Chapter 11
Justice walked into the garage the following morning, her step buoyant and a lingering smile still lighting her face.
It was the same gentle smile she’d glimpsed in the reflection of her sliding glass door the night before, as Tyler’s quiet promise to see her soon had echoed in her mind.
The same warmth had carried her to bed, lingering in the corners of her dreams, and greeted her once more this morning as she’d brushed her hair and prepared for the day.
“You look mighty chipper today,” Tommy observed as he and Carla leaned on the counter.
Tommy had been a constant in her life since high school, a sturdy friend through vocational education classes, and now a trusted employee at the garage.
She had asked him once why he’d never opened his own place, but his answer had always stuck with her.
“Why the hell would I want all the headache of running my own business? Your dad hired me straight outta mechanic school, pays me a good salary, and I get to spend my days elbow-deep in grease instead of shuffling pointless pieces of paper around some godforsaken desk.”
She’d always appreciated his blunt honesty, and on particularly frustrating days, she wholeheartedly agreed with him.
Now, feeling her cheeks warm under the scrutiny, Justice simply shrugged in response to his observation. “Some days, life just feels especially good.”
A gruff chuckle drew her attention across the shop floor.
Ruddy was barrel-chested and hearty, with hair and beard that defied taming, and was wiping his oil-covered hands on a rag.
He kept half the county’s farm equipment running smoothly and wasn’t shy about voicing his opinions.
“Wouldn’t have anything to do with your new neighbor, would it? ”
Justice felt a flush rise, but before she could answer, Ruddy kept going, his voice deep and loud enough to echo off the shop walls. “Figured you’d been worried he might sell out to that shithead developer. Maybe you finally got good news that he wasn’t.”
She glanced around the room and through the glass window that separated the reception area from the garage. Gazes shifted toward her from beneath lifted hoods and over cluttered workbenches, hands tossed up in waves.
Gathering herself, she sighed gently and shook her head, her tone calm and diplomatic. “I’ve met Charlie’s grandson, Tyler. He’s very nice. We discussed the developer briefly, but it’s ultimately his decision to make. It’s not my place to push him one way or the other.”
Ruddy’s broad face twisted in a grimace, grease smudging his forehead as he frowned while walking in from the garage. “Charlie wouldn’t have sold. No way in hell!”
“I know, Ruddy,” she assured. “But Charlie isn’t here now. Tyler’s got a lot to handle with the estate and deciding what’s best. I just want to be neighborly.”
“Tyler? So you’re already on a first-name basis?” Sharon teased as she stood in the doorway, her eyebrows arching suggestively. Sharon was a slender powerhouse, fiercely loyal, and forever grateful to Justice’s dad for hiring her when no other shop would give a female a chance.
“Don’t start being a smart-ass,” Justice retorted good-naturedly, giving Sharon a pointed but playful look. “Of course, I know his name. After all, we’re neighbors. At least for as long as he decides to keep Charlie’s… I mean, his property.”
The mechanics around her seemed satisfied with her carefully neutral response and returned to their tasks, but as Justice headed toward her office, she couldn’t stop the blush from creeping higher into her cheeks, betraying her heart’s secrets despite her best efforts.
Justice wasn’t sure why thoughts of Tyler Marconi sent warmth spiraling up her face.
Taking off her jacket, she hung it carefully on the hook behind the door.
Though she wasn’t one for vanity, a small mirror there reflected her flushed complexion.
She paused, pressing her cool fingertips to her heated cheeks, her teeth capturing her lower lip thoughtfully.
Maybe it was the lingering memory of his strong frame pressed firmly against hers. Perhaps it was the way his arms encircled her, secure and comforting. Or perhaps it’s because the gentle, unexpected kiss he placed on the crown of my head nearly made my knees buckle.
She widened her eyes comically at her reflection, trying to shake off the distracting thoughts.
Turning resolutely from the mirror, she approached her desk with purpose.
