There was a story there, but I didn’t want to push. “You must see a lot of beautiful places in your travels. Charly says you’re a photographer’s assistant?”
She nodded. “Carl goes all over the world, and I travel with him a lot. He’s taught me so much, but I still have a lot to learn. I hope one day to be the one taking the photos and telling my assistant what to do.”
“Do you have any of your photos?”
She pulled her laptop close and tapped on the keyboard, spinning it so I could see the screen. I scrolled through some photos in amazement. “Kelly, these are gorgeous. I mean, really gorgeous. You should be working for yourself, not as an assistant.”
“I keep telling her that,” Brett said, walking in. “She needs to break away from Carl and go on her own. I think she’s better than he is.”
Kelly glared at him as he poured a coffee and sat down. “Carl will tell me when I’m ready.”
He took a sip, meeting her eyes. “Carl is a dick.”
She curled her hands on the table in anger. “Takes one to know one.”
He sat back, crossing his feet, not looking at all bothered by her anger. “You like my dick.”
I cleared my throat. “Okay, then. I’m going to check on Thomas. No word from Maxx or Stefano?”
Brett and Kelly stopped exchanging furious looks.
“Stefano texted. He’s hanging with Maxx while they get Charly settled. The contractions slowed down, but it’s definitely happening.” Brett barked out a laugh. “Stefano was sure he was going to be pulling over to help Maxx deliver this baby. He was sort of grateful he didn’t have to. He’s not sure he’d have gotten over that.”
“Neither would Maxx,” Kelly and I said at the same time, then laughed, the sound breaking the tension in the room.
Brett chuckled, glancing at his phone. “Chase will be here soon. He has barbecue for everyone.”
“I hope Stefano makes it back for some. He was looking forward to it.”
“We’ll save him some. Chase says he and Theo had a wonderful day.”
“Awesome.”
“Theo is a great kid.”
I smiled. “He loves being here with you guys.”
“We like having him. He asks the best questions, especially for a five-year-old. I think the kid has found his calling.”
I had to laugh. “By the time he grows up, he’ll know more about cars than some people forget.”
Brett grinned. “He’ll be running the show.”
I wondered about the future. What it held in store for Stefano and me. Theo. Could we find our way out of this and be a family? In my mind, I saw Stefano teaching Theo all he knew. Theo growing up to be like him. Kind, smart, thoughtful. Talented.
God, I wanted that.
I stood, stopping my thoughts. “While we’re waiting, I need to go check on those tires in the barn.”
Brett began to stand. “I can do it.”
I waved my hand. “No, I’m good,” I assured him, hoping while I was gone, the two of them could clear the air. “I’ll be fast.”
“Take a flashlight so you can read the numbers on the tires,” he advised. “It’s not well lit back there. There’s one on the shelf by the side door.”
“Great.” I grabbed the flashlight and headed to the barn. It was still light out, although some clouds were moving in. I hoped Chase and Stefano would make it back before the rain came.
On my way to the barn, my phone buzzed. It was Margie, checking in, telling me that Wayne had been at the bar the night before. I knew she was still upset about her phone, but it wasn’t her fault. I texted back to say thanks and slid it back into my pocket. I would call her later.
In the barn, I pushed aside the heavy tarp, not surprised to see the tires stacked—neat and organized, no doubt under Charly’s direction. Even with the overhead light on, it was dim, and I was grateful Brett had advised bringing the flashlight. I walked through the three rows, checking the numbers until I found a complete set of four. The customer would be pleased. I would call him tomorrow and tell him we had them in stock and arrange an appointment for him. I turned, surprised to see the tarp I had pulled away back in place. It must have slipped back from the mooring.
Except then the overhead light went out. It startled me so much, I dropped the heavy flashlight. Flustered, I bent to grab it, cursing when it slipped from my hand and the batteries fell out, leaving me partially blind in the dull light.
A shiver ran down my spine, and panic seeped into my body. I shook my head, refusing to let my imagination run away with me.
I was in Maxx’s barn. The house was a hundred feet away. All I had to do was scream, and Brett would be here in a flash. I wasn’t in any danger. Wayne was still thousands of miles away. I was fine. Still, when my hand fell on the heavy metal flashlight lying on the ground, I gripped it, as well as a piece of discarded metal I found.