Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 45

CHAPTER 28 1

༥

+25 Pearl

CHAPTER 28-1

Monday mornings had developed a rhythm of their own. I woke just before six, showered, brushed my teeth and pulled on a clean pair of jeans and my favorite black Lawson Customs t-shirt and then wandered downstairs with a mug of coffee balanced carefully in one hand.

The apartment above the garage still felt wonderfully quiet before the workday began,

Downstairs was a different story.

Ben was already unlockiung the parts room while humming to himself, Mia sat behind the reception desk sorting invoices into nearly labeled folders and the first customer had pulled into the parking lot before I even switched on the workshop lights.

Business was good.

Sometimes I still had to remind myself that it was real.

Only a few months earlier I’d wondered whether I’d lose the garage Uncle Will had loved more than almost anything.

Now I had a full appointment book, two employees who genuinely cared about the business and customers booking services weeks in advance.

Life had become busy. Comfortably busy.

By midmorning every service bay was occupied while Ben carefully removed the front forks from a touring bike while quietly talking himself though each step and I smiled to myself when I realized he hadn’t asked for help once all morning.

He’d come a long way and Mia poked her head through the office doorway.

“You’ve got another walk in.” She said and I looked up from the engine resting on my workbench.

“What does he need?” I asked.

“He said motorcycle parts.” She said.

“Send him through.” I said.

A few seconds later the office door opened again and the man stepped inside looked to be somewhere in his late thirties or early forties.

He wore faded jeans, brown work boots and a dark button up shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms.

Nothing about him stood out at first glance and he carried himself with quiet confidence and his

19

IRN

III O

1:3

expression remained calm as he looked around the worktop.

“Morning.” He said and I smiled politely.

“Morning. What can I do for you?” I asked.

He unfolded a neartly written list frorn his pocket before placing it on the counter.

“I’m looking for a few parts.” He said and I picked up the paper, Brake pads, a clutch cable, mirror assemblies, oil filters. Nothing unusual.

“You rebuilding something?” I asked and he nodded.

“A couple of older motorcycles.” He said,

“I can order everything on this list. Most of it should arrive within three or four days.” I said

“That works.” She said.

His voice remained polite and even there wasn’t a hint of impatience or arrogance.

If anything, he reminded me of dozens of other customers who simply wanted reliable service.

I typed the order into the computer while Mia confirmed supply availability.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed the man slowly looking around the workshop and his attention lingered briefly on Uncle Will’s rebuilt toolbox. Then on Ben carefully working in the

second service bay.

Finally, his eyes settled on me again. Not in an uncomfortable way, most like he was quietly

observing everything.

“You’ve got a nice workshop.” He said.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“It wasn’t always this tidy.” He said.

“Mia deserves most of the credit.” I said.

He glanced toward the office where Mia was reorganizing another filing cabinet.

“She’s good.” He said.

“The best decision I’ve made in a long time.” I said.

I printed the order confirmation and handed it across the counter.

“There you go. I’ll give you a call as soon as everything arrives.” I said and he accepted the paperwork with a small nod.

19

RN

O

CAMPTER 28 1

“I appreciate it.” He said and I extended my hand.

“I’m Paige.” I said.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify