The Mechanic

Chapter Twenty-three - "Skinny Love."

"The Mechanic"

Chapter Twenty-three

'Skinny Love.'

Scene...

Later that evening

Demi's POV

For two hours I sat out on my patio, my knees pulled to my chest. My phone sat face-up on the table across from me as I watched its screen light up with one call after another. First Ariana, then Wilmer, then Ariana again. Then continuous texts from Wilmer that surpassed my screen's capacity.

This became hypnotic, and in a way, gratifying. I had control over whether or not I chose to speak to either of them. And while the substance of this fact was small, it was true. I had control of something. For once.

And it felt nice.

After my panic attack, I pulled myself out onto the patio to get some air. The heat was still circulating through it from the night the mechanic and I had enjoyed it together, making it comfortable from the minute I'd set foot upon it. Just thinking of Joe, as I watched my phone screen shimmer with notifications, I wished he was there with me.

I thought about the way he smiled.

It was so simple, so genuine, so sincere. It shone every time he saw me, and made me feel warm when it made itself present.

Along with it sat his lips, in their soft, gentle manner. Each time he spoke with me, every word was from a kind, caring place. Even when he had to get tough with me, it was for my own good, as I learned so much through the things he'd say.

I thought about the mole that sat just beneath the right side of his mouth, above his chin. I thought about his haunting hazel eyes, and the creases that lined the corners of them when he smiled. I thought about his biceps that seemingly struggled to free themselves from any shirt he wore because of their size. I thought about his hair, and the way it felt when I had my hands in it during our kiss.

I thought about calling him again.

More importantly, I longed for him to call me.

In watching Wilmer's many calls come through on that table, I knew that I'd have to answer to make it stop. This time, however, I wouldn't have Ariana there to talk me through it. Still, I had to keep my promise to her, and keep him happy so that I could be safe.

So when his name appeared again, I answered.

"Hey babe," I said, trying to sound happy. He of course, was not.

"Demi, what the hell? Why haven't you been answering?" I took a slow breath, trying to keep my cool as I formulated a story.

"I'm sorry Will. I haven't had my phone. What's going on?"

Much to my surprise, he didn't question my alibi. His voice became tender, like the way he used to talk to me before all this mess.

"I miss you so much. I hate that we've been fighting, so, I really think we should talk about some things."

'No thanks,' I thought, sure that he was going for the manipulation.

"Okay," I said sweetly instead. "Then let's talk."

"Are you angry with me?" He asked, and I really wanted to be honest with him.

"Wilmer, you didn't call me to ask me that. If you love me, be truthful."

I heard him sigh, and I imagined he was rubbing his eyes like he did when he was stressed. I knew his cues, his little quirks; everything that made me fall in love with him, I still knew.