalton!’ he chuckled, rolling to a halt in front of the garage doors.
Danny killed the engine of the tow truck and sat for a moment, letting the quiet settle around him.
He had so much to be grateful for. His dad was home…
and on the mend. Now all he had to do was be patient and wait until the old git was ready to talk about the changes he’d hinted at back in the hospital.
What would it all mean for the garage… and for him?
‘Argh!’
Elvis—who’d been busy bouncing around in the passenger seat, eager to get out of the truck—had chosen that moment to stick his cold, wet nose right into Danny’s ear.
‘You ready to see your Grandpa?’ said Danny. Elvis wiggled his entire body in response.
With a laugh, Danny leaned across and opened the door for him. The excited dog scurried out and immediately bounded off towards the path that would lead him right to the cottage’s front door. It was almost like he could sense Keith was back home.
Danny followed more slowly, keeping his eyes down as he rolled his neck in an attempt to work out the kinks of the day.
All he really wanted to do right now was crack open a beer and lounge around in a bath for an hour or two…
but first, he needed to check on his dad and face the music.
He was bound to get some grief for sending a Singer to pick him up from hospital.
A soft laugh drifting on the evening breeze pulled Danny up short, and he glanced towards the cottage.
Wait… was Michelle still here?!
The sight of the Buick parked outside, and another peal of laughter followed by his dad’s familiar chuckle told him he must be right.
What on earth?!
He might have begged Michelle to act as his dad’s unofficial taxi service, but he hadn’t expected her to stay for hours!
Danny sped up and peered through the kitchen window on his way past. Sure enough, there was Michelle Singer, sitting at the table, talking to his dad, who was ensconced in his favourite armchair.
‘What do you think of that then, boy?’ said Danny, hurrying to the front door before either of them could spot him spying.
The dog, who had his nose pressed up against the front door, glanced up at him. Then he let out a little whine and pawed at the wood.
‘I know! Come on then… let’s find out what’s going on.’ He pushed open the door and stepped into the hallway. ‘We’re back!’
Clearly keen to get to Keith, Elvis shot inside like a furry missile, nearly taking Michelle’s feet out from under her as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.
‘Idiot hound!’ gasped Danny. ‘I’m so sorry.’
‘That’s okay,’ laughed Michelle, steadying herself against the doorframe, looking flustered and all kinds of gorgeous.
It was as much as Danny could do not to scoop her up and kiss her right then and there. He blinked and shook his head. Now was not the time!
‘I can’t believe you’re still here,’ he said, running his fingers through his hair. ‘I’m so sorry… I had no idea it would take me so long to get back. I didn’t mean for you to stay and babysit him!’
‘I was happy to stay, we’ve been having a brilliant time,’ she said with an easy shrug. ‘Pretty easy to babysit, as it turns out!’ she added in a carrying tone, clearly designed to wind his dad up.
‘Cheeky mare!’ Keith yelled from the depths of the kitchen.
Danny smirked, and Michelle giggled.
‘Well… thanks,’ said Danny. ‘Seriously, how is he?’ he added in a lower tone.
‘Knackered,’ said Michelle, her face softening. ‘But he seemed to want some company. I hope you don’t mind that I stayed.’
‘Mind?’ said Danny. ‘Give over, you’re brilliant. Thank you.’
‘Well… he’s been fed and watered,’ said Michelle, her voice louder again.
‘I’ll have you know I was practically wasting away,’ came Keith’s cheerful response. ‘Nice to share a meal with a gorgeous girl for a change.’
Danny shook his head, unable to keep the smile off his face. This was so surreal. Michelle Singer was in his dad’s cottage, taking the mickey out of him, and his dad was clearly loving every second of it.
‘I made enough for three,’ she said, suddenly looking uncertain. ‘I mean, if you’re hungry?’
‘So hungry,’ groaned Danny, realising he was still standing in the cottage doorway like an idiot. He turned to close the door behind him. ‘What did you make?’
‘Nothing fancy. Just spaghetti bolognese.’
‘Bloody good spag bol, mind,’ called Keith. ‘Best I’ve had in years. Now, are you two going to stop conspiring in the hallway and join the invalid?!’
Michelle grinned, and Danny rolled his eyes before the pair of them trooped into the kitchen, only to find Elvis had climbed right up into Keith’s lap. The sight of his dad back where he belonged brought a hot lump to Danny’s throat.
‘Someone’s pleased you’re home,’ he muttered in greeting before sniffing the air hungrily. The kitchen was full of the scent of rich tomato sauce, herbs, and… ‘Did you make garlic bread?’
