Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 81

CHAPTER 49-2

What?” She asked.

“They insist on paying their invoices.” I said.

Another customer laughed openly this time and Charlotte glanced toward him before looking back

at me.

“You know exactly what I mean.” She said.

“I really don’t.” I said.

“That club only keeps you around because you’re useful.” She said and I rested both hands on the

workbench.

“You know what’s funny?” I asked.

“What?” She asked.

“You’ve spent your whole life believing every relationship is a transaction.” I said and her

expression hardened.

“Excuse me?” She asked.

“You assume everyone wants something. Maybe that’s because it’s how you see people.” I said as I shrugged lightly.

For the first time since she’d arrived, Charlotte didn’t have an immediate response. The silence

lasted only a few seconds but then she recovered.

“Jace will get bored eventually.” She said and I smiled.

“Maybe.” I said.

“When he does, you’ll have nothing.” She said and I laughed. Not a forced laugh. A genuine one and

Charlotte stared at me.

“You think that’s funny?” She asked.

“I really do. I’ve already got everything I need. I’ve got Lawson Customs. I’ve got people who

actually care about me. I’ve got a life I built myself.” I said and she looked genuinely confused as I gestured around the garage and I looked directly into her eyes.

“If someone walks away tomorrow, I’ll still wake up and know exactly who I am.” I continued as the workshop fell completely silent.

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CHAPTER 49-2

Every customer had stopped pretending not to listen and Charlotte’s face flushed.

“You’re unbelievable.” Charlotte said.

“I’ve heard that before too.” I said and her composure finally cracked.

P

Craim

“You’ve always thought you were better than everyone else.” She snapped and I stared at her for a moment before answering quietly.

“No. I just stopped believing I was worse.” I said and the words hung in the air.

Several customers exchanged knowing glances. An older man waiting for his motorcycle slowly shook his head while looking at Charlotte.

For the first time, nobody in the room seemed impressed by her polished appearance or expensive clothes. Instead, they were watching her behavior and they didn’t seem to like what they saw.

Charlotte looked around the workshop as though she expected someone to defend her. Nobody

did.

The older customer who had been waiting quietly set his coffee cup on the counter and frowned. “Young lady, I’ve been bringing motorcycles here for months and this mechanic has treated every customer with respect.” The man said and another customer nodded in agreement.

“She fixed my bike after another shop told me it couldn’t be repaired.” The other customer said.

Mia remained behind the reception desk, but even she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Charlotte’s confidence visibly slipped.

“This isn’t any of your business.” Charlotte snapped but the older man folded his arms.

“It became our business when you walked in here causing trouble.” He said.

Charlotte’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She glared at me one last time before turning sharply and marching toward the exit.

“This isn’t over.” Charlotte said and I smiled politely.

“I’ll let you know if I start losing sleep.” I said.

The bell above the front door jingled as she disappeared outside. The workshop remained quiet for a moment before Ben looked at me.

“You always have a comeback ready, don’t you?” He asked.

“I’ve had years of practice.” I said.

Laughter rolled through the garage and the normal rhythm of the day quickly returned.

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