Page 20 of Running Into The Grump

“Touche, Hank.”

“But there’s another car in your life, isn’t there?”

“She would kill me if we referred to her as that,” I told him, making him grin.

“Yeah, I’m sure she would, but still answer the question.”

“Yes, there is. She shouldn’t be there though. It’s too soon for me to be looking at another car.”

“Ah, is it though, son? Really and truly? Because a man, he can look at and admire a lot of cars throughout his life. He can love a few of them too. But when you get in an accident, you don’t stop driving. You find another car that you can love and put your trust and care into.”

I lifted my brow at him as I shook my head.

“You were never married, never had kids, how is that you know so much?”

“Son, I’m a legend around these parts. Old as the hills, they say. But I also listen to everyone that comes to my bar and sits to talk to me. Do you remember the first time you snuck in here? Giving me that crappy, fake ass ID as if your old man didn’t pull the same shit stunt on me.”

I busted out laughing because that is something I had never heard before. I think any and every teenager that lived in this town tried pulling that over on him. We didn’t get far in the way of drinking with him, but we got far in being close to him.

And on occasion, when no one was looking, he’d take us in the back and allow us a small sip. He liked it better so that he could keep an eye on us. I was glad I got two good men in life.

“Why did you look after me? There were other boys without dads.”

“I saw myself in you, Jackson. I know you wanted to get out of this town, lots of kids did. And do. But you love this town. And I didn’t think you’d be back this soon, but I knew you’d come back. You were strong, smart, keen, and had a fire in you. One day, I knew you’d be doing the same thing I am; helping the youth around these parts.”

“I’m not you, Hank. I don’t want to live here for the rest of my life.”

“You don’t. Then why do I see you driving around town, enjoying every part of it like you missed it?”

I opened my mouth to correct him, but I snapped it shut again because that’s what I had been doing. Driving around, but I thought it was just more because I was bored, not that I wanted to feel it.

“Damn, you’re far more astute than I ever thought, Hank.”

He gave me a big ol’ grin before topping off my empty glass.

“Maple Falls is your home, Jackson. It always will be. There’s something here you won’t find anywhere else. And I’m glad I was able to help you find it. I knew when you ran off, I’d see you again.

“As for being hurt, I think you’ve healed. I think this town, all the little quirks, and one beautiful, older lady, helped you. I think you were scared though, of the feelings she stirred up in you. Something I don’t think that fancy car ever did.”

“No, I don’t think Geri ever makes me feel like Jacqueline does. What’s this town going to say about the age gap? She knew me in high school.”

“We all knew the punk in high school. But you know what this town will say?” He crossed his arms and leaned onto the bar, looking me dead in the eye. “That they’re glad you finally pulled your head out of your ass and claimed the one woman who would be perfect for you. Because she’s going to tame that fire to a sizzle when she needs to, and you’re going to bring her out of her shell, like you have.

“This town can all feel the spark between you two. It’s time for you both to stop being dumb and let this work out in the best way possible. Now get the hell out of my bar and go claim her like you really want.”

He patted my shoulder and I grinned, throwing some money on the bar and heading out to my bike.

He was right.

I needed to pull my head out of my ass and claim her.

Correctly.

Chapter 11

Jacqueline

Iclosed my back door as the dogs all came in and locked it, only to frown as someone banged on my front door. The dogs all stood on end, growling low at the possible threat. While I appreciated the concern, I really didn’t think I needed it.