Grease n' Glances

Chapter One - Rivalry in Overdrive

I walked into the garage, rolling up my sleeves. The scent of gasoline and rubber lingering around me. It was another day at 'Handy Hands Auto Works' located in Dallas, Texas; where grease stained overalls were encouraged. As I walked over to my station, I spotted a vile hag waiting to prey on my joy and peace — Cash. Cash was the teenage boy version of a thorn in my shoe, the bane of my existence. With his nonstop comments, ego taller than him, a predictable snake tattoo that wrapped around his forearm, and his head of hair that looked like he got dragged through a bush. By me.

"You're late, Harper." He rejoiced, his voice laced with mockery. A smirk spread across his annoying face. I flipped him off and started sorting through my tools. Ever since I was hired, he made it his life's purpose to challenge me in whatever I do, whether it was questioning my skills or making snide remarks on how I'm the only girl in our garage.

"No you're just early. Probably waiting to learn from the best." I taunted, making a face at him.

"The best? That's a bold claim, Harper. Care to show me what makes you out of all people so special?" Cash grinned and pushed himself off the Mustang he was leaning on, sauntering over. I picked up my wrench and waved it in his face, then pulled it close to me.

"I could show you. But I'm not sure your ego could handle it, wisecrack!" I gleamed, twirling back around and digging for my gloves. He leaned in closer to me, putting a hand on the counter on either side of me, while whispering in my right ear.

"Challenge accepted. I'm always up for pushing boundaries, you know me." He chortled, proud of himself. I spun around, now facing him while his hands were still blocking me. He looked me up and down judgmentally, yet I wondered why he could not seem to keep his eyes off me. I grinned, snatching his backwards baseball cap off his head and slamming the visor down his forehead, he gasped irritatedly.

"Careful what you wish for, Cash. You might not like where it leads." I threatened. His frustration turned into another snide grin as he adjusted his hat.

"Oh, I think I'll enjoy every minute of it." He stated, staring. I felt my face getting flushed, and I shot him a glare. Before I could tear his face off with one of my own remarks, our boss came storming out of his office and glanced over at us.

"Cash, stop flirting with Harper. Big client; Mr. Jennings is here and he's not happy." Mr. Thompson demanded, pressing the button to open the third bay door. Cash scoffed and stepped away from me.

"Oh, Dad. She wishes," He scoffed, turning his head over and squinting his eyes at me disdainfully as he walked to Mr. Jennings' sports car. Oh. Did I forget to mention that my boss was his dad? Makes the ego so vigorously worse.

"Not one girl in this state wishes." I taunted, walking to greet and shake Mr. Jennings' hand. Cash gave me a tight-lipped smile, holding back an insult to remain professional. He then switched expressions completely, happily grinning at Mr. Jennings and tapping the hood of his car.

"So, Mr. J! What seems to be wrong with your Chevelle, here?" He inquired, rolling his sleeves up his toned arms. Mr. Jennings shifted his weight to one leg and rested his hand on his belt buckle.

"Having some electrical problems, I believe. Sometimes she stalls unexpectedly." He started, rubbing his forehead anxiously and looking at his watch. I smiled and politely put my hand on Mr. Jennings' shoulder.

"Mr. Jennings! Your Chevy is meticulously maintained, it might just be that you're really low on fuel, sir." I guessed, grabbing a gasoline jug from beside my tool cabinet. Mr. Jennings' face lit up with relief. I poured the gas into his tank, and gestured for Cash to try to start it. He opened the door and ducked as he sat down in the driver's seat, and Mr. Jennings handed him the keys. He was able to rev it, but it just sputtered, not starting. Cash peeked out of the door and looked back at me with a smug smirk. I clenched my jaw.