For the Love of Sam and Eva

This Is Joe

Mum pulled up in front of Joe’s auto repair shop and I smiled as a wave of happiness washed over me. It was still the same old beaten up place as it was when I worked there: sheets of new and rusting metal lying around the place behind the barb wired gate, a tall and wide, white garage with cars neatly placed in there waiting to be fixed and this was all surrounded by nothing. It was as though Joe lived in the middle of a dirt desert. It was not much to look at but Joe was the best mechanic I knew and so did everyone else. He had the money to fix up the place yet he just doesn’t seem to notice his surroundings.

“I’ll pick you up in an hour. I have to head down to the supermarket.”

“’Kay, bye Mum,” I gave her a kiss on the cheek. 

I stepped out of Mum’s car and ran to the gate. I hit the lock against the metal, it opened and I giggled. I still had the touch Joe taught me.

“Slow down Eva!” Sam called from the car just as I was halfway up to the garage. I heard something drop from inside and a loud grunt. I faced the garage and Joe came running out, eyes wide. He seemed the same as he always was: a grease stained t-shirt, dirt covered jeans and a spanner in his hand.

He gaped at me. “Is that my lovely little Eva?”

“Joe,” I whined. He must have forgotten how much I hated being called little.

I was suddenly lifted off the ground and pressed into a tight bear hug. I squealed, mostly from the restraint around my chest and hugged Joe back. Nostalgic waves overcame me after he placed me back on my feet. It felt so good to be back here. However, I knew I wouldn’t be working in a while. I still had a big exam coming up.

“Wow Eva, you’re fast for someone with small legs.” Sam panted then suddenly burst out laughing. I instantly realised why – I was covered in grease, the substance speckled all over my blue plaid shirt.

“You’re used to it, eh?” Joe nudged me.

I nodded with a heartfelt grin.

Joe’s eyes then zoned in on Sam. I patted Joe’s shoulder and gave him our secret little signal: a quick wink and gentle jab in the kidney. “I’m dating him. His name is Sam.” He grunted then held out his hand, smiling with warmth. “Hello Sam, it’s nice to meet you.”

Sam hesitantly placed his hand into Joe’s and they shook. Sam shot me a worried look and I frowned, tipping my head subtly towards Joe, nodding. Sam loosened up a bit and even gave Joe a small smile. I averted my gaze between Sam and Joe. Sam surely wasn’t scared of a man a few inches shorter than him and probably has more muscle on him... I was pretty sure he had more brains than that. Joe was a softie on the inside.

“How ya doin’, mate,” Joe said with strong emphasis on the classic Aussie accent, “been good to my Eva here?” He patted my shoulder affectionately, grinning down at me.

I waited for Sam to answer Joe’s question, anticipating his response. What he said caused the breath to leave my lungs.

Sam beamed. “I’m great thanks. Eva is my beautiful girl and of course I’m treating her good. Why wouldn’t I?” He flashed me a wicked look and reached out to yank me away from Joe and into his arms. I spluttered out gibberish as he placed his hands around my waist, his chin on my shoulder. I couldn’t see his face to see his expression but I knew mine was simply shocked. I’d been expecting him to be all shy and cute like when he first met me or intimidated by Joe at least.

Joe smiled, satisfied with the answer Sam had provided. “You’ve got a keeper here, Eva,” he said with a wink.

I released myself from Sam’s grip, looked up in Joe’s eyes and asked, “Can I see my baby?” I even inserted my puppy dog eyes and placed my hands together like I was praying for extra effect.