Driven By Lust

Chapter 2: The car whiz

"So let me get this straight, tomorrow's Isabella's birthday and you haven't gotten her anything?!"

"Marco, I've been swamped at work! I had to juggle three car engines today, I even skipped college to meet the clients' deadlines!"

"Ugh, alright. So what's the plan?"

"Isabella isn't fussy, I'll pick up a Krug bottle for her. She loves her champagne, especially at a pool party like hers. It's the perfect fit!"

"You're a genius, Val!"

"And you? What's your game plan?"

"Well... I'll grab something affordable. Not to sound like a charity case, but money's tight since I left CrispLand over their lousy pay."

"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. If you need a bit of cash to get her something nice, I can help out."

"Thanks for the offer, girl, but I need to sort this out myself. Isabella deserves the best; she's never thrown her wealth in our faces or left us hanging. She's been our rock when we needed her most, and that's worth celebrating."

"Absolutely, that's why she's my ride-or-die!"

"Oh, and remind me one last time-Isabella's birthday pool party is at her place tomorrow evening, right?"

"Yeah, starting around 7:00 PM."

"Got it. I'll see you there!"

"See ya!"

_______________

"Finally!"
Valentina exclaimed, tightening the last bolt of the engine with a satisfying click. She glanced around, searching for her towel to wipe the grease off her arms.

"Cool... I'll finally have enough time to pick up some luxurious, worth-sipping wine for Isabella."

As she reached for her towel, Ayden's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Evening, Valentina."

She turned, surprised to see Ayden in her garage at this hour.

"Hey, Ayden... not used to seeing you around here this late."

"Cool, what are you up to?" Ayden asked, glancing around at the fixed cars.

"Planning to close up the garage since everything's fixed, then head out to buy a birthday gift for Isabella. You know, her birthday's tomorrow,"

"Isabella? She invited me too," Ayden replied casually.

"Ah, cool," Valentina nodded.

"So, what brings you here at this unusual hour?"

"We've got a suspension..." Ayden began.

She interrupted him politely but firmly.
"Ayden, I hate to interrupt, but I was just about to leave. Can we make it tomorrow afternoon?"

"It's not for my car, Valentina... it's for..."
Ayden started, but was interrupted by a deep, distinctive voice from behind him.

"My carrr..."
Valentina turned, her eyes drawn to a stoic guy, with strong shoulders, sharp features, blond hair and piercing blue eyes that quietly stood next to Ayden

Her eyes lingered on him from head to toes, admiring his high stand, his black leather jacket and stylish dark attire, she definitely assumed he wasn't American.

"Good evening, miss," He greeted, extending his hand towards her.

"Good evening... sir," Valentina replied, momentarily caught off guard by his demeanor.

"I'm Vladimir, Ayden's friend," he introduced himself with a slight accent.

"I'm Valentina... also Ayden's friend too" she replied, shaking his hand cautiously. "Sorry for the grease."

"I'm actually the one who should apologize for the inconvenience," Vladimir said politely. "We were planning to have a minor car issue examined here, as Ayden recommended you. But since you're leaving, there's no reason to keep you any longer."

Vladimir gestured towards the black car parked behind him.

Her eyes lightened up as she saw the sleek black BMW M8 Competition behind him. It was her favorite car!

"¡Guau! is this your car?!"

Valentina exclaimed, her voice echoing in the garage. She quickly composed herself and walked over to the BMW, her enthusiasm palpable.

"BMW M8 Competition! I've always wanted to work on one of these beauties!"

He smiled at her excitement, she felt her cheeks heat up even more. She managed a shy smile, unable to hide her embarrassment at being the center of her excitement that she couldn't memontarily contain.

Ayden chuckled, breaking the brief awkward silence. "Looks like you've got a fan, Vladimir. Valentina here knows her stuff."

Valentina: " You gotta be kidding me right?! It's rare for M8 Competitions to come through my garage, tell you what? Isabella's gift can wait, tell me, what seems to be the issue?"

Ayden: "So as you see, we've got a suspension issue with this beauty which belongs to the most popular..."

Vladimir nudged Ayden, and nervously added:
-"big Russian guy here! (Chuckled nervously)

Valentina: " Yes, I noticed your diffrent accent...
Well lucky for you, I speak car fluently...Lada (Russian car brand) not so much!" She joked.

Vladimir: "(Chuckled softly, finally finding his voice) So you know Lada? That's impressive"

Valentina set down her tools, wiping her hands on a rag as she sat down to inspect the car. "Let's take a look. I'll get this beauty purring again in no time."

He was in her element, surrounded by the organized chaos of her garage.
The garage itself was a reflection of her passion and heritage.
From vibrant papel picado banners to small clay figurines of saints.
Family pictures hung alongside them, capturing moments of joy and laughter, each frame a testament to her roots and the strength of her family ties...