With his hat backward, I see the intense scowl pointed in my direction. Usually, I’d give him shit and watch him struggle to maintain that glower, but my emotional energy is depleted, and my sarcasm has run dry.
“Great,” I say, wanting to make this quick so I can go home and snuggle my kids.
“Why are you here?” Slade asks in a low, demanding tone, but it’s directed at my boss.
Griffin shifts next to me. “I’m just making sure Sarah’s all set before I take off,” he says matter-of-factly.
“Sarah will be fine. You can go now,” Slade states in a direct order.
My eyes flick between them as they stare at each other in some kind of standoff. The weight of the entire room settles on me, and my body heats to a thousand degrees. Feeling warm and confined, I want to peel my coat off and maybe a layer of skin.
What in the ever-loving hell?
Griffin only nods, his attention moving to me. “I’ll see you at the office. Thanks for your help today.”
I force a small smile. “Thank you for the ride.”
The door bangs closed, and the noise resumes. Krissy hops off the stool to help roll a set of tires to a vehicle.
I drop my bag and shed my coat before the hot flash sends me into an overstimulated rage.
“Everything ok?”
Free from my personal fabric-holding cell, I drag my eyes up to Slade’s. Those green irises no longer hold a death wish.
“Yes.” I shove my coat under my arm, contemplating asking what that little showdown was all about, but I’ve had enough today. “I’d really like to go home.”
His eyes roam over my face. “You all right?”
I don’t have any idea anymore, but I won’t be getting into that here, so I nod.
His gaze lingers on my face as if he’s thinking about calling my bluff, but then he reaches for my keys hanging on the pegboard.
I pull my wallet from my purse. “Do you have the invoice?”
He slides the paperwork from a slotted holder and hands it to me. I run through the charges for the oil change, wheel bearing replacement, and labor. The total amount is a fist to my already queasy stomach.
I hand him my credit card, and Krissy returns to the counter.
“How are those babies?” She leans, resting her chin in her hand.
“They’re good. Ollie is working on his piloting skills, and Frankie is on the verge of climbing into the refrigerator.” I try to smile, but it’s weak.
“They’re such cuties. I’m serious. If you ever need a sitter, I’d love to watch them. I’ll give you my number.” She pulls a Post-it from the pad and scribbles her information on it. “I’d rather play with kids than listen to these idiots.” She waves her pen around the room.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” I put the note in my purse.
“Also, I don’t know if you’re into sports, but we watch football on the weekends. If you’re free, you should bring the kids over. It’ll help limit the burping contests and unclaimed farting.” She smiles.
Slade groans.
I laugh, and it feels good, like a reminder that hope still exists.
“I used to have Alex to hang out with, but she’s off living the fairytale. So, please save me from having to deal with these numbnuts on my own. It’d be fun.”
“You should get back to work,” Slade grumbles.
Krissy rolls her eyes but pushes away from the counter. “Watch it, Stone Cold. You’re lucky I’m here.”
