They Are There For Me (book 3 of Running Towards Home series)

CHAPTER 6

KIRA'S POV:

I've been with Dally for a week now. I've gotten to know the gang really well, and I like talking to all of them. They showed me around, showing me where the Dingo, the Lot, the DX, and the Nightly Double are. They're all super nice. I've been lucky so far with the socs. I haven't had any major run-ins with them. I think it's because they've seen me with Dally. He really is some sort of feared tough guy in Tulsa.

It's hot out, and I want a cold soda. I'm heading to the DX right now. Soda and Steve will probably be working. Dally's finally letting me walk on my own. He saw that I could handle myself. I finally get to the DX, and don't see anyone at the register. I go around, and see Soda and Steve working on a car. There are a bunch of girls watching them work.

I join the crowd, and Soda must see me because he comes over. "Kira! Whatcha doing here?" he asks me. "I came for a soda, but no one was inside." I tell him. "I'll come ring you up." He says, smiling. I follow him inside, and grab a pepsi, the can cool against my hand. "What's the deal with all the girls?" I ask him. "They come to watch me work. I don't know why." He replies. I look at him. How could he not know why? He looks like a movie star, no joke. He's really handsome.

"It's because you're cute," I tell him. He looks up at me. "You think I'm cute?" he says, smirking. I roll my eyes. I push some cash across the counter, and he hands me back some change. It's way too much change. "Soda, you gave me about an extra dollar in change." I tell him. He blushes a bit. "Sorry, I'm not too good with money." He says. "Maybe I can help?" I ask him. I'm not great with math, but I can work a register. "Yeah, actually, that would be great. I can talk to my boss. We were actually thinking about hiring more help." He tells me.

"Perfect! Plus, I can hang out with you during the day." I say, and he laughs a bit. We walk back out, and he goes back to helping Steve with the car. Both of them are covered in grease and sweat, the hot weather getting to them. I can hear the girls in the crowd mooning over Soda. It's kind of annoying, honestly. I've never been one for girl talk.

I see Soda slide under the car. His hand pops out, reaching for something, but he can't reach it. I walk over, and bend down. "Whatcha need?" I ask him. "Can you hand me the ¾ wrench?" he says. I grab it. I've had some experience with auto mechanics. I took a semester class in school. Soda grabs it, and goes back to working on the car. He pushes it back out. "Can I get a drill?" He asks. I hand it to him. We go on like this for a while, me handing him tools as he works. He's under the car for a while. When he finally emerges, it's almost dinner time.

"Okay, I think that's it for tonight." Steve says. I help Soda up. He smiles at me. He's really cute. "You gonna let go of his hand?" Steve asks. I look down, and I'm still holding Soda's hand. "Oops, sorry," I say, blushing. Soda blushes a bit too. "It's fine, don't worry about it." He says. "Ready to head home?" Steve asks us. We nod, and begin the walk back to the Curtis house.

SODA'S POV:

Kira was super helpful today. She's also super beautiful. I was watching her that first night the whole time she was there. She's really cool. When she was holding my hand, I felt sparks. It was a nice feeling. I haven't felt that since Sandy. The thing is, if I ever asked Kira out, Dally would probably skin me alive. But she's worth the risk. Maybe I'll ask her out sometime soon.