Forcing Tyler from her mind, she flipped open her laptop and focused on the day’s agenda.
Checking emails and appointments, she quickly mapped out tasks, sending assignments flashing onto the large monitor hanging prominently in the repair bay.
She and her father had invested significantly in modernizing the garage, a move that had drawn skepticism from traditionalists but had ultimately proven profitable.
Justice had learned the basics of vehicle mechanics straight from trade school, immediately returning home to join her father’s business.
After two years, she completed a business degree.
She was glad that most of it was online, allowing her to continue working while in school.
Five years later, recognizing her talent and commitment, Dad made her a partner.
That achievement spurred her to return to school to study small aircraft mechanics, with the intention of becoming an inspector.
Her part-time role at the local airfield had gradually expanded, and she was beginning to hire additional personnel to support that growing aspect of their business.
However, caution was imperative. A well-known local security company required aircraft maintenance specialists who could pass stringent background checks and sign NDAs, ensuring confidentiality about any activities they witnessed.
So far, only she and two seasoned mechanics from the airfield handled the company’s planes.
She was especially cautious about this arrangement, ensuring it remained entirely under her supervision.
This vigilance also ensured her troublesome Uncle Jordy couldn’t worm his way into the more delicate aspects of her business.
Even now, the mere thought of him was enough to erase the warmth Tyler had ignited within her.
Throughout the morning, Justice immersed herself in the rhythm of the shop. She watched Willie diagnose a complicated transmission issue on an old pickup, approve a parts order Sharon recommended, and reassure Ruddy through his frustrations with a stubborn tractor engine.
Lunch was a hurried sandwich that Carla had delivered, eaten one-handed while she reviewed invoices.
Afterward, she spent an hour in the garage when one of the mechanics had to leave for a doctor’s appointment.
By late afternoon, Justice finalized the next day’s schedule and made certain all equipment was properly stored and accounted for.
Her employees began drifting out, each calling goodbyes over their shoulders, leaving her in the quiet peace of the now-empty garage.
Justice found herself repeatedly distracted by thoughts of Tyler throughout the day, and with each moment that passed, a growing sense of dread settled uncomfortably in her chest. She truly didn’t want him to sell the property next door.
Not just because selling to a developer would devastate the peaceful, rural charm of her and her father’s land, but because the thought of Tyler leaving twisted something deep inside her.
They might end up nothing more than friendly neighbors, casually greeting each other occasionally and sharing brief smiles, but Justice couldn’t deny that something about him was intriguing.
Something genuine and quiet beneath his steady gaze and warm voice, a pull that made her long for more time to explore what might exist between them.
The idea that Tyler could disappear as quickly as he’d arrived left her feeling strangely hollow. She wanted him to stay, to give herself the chance to understand the connection she felt weaving between them. Even if it led nowhere, she needed the opportunity to find out before it was too late.
Lost in thoughts of Tyler, she was startled when the bell above the outer door jingled sharply, signaling someone’s entrance. She had stayed late, knowing she wanted to get ahead with work so she could be with her dad when he was discharged.
Standing, she walked toward the front reception. Her eyes narrowed immediately at the sight of her Uncle Jordy strutting in as if he owned the place.
She’d often marveled at old photos, astonished by how closely her father and his brother resembled each other in their younger years.
But now, the contrast between the two brothers couldn’t be starker.
While her dad maintained a strong physique, built from years of honest labor, healthy eating, and disciplined exercise, Jordy had let himself deteriorate.
His body was soft around the middle from too many greasy meals and too much booze, and his skin was rough and sallow from years of smoking.
It baffled her how, between the two brothers, her healthy, vibrant father had been the one struck down by a heart attack.
Determined to keep him from invading her personal space, Justice stepped firmly into the doorway, blocking any further advance. “What do you want?” she snapped.
His eyes narrowed as he glared at her, irritation clear in his voice. “You get ruder every time I see you, Missy.”
