She was talking about the deep red coveralls with the logo on the back, our names embroidered on the front, that had arrived yesterday. She even got herself a pair, although hers were adorable and just for show. Ours were useful—or at least they were supposed to be.
We all laughed until we realized she was serious.
“She’s selling us out,” Brett said. “I feel like a piece of meat.”
“Grade A prime beef, my friend!” Charly shouted from the office, making us all chuckle. At least she was honest about it.
She was beside herself with excitement and went back into planning mode. Between the classes, the ads she’d started running, and the first motorcycle I was waiting on delivery of for restoration, we were suddenly booked solid. She had a wait list for my services, an amazing chart of each request, the time needed, the pricing, what requirements and parts we had to order or find. It was laid out perfectly, and she spent a lot of time on each one, getting all the information from me and entering it so I could see it at a glance whenever I needed it.
She was brilliant. I never wanted to be without her. In the garage or in my personal life.
And still, I couldn’t tell her.
Chapter 22
MAXX
I looked up from the schedule Saturday afternoon a couple of weeks later. “Another busy week ahead of us, guys.”
Stefano glanced up with a laugh. “When isn’t it these days? Business is booming. We don’t even have time to look for a place.”
Brett snorted. “Like you want to leave Mary’s. You’re spoiled there.”
“Her cooking rivals my mama’s, that’s for sure. I’m not complaining.”
Red walked in, wheeling her bicycle. I wiped my hands, thinking how pretty she looked in her summer outfit. I had gotten used to the skorts and frilly blouses she liked to wear after hours. “You off to Mary’s?”
“Yep. Pie day. She picked up a mass of blueberries at the market.”
I walked over and kissed her. “Okay. You sure you won’t take the car?”
“Nope. I love riding the bike. And it’s a gorgeous day.”
“If you get into the wine, call and I’ll pick you up.”
“Or I’ll stay the night.”
“Call,” I growled. I hated it if she wasn’t in my bed.
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, bossy.”
She waved as she pedaled down the driveway and rang the bell I had added to her handlebars. It had made her laugh, and she loved to ring it every time she used the driveway, announcing her arrival or departure.
I watched her go, her bright hair flowing behind her. She turned right on the road and disappeared, and I went inside.
Stefano grinned at me. “Whipped.”
“Whatever. You do everything she says too.” I smirked.
“I’m not stupid. I know who’s really running the show.”
Brett picked up the schedule and whistled. “Holy moly, how are we gonna handle all this?”
I picked up my wrench with a shrug. “Easy peasy. We just do.”
Stefano stopped what he was doing. “Did you just hear yourself? Both of you? If Charly were here, she’d be chapping your ass over stealing her expressions.”
Then he stopped. Realized what he had said and began to guffaw.
We all did.
Charly had gotten to us all.
My phone rang a while later, and I answered with a grin. “Mary? What’s up? You need more sugar or something?”
“I need Charly to get here, Maxx. Quit hogging her to yourself. These pies aren’t going to make themselves.”
A cold shiver ran through me. “Mary, Charly left here well over ninety minutes ago. You’re saying she hasn’t arrived?”
“No. I’ve been waiting. I called her cell, but there was no answer. I thought she got busy with you in the garage.”
Dread filled me. “I’m on my way.”
I hung up and headed for the truck. Stefano and Brett were behind me. “We’ll follow you.”
I grabbed my keys. “No. Stefano go the opposite way and circle around. Maybe she remembered something she needed and headed toward Littleburn. Brett, you stay here in case she comes back.”
“Maybe she got a flat tire and is walking.”
“She’d answer her phone. Or she would call me.” That, I knew for sure.
I climbed into the truck, yelling at Brett to put Rufus in the house as he tried to follow me. The gravel spun under my tires as I tore down the driveway. I drove to Mary’s, keeping my eyes peeled for Charly, but the road was deserted. I only passed one car on my drive. Mary was in her driveway, looking worried. I opened the window. “Nothing?”
“No. I’ll come look with you.”
“No, stay here in case she shows up.”
I drove back toward my house slowly, scanning the fields, desperate for the sight of bright red hair. I met up with Stefano when I arrived back at my house. He shook his head in response to my silent question.