Thicker Than Blood

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Being in a small town like Charming, there are only so many places to work. I have been working at TM Automotive for almost two months now and everyone there is really nice. They all treat you like family. It is hard sometimes working here seeing all of the croweaters and sweetbutts running around wearing next to nothing and seeing how skinny all of them are. See, here is the problem, I am not skinny like those girls are. I am 5 foot tall and weigh around 140 pounds. I am what some would call a thick girl but when I look in the mirror all I see is fat.

When I was a child, my parents died and I was left living with my Aunt Bev, who is probably one of the most judgemental people that I know. All my life, all I have ever heard from her was how no man would ever love me because no man wants a fat wife. She would tell me that I was not good enough, pretty enough and not skinny enough and not worth anyone's time. Eventually, hearing that enough, you start to believe it. So, no matter where I am, I keep my head down and don't speak unless I have to. I don't get close to people because I still feel I am not worth their time.

Working in the office with Gemma, she makes it a point to always treat me like I am one of her own. But she is very perceptive about how you feel and what you are thinking about. "Good morning Gemma" I say walking into the office. "Hey baby. Look, I gotta head over to St Thomas, think you can handle things here today?" She asks. "Sure, I got it. How's Abel doing anyway?" I asked her. "He's getting better every day. Strong like his daddy." She replies and heads out.

While working, I notice who all is in the garage already. The usual mechanics are here but so are Tig, Chibs and Juice. You see, here is the thing. I am close to Tig and Chibs but since the first day I started working here, I have had the biggest crush on Juice. Of, course no one knows. Not even Gemma.

"Tig!" I call from the office door. "Yeah Doll." He replies following me into the office. "Here is the repo list, can you and Juice take care of it for me?" I asked him. "Sure thing Doll." He answers and calls out to Juice on his way to the tow truck. "Morning Lass." Chibs says walking in to get a cup of coffee. "Morning Chibs." I reply not looking up from the invoices on the desk. Even though I am close to Tig and Chibs I still can't bring myself to look them in the eyes. "How's it coming along this morning?" He asks making conversation. "Okay I guess. Just trying to get things done so I can get out of here." I reply. "Ah, got a big date I see?" He questions raising a brow. "Me? A date? Yeah right. You know I don't date." I tell him, a hint of red in my cheeks. "Yeah, we both know you have your eye on a little Puerto Rican don't we?" He asks jokingly. "W-What? N-No. Nothing like that." I say. "Lass, I see how you look at him. I know there is something there." He tells me as he sits down on the couch. I put my face in my hands and release a breath. "Yeah Chibs. I do like him. A lot but I see the girls he goes for and I don't look anything like them. He goes for these little skinny girls and let's face it. Guys like him don't go after fat chicks like me." I tell him. He just looks at me sadly. "I wish you wouldn't talk about yourself like that. You are nowhere near fat and you are a great lass. Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side." He tells me as he puts his hand on my shoulder before walking out of the office and heading back to the garage.

Before I know it, all the repos are done and we are heading out for the night. I chance one last glance at Juice before I walk to my car and see Chibs giving me a concerned look. I leave the lot with a feeling of dread for what I am heading home to. Listening to my Aunt Bev tell me how much of a failure I am and listen to all of the wedding plans for her perfect little daughter.