8 Weeks (Time for Love 1)

“Again?” I asked, surprised. “What’s his name?”

“Sean,” Sasha replied. “But don’t get your hopes up, it’s no big deal.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t help but get my hopes up a little bit. I wanted Sasha to settle down and be happy. I just wasn’t sure if she would allow herself to.

At the sound of a car coming up the street, we both looked up. TJ’s latest salvage, a beat-up old El Camino, came rolling up to a stop behind us.

“Where did you get that piece of shit?” Sasha asked when TJ got out of the car.

“Woman, this fine piece of machinery is a classic,” TJ s

aid with a grin, running his hand along the hood as he walked toward us. “When I get her fixed up, I’ll let you take her for a spin, and I guarantee you’ll eat your words.”

Sasha didn’t reply, just watched him walk toward us with narrowed eyes.

TJ stopped in front of us and pushed his sunglasses up to the top of his head before giving Sasha a wicked grin. “Got an itch that needs scratchin’, Red?”

“Nope,” Sasha said with a popping sound on the p. “I’ve already had a real man take care of that for me this mornin’.”

TJ just gave her a wink, then turned to me, all traces of humor gone, and asked, “What seems to be the problem, babe?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, feeling like a first-class idiot. “It just stopped working.”

TJ held out his hand and I dropped the keys in it, stepping back to give him access to the truck. He opened the door and sat down, putting the key in the ignition and turning it slightly.

I looked over at Sasha when TJ got out of the truck, eyes bright and looking like he was trying not to laugh.

“What?” I asked.

“When’s the last time you put gas in it?” he asked with a chuckle.

“No …” I said softly, mortification slowly taking over.

Sasha let out a bark of laughter, and before I knew it, we were all bent over laughing.

“Shit, Shel, even I know to put gas in the tank,” Sasha said, tears forming in her eyes.

“Shut up,” I managed to yell between breaths. “Cal always took care of everything with my truck.”

“Even the gas?” TJ asked incredulously.

I nodded, bringing my hand to my side as it began to cramp.

“Wow, that boy really was whipped,” Sasha said with a giggle.

I sobered instantly, suddenly feeling stupid and ridiculous. What was I doing? How was I going to move forward and get through life if I couldn’t even fill up my own tank?

TJ’s arm came up around my shoulder, and he pulled me to his side. “I gotcha, Shel. I have a gas can in my trunk. I’ll run and get some gas and we’ll get you to work in no time.”

I nodded and put my arm around him, pulling him close for a half hug. “Thanks.”

When he pulled away, Sasha wiped her face and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not your fault. It’s stupid that I didn’t think of it.”

“Hey,” she said, putting her finger under my chin so I was forced to look her in the eye. “You aren’t stupid. You’re just trying to figure out how to be on your own. You guys were together for six years, Shelly. It’s going to take some time. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

I smiled up at her, but couldn’t help but wonder … When was it going to get easier?