Chapter 3 #2
I quickly grab my keys and scarf, making my way out of my room. I shut the door and walk toward the front of the motel, wrapping my scarf around my neck.
I really hate wearing all this clothing because I get too hot and sweat a lot, but I don’t feel comfortable without it.
People stare at me when they see my scars.
The first couple of months after the incident, I couldn’t wear anything on my wounds, and they were visible to everyone.
I didn’t go out much then, not liking how people stared at me.
Once I got cleared to cover them, I did, and haven’t shown anyone my scars since, until Press asked.
The scars remind me of Jared, and covering them up makes me slightly forget about them.
When people see my injuries, they stare at me for all sorts of reasons.
The looks of disgust and pity only serve to remind me that I’m a scarred freak who will never be loved again.
As I get closer to the club, I sigh, already beginning to sweat. This day is already starting badly, and I feel like it’s just going to go downhill from here. I’m tired and hot, and today is going to be busy.
I jog toward the entrance of the garage, ignoring all the bikers. I open the door quickly and make my way toward the back. I grab a piece of paper and a pen from the table and hastily write that I’m sorry for being late.
I turn around and make my way toward Gears, placing the paper in front of him. I don’t even wait for him to read it and make my way toward the list of things I need to work on today. I just need to get everything off my mind right now, and getting to work as soon as possible will do the trick.
“Brooke, it’s not a problem that you are late. Last night was a late one. If everything doesn’t get done today, it will be okay,” Gears says.
I don’t pay attention and start working on the car in front of me. This car needs new spark plugs. It is a very simple task, but it can take an hour or more to do.
I was supposed to get this done yesterday, but Gears had told me to save it for today.
One of the bikers came in yesterday saying he was having trouble with his bike, and he was supposed to go on a ride that night.
Gears and I stopped what we were doing and worked on the bike, trying to figure out what was wrong with it.
Gears lets out a sigh, and I continue to work.
It can be hot working in a garage, and it doesn’t help that I was already sweating when I walked in.
It’s the middle of summer, yet I am dressed like it is December.
The garage has air conditioning, but it doesn’t work very well.
Gears doesn’t have a problem because he can wear shorts and a T-shirt.
After thirty minutes, I start to feel a little dizzy from the heat. I slowly stand from my bent position and steady myself on the car. I don’t want to collapse and create a scene.
“Are you okay, Brooke?” Gears asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I nod, not moving from my position. I just need to catch my breath for a second and try to cool myself down.
The prickling feeling of eyes on me hits, and I turn my head slightly to see who is around me. I had a feeling it was Bear because his stare feels different from everyone else’s. His is one of trying to figure me out. In the doorway is Bear, standing with his arms crossed.
I take my arms off the car and remove one of my gloves. Slowly, I make my way toward the kitchenette. Gears thought it would be a great idea to have the mini fridge in here, so we don’t have to walk to the main kitchen every time we want a drink.
Sadly, when I open the fridge, all I see are beers, and I want to pull my hair out.
Gears asked me the first day of working here what I liked to drink, and I said water.
I don’t like to drink on the job in case something happens.
I am a lightweight and want to be aware of my surroundings with all these guys around.
Anything could happen then, and I have already gone through hell and back.
I turn and make my way toward the door that Bear is still blocking. He’s looking at my hand, and I quickly start to put my glove back on. I try to squeeze past him, but he won’t budge.
He moves and slowly touches the back of my hand.
Staring at him in shock, little tingles zing across my hand from the contact.
I have never felt anything like this when a guy touches me, which is scary.
Why is Bear so different from all the other guys?
He stares back at me, and I quickly duck under his arm and make my way toward the kitchen.
I don’t think I could ever have another man in my life after what the last one put me through. I feel this attraction toward Bear, but he could be just like Jared, and I don’t need that in my life.
People are talking around me, but I don’t pay any attention. I quickly open the fridge and search for a water bottle, but unfortunately, they have none. Ignoring the voices around me, I open a cupboard.
Once I find a cup, I quickly fill it up with water and start chugging it. I drink three cups of water before I stop and look around. Whiskey, Bear, and Gears are all staring at me.
I try to walk past them toward the garage before they can say anything, but that doesn’t work.
Gears sticks his hands out, touching my shoulders, and I jerk back.
I don’t want anyone touching me right now.
He should know that I don’t like people touching me.
That I flinch anytime a guy comes toward me.
They all back off when I move away. It is like I am on autopilot, just walking toward the garage, not really thinking or seeing anything. I rest my hands on the car. My mind is blank as I stare at the engine for who knows how long.
Once I snap out of my trance, I work on finishing replacing the spark plugs. It must have taken me a while to finish because Gears appears.
“It’s time for lunch. I brought your food here,” Gears says, placing my food next to me.
Gears walks out of the garage, and I look at the plate, which is full of chicken and rice. I take my food and walk around to the other side of the car, where no one can see me.
Sitting with my back against a car, I take off my gloves and loosen my scarf. I slowly start to eat, trying to relax a bit. Today has not been a great day at all. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything, and I haven’t been feeling good.
Once I finish my food, I place the container on the ground and lean my head against the car. I close my eyes, falling asleep soon after.