Keith nodded enthusiastically. ‘She did. Welcome to heaven.’
‘Sit down,’ said Michelle, looking delightfully pink as she moved to fetch him a plate. ‘You look more likely to fall over than Keith.’
‘See what I’ve had to put up with?’ said his dad with a broad grin.
Danny smirked, then promptly obeyed, sliding into a chair at the kitchen table.
‘So,’ said his dad, ‘had a good afternoon since you abandoned me in that infernal hospital?’
Danny tutted and rolled his eyes. ‘Long afternoon. And for the record, I’m really sorry I couldn’t get back to pick you up.’
‘I’ll let you off,’ said Keith, ‘seeing as you organised such excellent backup!’
Michelle turned and beamed at Keith.
‘What have you two been gossiping about, anyway?’ said Danny, suddenly curious. ‘I saw you through the window. You looked as thick as thieves.’
‘Oh… just the usual,’ said Michelle, placing a heaped plate of food in front of him. ‘Family feuds?—’
‘And business deals!’ said his dad, his eyes alight with mischief.
‘You’re joking, right?’ said Danny. ‘That’s not very… restful.’
‘Sorry,’ said Michelle, looking contrite. ‘In my defence, Keith started it.’
‘Don’t go apologising,’ said Keith. ‘It’s the best chat I’ve had in donkey’s yonks. Anyway, it turns out none of us know the reason Brian got his knickers in a twist.’
‘Mmm,’ said Michelle. ‘Which means I’m going to have to ask him outright. That’s going to be… interesting.’
‘But why bother?’ said Danny, his eyes wide. ‘I mean… after all these years, why bring it up?’
‘Because I’d rather like my best friend back,’ said Keith, his face suddenly serious. ‘Plus, it’s the only way we’re going to be able to go into business with Michelle here.’
‘I’m sorry… what’s that now?!’ said Danny, promptly dropping the fork he’d just picked up and somehow managing to flick tomato sauce everywhere in the process.
‘Your dad has a wonderful flair for the dramatics, doesn’t he?!’ chuckled Michelle.
‘I’ll say it again… you’re a cheeky mare,’ said Keith proudly.
Danny accepted a damp cloth from Michelle with one hand, while surreptitiously pinching himself under the table with the other. Had he fallen asleep in the truck or something? Was this a dream?
‘You look like you’ve just been hit over the head with a blunt instrument,’ said Michelle.
‘Erm… just…’ Danny shook his head. ‘Fill me in a bit here?’
‘You’ll have to make do with the headlines this evening,’ said Keith. ‘I’m pooped. You do the honours, dear?’
Michelle nodded. ‘Old showroom. 1950s-themed diner.’
‘Okay, wow… that really was the abbreviated version!’ said Danny, his first forkful of spaghetti stalling in mid-air.
‘She’s not finished yet,’ said Keith. ‘We’ll talk about this more—obviously—but you’ve always wanted to bring our collection of classics into the business and specialise more.’
Danny nodded.
‘Well…’ said Keith, ‘I think there’s a good chance the two ideas could tie in together nicely.’
Danny blinked, his head suddenly full of possibilities. Happy diners admiring their collection, which would be proudly on display instead of tucked away in the yard. Spending his days tinkering with beautiful old cars instead of dashing all over the county on rescue missions.
Spending his days working next door to Michelle.
‘I think we’ve broken him,’ said Michelle in a carrying whisper.
‘It’ll take him a few moments to digest,’ chuckled Keith. ‘Always does. Boy… are you going to eat that food, or can I steal it?’
Danny wrapped a protective arm around his plate, and the forkful of food finally made it to his mouth.
‘Oh my… YUM!’
‘Exactly,’ said Keith. ‘And on that note, I think I’ll head off to bed.
It’s been a long day.’ He stood up, then paused by Danny’s chair and clapped him on the shoulder.
‘Thanks again for sending the cavalry. Couldn’t have asked for better.
Goodnight Michelle. Thank you for an unexpectedly lovely evening. ’
‘Night, Keith. Sleep well.’
Danny watched his dad head towards the stairs, noting a slight hitch in his step that hadn’t been there before. The mini stroke might not have been severe, but it had clearly left its mark.
‘He’s tired,’ said Michelle softly, as if reading his thoughts.
‘Yeah.’ Danny smiled at her as she sank into the chair opposite him. ‘Thank you. For everything, I mean. For picking him up, for staying with him, for the food…’
‘It was nothing,’ said Michelle, blushing slightly.