Honey

Reply Y or N

Shit. Shit. Shit

This morning was going so well. I dropped off Lex to my parents, got coffee and was on my way to my first job interview since moving here. 

This car has been so reliable, no matter rain, hail or shine she runs. But today, like I'm not sure why it had to be today of all days but it can only get better from here right?

Wrong. I have no idea what is wrong with the car, I'm hopeless with mechanical shit. I cant call roadside assistance as they haven't been paid since I left, Mum has Lex so I guess the last person is Dad. I know he'd be at work but maybe he knows someone in town who could help, probably not but who knows.

"Dad? Hey uh, my car has broken down..."

"Uh I can't get away from work right now but I'll send you my mechanics number, he's great he'll help you out."

Dad flicks through the number, JC Mechanics... right okay.

"Thank you Dad, I'll let you know how I get on."

After a short goodbye, I dial the number and am met with a familiar voice.

"Good morning, JC Mechanics this is John." spoke a deep harsh voice. Oh my god, what are the bloody odds. 

"Uh.. yes good morning.. John. It's C-Cara?" I mentally slap myself for that. This is just embarrassing. "My dad gave me your number, my car's broken down and he said you could help?" That's better Cara.

I hear a raspy chuckle on the other end, I shift uncomfortably on my feet watching all the cars whiz past me. 

"Cara, of course I can help, we have a mobile service. Where are you?" His voice serious, business like almost.

"Side of Highway 21, near the exit?" The busiest part of the highway of course. Nothing could ever be easy could it? I  laugh at the thought.

"See you in 15-20, stay warm Cara. Bye." Stay warm? bit bloody hard when your car don't work and I really wasn't anticipating breaking down in the cold in a pencil skirt and blouse. I cant help but laugh, I mean really? Of all days and out of all the people in this town? 

I see a black van pull up behind me, The driver barely fits in the driver's seat. A laughable sight. I watch in the rear view mirror as John's hulking frame smoothly slides out the vehicle and heads to the back, I assume for whatever you need to fix a car.

I stumble out my car, limbs almost frozen. I stand aside and wait for John to lookover. He looks super warm in his dirty blue overalls, fur-lined plaid jacket, gloves and large boots. 

"Aren't you cold?" He looks at me as if I'm crazy. Yes I am but not the point. 

"Yes I am, quite cold actually. So hopefully you're as good as Dad says and my car will be fixed and I'll be warm again." I smirked at him, I'm sure he's good but a little pressure won't kill him.

He smirks back, he ignores my comment and brushes past me towards the hood of my car. I whimper at the loss of what little warmth rubbed off him. I watched him work on my car, clanking away. 

"You ran out of oil.. Do you check it?" He asks wiping his hands over his legs and slipping his gloves back on. Do I check my oil? Can't say I have.

Are you kidding? Oil? I feel horrible for making him come all the way out here.

"Um no? I mean no.. I know you're supposed to check it but I uh.. haven't.." I chuckled nervously, well at least that's all it was.

"Well yes, you are 'supposed' to check it but a lot of people don't. I've refilled it but I do suggest a service, there's a few things you should have looked at." He smiles, a big ol' genuine smile. I suddenly feel quite warm.

"Oh yes, of course. Probably wise right?" I smile back, he nods and waves me over to his car. Is this gonna be some cute roadside exchange of blushes and whispers? No, probably my invoice but I can dream right?

I watch him lean over his seat, filling out a sheet of pink paper. I shift on my feet, heels are not sturdy standing attire.

"It's on the house, but if you need anything else business number and office hours are on the slip." He hands it over whilst staring at me. I meet his eyes and as cringe as this feels, we locked eyes and I watch his pupils dilate and revert back to normal. Well. 

I brush a piece of hair behind my ear and look down. I kick my heel over the icy asphalt and clear my throat.

"Are you sure? I can pay you know? I feel horrible making you come out in the cold just for oil!" I say sternly, I genuinely do feel bad. 

He laughs a hearty laugh that resonates through my ears and chest. "I'm absolutely sure! Don't feel bad, I'm glad I could save you.. from the cold I mean.. Yeah nah all good." He splutters, rubbing the back of his neck.

I smile and go in for a hug, he tensed as soon as we made contact but not even a second later he'd wrapped his brawny arms around my waist. It's the least I could do, I mean a kiss would be too forward right?

He squeezed a little tighter right before letting go, he stepped back and rubbed my arms softly.

"Come on, it's cold and I assume you've got somewhere to be, dressed like that?" Oh yes, interview. 

"Yeah I have an interview at Harper Construction," His brows shoot up and lips slightly part. "Heard of it? I think it's just off the main road in town..."

He composes himself and clears his throat, "Oh yeah I know it, I have a feeling you'll be the perfect fit.." He hums.

"Great! Well John, thank you so much for saving me!" I wink and laugh, walking back to my car. He yells out a goodbye and that he hopes to see me soon, I'm sure he knows he will. 

As I belt up I unfold the pink slip, 

No charge.

But I would like to take you to dinner.

Please reply Y or N by text.

x

What? Well, this is unexpected. Is it too soon? I mean I feel like it is but this could just be a friendly dinner right? We've known each other what- a week? I haven't even had a chance to speak to Hunter and organise to grab the rest of my stuff.

I don't think I'm ready to jump in to something but then again I may be way overthinking this note.

Fuck it.

I pull out my phone and add his number into my contacts and bring up a new message. My fingers dance between the letter Y and N before my brain finally helps me out.

Me: Y