Grease n' Glances

Chapter Two - Wires Crossed

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone casual, "Oh, you know. Just the usual stuff; work and some typical shop drama."

"Well," My mom said, raising an eyebrow, "I'm glad you're home. Dinner is almost ready, why don't you wash up and join me?"

"Thanks, but I'm not really hungry. I think I'm gonna go to bed early." I shook my head, forcing a smile. Her smile faded slightly, but she nodded understandingly, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear.

"Alright honey bun. Let me know if you change your mind, love you!" She insisted, grinning at me warmly. I nodded.

"I will, goodnight mom." I mumbled, giving her one last hug before I headed upstairs. As I washed my face in the bathroom, I caught my reflection in the mirror. The day's stress was written all over my face. I wrung out the towel and hung it up, glancing in the mirror again. I took a deep, heavy breath— reminding myself that tomorrow was a fresh day. I went to my room across the hall, and changed into my pyjamas. I stood beside my bed and fluffed my pillows, followed by crawling onto it into the middle. I laid flat on my back, looking at the ceiling. Despite trying to console myself, my mind refused to quiet down, replaying the events of the day over and over. Cash's smug face, the false accusation— almost losing my job. It all swirled together in a chaotic mess. I turned over to my side angrily, trying to get comfy. The fan humming in the corner of my room seemed to drown the thoughts out and distract me. My eyes slowly fluttered closed, peace flowed through my body and I fell asleep, stress being replaced with dreams that offered a temporary escape from reality. But soon enough, my mom came into my room and opened my blinds. I shielded my eyes and groaned in frustration.

"I know, but you have to call someone to drive you to work today. I need the truck for groceries." She stated, rubbing my back gently. I nodded, rubbing my eyes as I sat up. I grabbed my phone and unlocked it, going to my contacts. I pressed Mr. Thompsons contact and it started ringing. I waited for a moment as my phone rang, and then he answered. I held my phone to my ear.

"Hello, Harper! Everything okay?" He asked enthusiastically. Maybe he was still guilty, it was nice to know he genuinely felt bad.

"Hey, yeah everythings fine but I need a ride to work. Is Ryker available to come get me?" I asked doubtfully. Mr. Thompson sighed.

"I'm so sorry, he's not back from vacation with his twin yet. He's supposed to come back today though. Cash can come getcha, he'll be there in a couple minutes!" He insisted. My eyes widened and I gripped my phone, taking a deep breath.

"No, please get someone el—" But before I could finish my sentence, Mr. Thompson hung up. Great. My shoulders slumped and I sighed. My mom patted my bed.

"Better get dressed!!" She beamed, going back downstairs. I groaned and slid out of my bed, grabbing the nearest pair of jeans and hiking them up my legs. I then put a fresh black t-shirt on and put my cars themed socks on. Racing down the stairs, I grabbed my uniform and put it over my shoulders. I opened the door almost stepping out fully. I came to a halt, a hat hitting me in the face. "OOPS– sorry! You almost forgot it, girl!"

"Thanks," I giggled, shutting the door behind me as I put it on my head. As I stepped outside and lifted my head up, I saw Cash waiting for me with the passenger door of his flatbed pickup wide open. He smiled and I clenched my jaw. I stormed over to the door, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Hey Harp—" He gasped, about to speak.

"Yeah whatever." I cut him off, slamming the door as I slid into the passenger seat. He looked disappointed. He walked over to the drivers side and hopped in, I refused to look at him. I leaned against my elbow, staring outside the window. He started his truck and pulled out of my driveway, and we were off to work. We drove in silence, the tension thick in the air. I could feel him glancing at me every now and then and it made the hair on my arms prickle. I continued to look out the window, attempting to ignore the way I felt whenever his eyes were on me.