“Only when I’m forced to deal with your nonsense,” she retorted sharply. “You were specifically told not to bother Dad, but apparently, you don’t respect him enough to leave him alone, even while he’s hospitalized.”
“I went to see him because I care!” he shot back indignantly, jabbing a thick finger toward his chest. “He’s my brother, and I wanted to check on him.”
“If that were true, you wouldn’t have hounded him for money while he’s recovering from a heart attack,” she fired back, her voice growing fierce. “Neither you nor your wife has any right to demand anything from him.”
“No right?” Jordy’s voice thundered, his chest puffing out as he loomed closer. “Now listen here—”
“Get out.”
His mouth snapped shut, his jowls quivering from suppressed rage.
“Get. Out,” Justice repeated each word firm and clear, her anger radiating outward.
Her heart pounded, adrenaline surging through her veins, but she kept her stance firm.
“This is my business, and you’re not welcome here.
” She took a deliberate step closer, her smaller stature overshadowed by the intensity of her fury.
“This isn’t over,” he growled menacingly.
“It started, it ended, it’s over,” she responded coldly, her gaze as well as her voice unflinching. “Now leave.”
With a final scowl, Jordy turned abruptly and stormed out, slamming through the door with a force that rattled the frame. She listened until his car screeched out of the parking lot, only then allowing herself to exhale shakily, her shoulders sagging under the sudden release of tension.
Glancing at the clock, Justice quickly secured the office, checked the outer doors, and activated the security system.
As she walked to her car, she drew deep breaths, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves and shift her mindset to something more comforting.
She needed to be composed and reassuring when she reached the hospital to visit her father.
Once there, she walked out of the elevator and was greeted by the sight of her dad, wearing his Go Army sweatpants, walking the hall with a walker. His steps were sure and true, and the smile on his face told of his disposition.
“Dad!”
He turned toward her voice, grinning broadly, lifting one arm warmly to receive her hug. “I knew they had you walking, but I had no idea you’d look this strong already.”
“Your dad is doing wonderfully,” declared the physical therapist walking beside him.
Her father’s pride shone clearly in his smile. “The doctor says if everything looks good, I can go home the day after tomorrow.”
Justice hugged him tighter. “I can’t wait to have you home.” Her sentiment was true, but she needed to finish getting his room ready so he could move around with ease using his walker.
He chuckled. “I’ll have a restricted diet, but I’ll still enjoy our meals together.”
“Well, you’ve always eaten clean, but we’ll make sure to follow every instruction,” she assured him gently. “No more fried foods or salty snacks, but lots of lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains.”
“How’s everything at work?” he asked cautiously.
“Everything’s fine, Dad. Please don’t worry about anything at the shop.”
“I’m not worried.” He patted her hand. “But I don’t want you overstressed.”
She smiled reassuringly. “Everyone at the garage is doing their best, just like always.”
Her father’s expression turned thoughtful. “I suppose his grandson is still staying there?”
“Yes, Tyler’s very nice. I took the extra apple pie to him yesterday.”
Her dad laughed softly. “His grandmother’s recipe?”
“Absolutely.” She smiled, nodding. “I thought he’d appreciate something familiar now that he’s alone.”
“That’s tough,” her father said solemnly. “Has he mentioned his plans?”
Justice shook her head. “We talked a bit, but he needs time. As much as I’d like to persuade him not to sell to Anthony Milton, he has to decide what’s right for himself.”
“You’re right.” Her dad sighed. “If I thought we could buy it ourselves, I would, but Anthony would certainly outbid us.”
“Let’s not worry about that now,” she said firmly. “Let’s focus on getting you home!”
Determined to keep him positive, she chose not to mention Jordy’s unwelcome visit.
Justice stayed until he grew tired, listening happily as the cardiologist confirmed he could go home with only one more day at the hospital.
As she sat beside him, all other worries faded, replaced by gratitude that she still had her father with her.