Me: We're friends, Shannon.
Shannon: Fuck buddies then?
Me: No. Not that it's any of your business.
Shannon: Then why do you keep blowing me off?
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I do not need Shannon running her mouth and telling Veronica's brothers before we can. I know I need to squash this quickly.
Me: I'm sorry, I met someone else. I should have just told you. But no, it's not V.
I really hate lying about Veronica.
Shannon: So you take all your friend’s sisters out?
Me: We were at the track. She doesn't have her car and she wanted to leave. She asked me for advice, so we stopped for some food, and I gave her advice. I really don't even need to be explaining this to you.
Shannon: So if I happen to just run into Vance, he would be okay with you and Veronica going to diners late at night?
This chick just doesn't quit.
Me: I’m no longer entertaining this conversation. Have a nice life, Shannon.
Shannon: Whatever. You're an asshole with a tiny dick.
I burst out laughing. The girl’s got jokes. I toss my phone aside, turn on the TV, and get ready for bed. In nothing but my briefs, I make sure my alarm is set before plugging in my phone and climbing under the sheets. Thoughts of Veronica--along with the sounds of the TV in the background--lull me to sleep within seconds.
It's nearly two when I'm leaving the--military provided--shrink's office. It was just a standard “how are you adjusting to civilian life” appointment, and I'm fucking starving. No lunch was supplied today. I pull out my phone to call Vance.
"What’s up, bud?” he greets.
"I’m just leaving now. Where are you guys at?”
"Garage.” Seconds later, I hear some power tools confirming his answer.
"Alright man, I’m gonna grab some food and head over. Anyone want anything?" I ask.
Vance yells around the garage before answering, "Nah. We're good."
"V?"
"I don't know. She's in the office."
I laugh. "Alright, see ya in a bit."
"Later."
Ending the call, I pull up the garage's number. It rings twice before I hear Veronica's melodic voice, "Victor's Auto."
"You hungry?" I ask.
"Wh-Chase?"
"Yeah, you hungry?"
"Hmm, a little. Are you coming to visit?" The hope in her voice is obvious, and I like it.
"Yeah, just talked to your brother. Gonna stop for some food, you want anything?"
"Yes!" She rattles off her order and adds, "Don't forget the barbecue sauce!"
"I won't."
"Vance always does."
"Well, I'm not Vance."
"Thank goodness for that."
"Uh yeah, that'd be a bit weird." I laugh. "I'll see you in a few."
"Can't wait!" she squeaks.
"Awe. Does someone miss me?"
"Yeah, right! I just want the food."
"I'm feeling a little used right now."
I pull into the parking lot of the fast-food joint.
"I'm joking," she says.
"I know, I'm about to pull up to the order window. I'll see you in a bit, babe."
"Okay," her voice has softened.
"Bye."
We hang up and I rattle off the decently long order. You'd think I was buying for the whole garage. As soon as they hand me the bag I pull out a burger, quickly unwrap it and take a large bite. It couldn’t wait. I groan. So good.
The drive to the garage doesn't take long, but I've already demolished my second burger and fries. After parking in front of the office, I make my way inside. Veronica jumps from the desk eagerly. Her long brown hair is pulled up neatly, it swings behind her as she walks to me. "Thank you so much!" She takes the bag from my hand. "I'd kiss you if I could."
"You can make it up to me another time," I wink.
"You bet," she says with a wicked smile. She saunters back to her desk, and I take a moment to check out her ass and long legs. The jeans she's wearing enhance her behind. She moves behind her desk, effectively cutting off my view. "I can't eat all this!"
"The nuggets and fries are yours. The rest is mine."
Her eyes widen. "Piggy!"
"I spent all morning at the base. No food. I'm starving." I rub my stomach.
She pulls all the food from the bag and lays it on top of the desk. I swipe the second box of nuggets, opening it, and biting into the breaded meat.
"How's your morning been?" I ask.
"Not bad. It’s been pretty busy.” She pauses, “Oh! My parts shipped!"
"Already?" I ask, a little saddened by the news, "That's great!"
"It could take a little bit until the radiator is in though. So you're still stuck with me for a minute." She flashes her teeth at me.
"Good."
Vance comes bursting through the door. "Dude, your parts came in. You know what we're doing tonight!"
"Nice!" I respond.
Vance moves behind Veronica and steals a nugget from her open box. She slaps his hand away. "Get your own!" she yells.
"Come out when you’re done," Vance says then walks out of the office.
Veronica shoves a couple of fries into her mouth. "I love their fries," she says with a mouth full.
It makes me laugh. "I can tell."
"Looks like you're going to have a busy night."
"It might be here for a week or so. I doubt it'll be finished tonight. May have to come over after work to get it finished." I throw her a wink.
"So then we can't hang out for a little." Her lips turn down.
I shake my head. "No, probably not. I can talk to him tonight?" I offer.
"No, no." She's adamant. "Let's enjoy the lake. We'll spend next weekend with Victor and talk to him first, then we'll work on the rest of them."
"Alright." I sigh, finishing off the last of my nuggets. "I better get out there." After cleaning up my mess and throwing it into the trash bin near the desk, I lean over and bring my face close to Veronica, who is intently focusing on the computer. "You look nice today." Her head turns, and she's staring at me. "Thank you," she whispers. Her breath fans my face.
I move away--I revel in the effect that I have on her--and wish so badly that I could kiss her. I knock on the top of the desk. "Well, have a good night with Taylor." I leave her and walk into the garage towards Vance. At the other end I see Vin, and greet him as he’s working on a Jeep.
"Yooo," Vance says, stretching out the word when I near him, "I am so stoked!" he exclaims, bouncing on the balls of his feet. I notice the stack of boxes off to the side--boxes of all shapes and sizes.
"That's all mine?"
"Sure is. Go get your car and bring her in so we can get started."
My engine bay is ripped apart. The old stock pieces are laying in a pile while the shiny new, smaller pieces lay on top of a flattened box. We've only been tinkering for an hour, but we've managed to do a lot in that time. I guess with the two of us, things move along at a faster pace. We may be able to get more finished tonight than I previously thought.