Part 12:
When did you become an expert on dating? I watch a lot of TV. When Aunt Sarah thinks I’m doing homework, Ethan poured himself coffee and leaned against the counter. So, if I need you to understand something, this thing with Vivian, it might not work out. Why not? Because we’re really different. She runs a billion dollar company. I fix cars.
She lives in a world I don’t understand. and I live in a world she’s probably never even thought about. Sophie crossed her arms, looking way too much like her aunt again. So So it’s complicated. Love is always complicated. That’s what they say on TV. This isn’t TV, kiddo. But you like her and she likes you.
I could tell when she came to the shop, she looked at you the same way you look at broken cars. Ethan blinked. I’m not sure that’s a compliment. It is. You look at broken cars like you want to fix them, like you care about making them better. Sophie hopped down from the chair and hugged him around the waist.
She looked at you like she wants to know how you work. That’s good. He hugged her back, wondering when his daughter had gotten so wise about things she shouldn’t have to think about yet. When did you grow up? I’ve always been this smart. You just didn’t notice. The morning passed too slowly and too fast at the same time.
Ethan showered, shaved, agonized over the blue shirt versus the gray one, then changed back to the blue because Sophie was right about most things. He checked his phone every 5 minutes, even though Viven hadn’t texted since last night. At 1:30, Sarah showed up to take Sophie for the afternoon. That’s Sarah. Sophie ran to the door.
Dad’s going on a date and he’s super nervous. I’m not nervous, Ethan lied. You changed your shirt three times, Sophie informed Sarah. And you keep checking your phone. Sarah grinned. That’s nervous. I hate both of you. No, you don’t. Sarah pulled him aside while Sophie gathered her things. Seriously though, how are you feeling about this? Terrified.
Good. That means you care. What if I screw it up? What if I’m boring or awkward or she realizes I don’t belong in her world? Then you’ll deal with it. But Ethan, Sarah squeezed his arm. Stop assuming you’re not good enough. You’re kind. You’re honest. You’re a great dad. That’s worth more than money.
Tell that to my bank account. I’m serious. She obviously sees something in you or she wouldn’t have shown up at your shop yesterday. Don’t sabotage this before it even starts. He nodded, trying to believe it. Sophie hugged him on her way out. Be yourself. Unless you can be funny. Then be funny. Great advice, Sofh. You’re welcome.
Now go pick her up and don’t be late. They left and Ethan stood in his empty apartment staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. The blue shirt was fine. The jeans were clean. His boots were the same ones he always wore because they were the only ones he owned that weren’t steeltoed work boots. This would have to do.
His phone buzzed at 155. Vivien, I’m outside. He grabbed his wallet and keys, locked the apartment, and headed downstairs. The Jaguar was parked at the curb, engine purring, and Viven was leaning against the driver’s door, wearing jeans and a leather jacket that probably cost more than his truck. “You’re early,” he said. “I’m punctual.
There’s a difference.” She looked him over and he caught the hint of a smile. “You clean up nice. You said to wear something I don’t mind getting wet, so I figured this was safe.” “Oh, smart.” She tossed him the keys, and he caught them reflexively. You’re driving? What? No, this is your car and I want to see if you can drive it without breaking down on the side of the road.
She walked around to the passenger side. Come on, don’t be scared. I’m not scared. I’m appropriately cautious about driving a vintage car worth more than my annual income. It’s insured and I trust you. That hit harder than it should have. Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, adjusted the mirrors, and tested the clutch. The car responded like a dream.
smooth, responsive, perfectly balanced. “Okay,” he admitted. “This is amazing.” “I know. Now drive before I change my mind.” He pulled away from the curb, getting a feel for the car’s rhythm. It handled differently than his truck, lighter, more precise. Every input translated directly into motion. “Where am I going?” he asked. “Take I5 north.
I’ll tell you when to exit.” They drove in comfortable silence, the engine humming beneath them, Seattle’s skyline sliding past on their left. Ethan kept waiting for the awkwardness to set in, for the conversation to dry up, but it never did. Viven navigated from the passenger seat, occasionally pointing out landmarks or telling him stories about board meetings gone wrong.
So, there I am, she said, presenting our 5-year expansion plan, and the VP of operations stands up and says, “With all due respect, Ms. Hart, this is exactly the kind of aggressive growth that killed your father.” Ethan winced. Jesus, what did you do? I asked him if he’d like to tender his resignation right there or wait until after the meeting. He chose right there.
