Polished Rust (Wilkins Brothers Book #4)

Chapter 33

TATE

“Does the boss know you’re here?” 

I expected a similar response from my brothers when I walked into the body shop this morning. I just flipped Maverick off and was swift to do the same to Gruff who decided that this was a laughing matter after all. It had been almost three weeks since I stepped foot into this place and I fucking missed it. I was almost afraid I would forget the smell, but the combination of oil, gas, and sweat greeted me in an all too familiar hug.

“For your information, the boss is the one that dropped me off.” I could take the ribbing of my brothers with the best of them. The good Lord knows that over the years I had done way more than my fair share. After all the shit I gave them about settling down and falling in love, it was no doubt they were going to be returning the favor.

After my physical therapy appointment this morning, Rosemary wanted to stop by and see the baby and talk to Landry about something. Rather than drop me off at home first, I tagged along. I couldn’t be of much help in the shop, but I could catch up with my brothers and just be back in this place. 

“How was your PT session?” Gruff was cleaning his hands off on his shop towel and making his way over to the bay that I called mine. It was empty, something it rarely is, but I’d be back here again before too long.

“It was alright. She said the first few times are basic stretches and then once we get warmed up it’ll be tougher shit. The pain hits you the next day though. I was in the hot tub the entire morning after Monday’s session.”

“You’re sure looking better, not walking as slow as you were.”

“I feel good. I have another doctor’s appointment to get another x-ray done on my ribs, but I notice I can laugh without feeling like somebody kicked me straight in the side, so I’m sure that’s a good thing.”

“Remember that one time my sophomore year I broke a rib playing basketball?” Maverick says he broke a rib playing basketball, but we all know what really happened was a brawl during a friendly 3-on-3 game that some kids were playing after school. He never told Mom that part and Jasper and I were sworn to secrecy when we found out.

“You were still feeling like months later.”

“Yeah, I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I know we’ve all said this before, but we’re just happy to got out alive, man.”

“Me too. I have a lot to look forward to in my future. It would have sucked if I never got the chance to experience it.”

Gruff chuckles, “Sounds like a guy that’s starting to grow up a bit. I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit surprised settling down happened for you, Tate. Are you finally going to move out of your condo and put a ring on that girl’s finger?”

I smile thinking about the email I just received this morning, it was an update on the engagement ring order. It should be ready to pick up in two weeks. I still have no idea how I’m going to ask her, but I’ll figure out something.

“If that goofy look on his face is any indication, I’d say that’s a yes, Gruff.”

“We’ve been talking about the condo. I’ve got four months left on my lease so I either have to break the lease or find somebody to sublet. At this point, it is double the amount to pay out the rest of the contract than break the lease, so I’m looking at that. The only problem is I’m kind of running low on funds a bit after a rather large purchase I made a few weeks ago.”

I don’t say anymore, but based on the looks Mav and Gruff are giving me, they know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m hoping the looks are excitement and not questioning my life choices. I’m pretty sure it is the first one though.