Chapter 6
SIX
IVY
I sigh as I put away the last of the breakfast dishes before grabbing my handbag.
“Where are you going?” Dad asks. “Your shift at the pub isn’t until later. This kitchen’s a mess.”
I look around. Nothing’s out of place—all the plates and cutlery have been cleared away. I have no idea what he’s talking about.
The floor could probably do with a mop, but that can wait until later.
“I’ve got to go. Ajax is taking me to my car and then helping me get it fixed.”
Dad stares at me. “What’s wrong with your car?”
“I don’t know. It wouldn’t start after work, so Ajax dropped me off and then offered to help today. So I’m going to get going.”
“Ajax from the farm?”
“Yes. He was at the pub last night and helped me out when I was by myself.”
His jaw tics. “You need to stay away from him, Ivy. They’re a bit weird on that farm. That’s where that woman was stabbed.”
I hold up my hands. “They’re good people, Dad. I’ve met them a million times at work. They were trying to protect that actress.”
“But—”
“I’ve got to run.” I grab my bag and head out the door.
Dad follows. “Get back in here young lady and clean up this kitchen!” he bellows.
My cheeks burn with embarrassment. Ajax is parked near the house, and my father is so loud there’s no way he hasn’t heard it.
He frowns as I duck into the passenger side of the truck. “You okay? What’s going on with your dad?”
“I’m so sorry you had to hear that,” I whisper.
“Does he always speak to you like that?”
My mouth falls open. This is mortifying. It’s bad enough dealing with my father and brother’s bad behaviour, but the humiliation of him hearing it runs deep.
“I …” I close my mouth again.
Ajax shakes his head. “It’s okay, Ivy. It’s not you who’s the problem. If you want me to have a word with him, I will.”
Shaking my head, I cross my arms. “No, it’s fine.”
We drive in silence. Digby’s waiting by my car when we arrive, and it doesn’t take him long to identify the issue.
“Ajax is right. It’s the starter motor. Bad news is that Dave at the garage won’t have one in stock, but the good news is that he can get one in a few days.”
My chest aches with anxiety. “A few days?”
“It’s a basic part. I can’t guarantee it, but maybe mid-week?”
I bend, placing my hands on my knees. This can’t be happening. I can’t be without my car.
“Ivy?” Ajax grasps my arm.
“Uh, I’ll leave you guys to it. Whatever you need, Ivy, we’ll help.”
I nod rapidly, but it doesn’t stop the overwhelming panic.
Before I know it, Ajax sweeps me up into his arms and carries me toward his truck. He pulls open the door and lifts me into the seat.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting you seated before you collapse.” He closes the door and climbs in the driver’s side.
“I can’t be without my car.”
His gaze burns a hole in my brain. “It’ll be fine. It’s just for a few days at this stage. I’ll pick you up and bring you to work, and then I’ll pick you up after work. I know what time the pub closes, but we’ll swap numbers and you call me if you finish early like last night.”
It’s all so much.
My head spins.
I guess at least I get to spend time with Ajax—albeit a short amount as home to work is no great distance.
Although I still doubt he’d be interested in someone like me.
He’s friends with movie stars—well, at least one in the form of Jessie Lane. She lives on that farm, but I still see pictures of her in Hollywood on TV and in magazines.
And I tend bar three days a week.
I also remember him going to the US to be there for Jessie’s wedding. He must have met other famous people too.
And then there was the woman he met for the date that didn’t happen. Is that his type? She was the complete opposite to me.
“Ivy? Sound good?”
I nod. “I’d really appreciate it.”
“We’ll see how long this starter motor takes. If it’s a few days longer, I’ll just keep picking you up. It’s no skin off my nose to do it. I like the idea of helping you.”
I meet his gaze.
My heart thuds.
Could I ever be enough for Ajax?