Part 10:
We have a contract with a shop in Belleview, but they’re overpriced and the work is mediocre. His heart started beating faster. Vivien, I could move that contract here. Regular maintenance, repairs, emergency service. It’s steady work, guaranteed payment, enough to keep you busy and pay your bills. It was everything he needed, everything he’d been praying for during the sleepless nights when the electricity bills sat unpaid and Sophie asked if they were going to be okay.
It was also charity dressed up as business. That’s a conflict of interest, he said. How you’re offering me work because we went on a date because you feel bad for me. I’m offering you work because you fix my Jaguar in the rain with nothing but a flashlight in your hands. Because every review of this shop says you’re honest, even when it costs you money.
Because I need a mechanic I can trust, and apparently those are rare. She crossed her arms. The fact that I also enjoyed eating burgers with you at midnight is completely separate. Viven, it’s a business decision, Ethan. I’m very good at those. Sophie appeared in the doorway again. Take it, Dad. Sophie, this is an adult conversation. Take it.
She’s trying to help and you’re being stubborn because you’re proud. Go back to your homework. Fine, but you’re being dumb. She disappeared again, and Ethan heard the office chair squeak as she threw herself into it. Viven was smiling. I really do like her. She’s a menace. She’s smart and she’s right. You’re being stubborn.
I’m being careful. There’s a difference. Careful about what? He gestured between them. This whatever this is. We just met. We don’t know each other. And you’re offering me a contract that could save my business. That’s not It’s not clean. Nothing worth doing is clean. She stepped closer.
Close enough that he could see the flex of gold in her eyes. I’m not offering this because I pity you. I’m offering it because I need someone who won’t me about repairs or pad the bills or treat me like an ATM with legs. You fix my car for free. You showed up late to a date because you were helping a stranger. That tells me more about your character than any Yelp review.
And if this thing between us doesn’t work out, if we try dating and it crashes and burns, then we have a professional relationship and I still get my cars fixed. Adults can handle that. Can they? I don’t know. But I’m willing to try if you are. Ethan looked around the shop at the equipment he’d bought secondhand, the tools he’d collected over 15 years, the dreams of expansion that had slowly contracted into just trying to survive.
Then he looked at Sophie through the office window, bent over her homework, trying to pretend she wasn’t listening to every word. “If I say yes,” he said slowly, “it’s because it’s a good business decision, not because we’re dating.” “We’re dating?” I thought, “Weren’t we?” Vivien smiled. “I mean, I was hoping, but you haven’t actually asked.
I’m asking.” “That’s not asking. That’s stating.” He laughed despite himself. “Fine, Vivian Hart. Would you like to go on an actual planned date with me? One where I show up on time and not covered in mud?” “I don’t know. The mud was charming.” Vivian, yes, I would like that. Okay, then. Okay.
They stood there grinning at each other like teenagers until Sophie’s voice cut through the moment. Does this mean you’re taking the job? Ethan sighed. Yes, Sofh. I’m taking the job. Finally. You were being so dumb about it. Love you too, kiddo. Vivian pulled out her phone again. I’ll have my fleet manager contact you next week. He’ll go over the details, schedule, pricing, expectations.
What if your fleet manager doesn’t like the idea of working with a Georgetown shop? then he’ll deal with it or find a new job. I’m the CEO. That’s how it works. Must be nice. It has its perks. She glanced at her watch. I should go. I have a meeting at 2 on a Saturday. International markets don’t care about weekends.
She started walking toward the Jaguar and Ethan followed her outside. Sophie had her face pressed against the office window, watching everything. Thank you, he said, for the contract, for coming here, for not running screaming when my daughter announced my financial problems to the world. Your daughter is delightful, and you’re welcome.
Vivian opened the car door, then paused. That date. When were you thinking? Tomorrow, if you’re free. I’m free. Where? Somewhere without a dress code. I’m thinking we’ve established that fancy restaurants aren’t our thing. She laughed. Deal. Text me the details. I will. But she didn’t get in the car yet. Instead, she stepped closer.
Close enough that he could smell her perfume mixing with the oil and metal scent that clung to his clothes. For a second, he thought she might kiss him, but instead she just squeezed his hand. For what it’s worth, she said quietly. I’m glad you stopped that night. Even if it made you late. Me, too.
She got in the Jaguar and he watched her drive away, the engine purring perfectly thanks to his 5-minute fix on a rainy roadside. When he turned back to the shop, Sophie was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, wearing the most self-satisfied expression he’d ever seen. Don’t say it, he warned. I told you to take the job. I know. And I was right. I know.
