Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

MIA

I heard the truck before I saw it—an old, reliable sound that fits right in with the mountains. When he stepped out, severe and tall, he barely glanced at me before his eyes drifted to the horizon. We both just stood there for a second, taking it all in. It was like the mountains were welcoming him back, too. I snapped another photo of the forest around me and loved its simple beauty. In Georgia, we had the red clay mountains. Here, it was just beauty. I’m not sure how to describe the Appalachian mountains. It was huge and went on forever. I just wanted to breathe more fresh air, but I was also tired.

When Liam brought up the idea of staying in his cabin, I must have missed half of the conversation because all I heard was that “ You are staying in my cabin while I fix your car.” I never heard the option to leave. I must be delusional because what man would want to capture a woman stranded on the side of the road in the mountains? Of course! The Mortician Serial Killer Mechanic…That would be a great story, and I made a mental note to write that short story one day.

As we loaded up the car and prepared to return to his neck of the woods, I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing something. Then, my stomach betrayed me. “Sounds like someone is hungry,” Liam said, staring intently at the road.

“I guess I am. I haven’t eaten since leaving Knoxville a few hours ago.” I admitted. Eating was hard to remember, but when I was driving, I never felt hungry. I guess the overwhelming need to be done and fighting with the adrenaline rush of competing for first place wore me out.

“There’s a nice burger cafe on the way to my shop. We can stop there if you’d like, " he offered.

“That sounds amazing. Is it like popular fast food places or–?” I asked, leaving the question open for other possible fast food places than the big Micky Ds.

“Nope, it's family-owned. I know them personally. Everything they make is fresh to order. And the seasoning on their fries is pure perfection!” He did the motions for a chef’s kiss.

“Sounds good. I’ll pay for our meal since you came to grab Little Bertha and me.” I smiled, hoping he would accept my offer.

“Nonsense. A man never lets a woman buy his food.” He shot down my offer immediately.

“Since I’m offering to pay, and you’re doing so much for me, I’ll either add it to what I pay after my car is fixed, or I can pay it now and not feel like an idiot.” I had no idea where I was going with this, but I needed to pay for it. I felt I needed to contribute to this in my heart. I knew I was out about one thousand dollars for the repairs. There was no telling what was wrong with Little Bertha. I trusted Liam would do whatever was needed to ensure she was running fine and everything would be new when he was done. I trusted that. Something about his demeanor made him trustworthy. The scruff on his face and the painful past he carried in his eyes reminded me a lot of my father. Plus, Liam seemed pretty easygoing and had a hilarious sense of humor. I was just in shock when he got out of the car. Liam was the typical mountain man.

“You can pay this time, but please know you’re making me break so many of my grandparent’s rules that were beaten into me, and I expect a good ole ass whooping tonight after we get home.” His accent intensified as he entered a unique cafe's parking lot. My first guess is that this is a mom-and-pop diner, but then we walked inside.

He said, “Hey mom, I’d like two specials on the house…” I wanted to curl into a ball. This was his family’s cafe. That’s why he wanted to pay….Ohhh. SHIT..

“I wasn’t going to give you a whoopin…” I whispered as we sat in the booth.

“I was just joking with you. I have an open tab here that I pay once a year. I also pay for anyone who’s hungry and without food. I have an open tab for a lot of people. We do a lot for the community. Between the people of Appalachia and the village of Ashleigh, you know you’re around a community that is like a big family. We’re all here to help each other. I know you’re just driving through, but once you’re part of the family, you’re family for life….” He went on and on.

“Your eyes are beautiful.” I blurted. It slipped!

“Uh, thank you, I think.” His cheeks reddened a little.

“Who’s this beautiful little thang you’ve brought to our neck of the woods, Liam?” A beautiful southern belle asked. Her hair was graying a little, but she was gorgeous.

“This is Mia and I’m toting her and her car, Little Bertha, to the shop for repairs.” Liam said promptly, “And this is my sister, Isabella.”

“I’m sure the car needs repairs, but I don’t see anything wrong with Mia. She’s stunning! If you and I were batting for the same team, I’d have you on my field.” Isabella laughed, “The food will be right out. Mama wanted me to be nosy and see who your date was.

“This is not a da—” I said before being interrupted.

“Date or not, Liam never brings people here, so this is a date. He will never admit it. We’ve never had him bring any beautiful women around here. So, nice to meet you. Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, I think…” I whispered, hoping they didn’t think I didn’t want to be part of their family… I just wanted to eat and get my car fixed.

After a few minutes, the food was brought to our table, and I devoured the most fantastic cheeseburger and chili cheese fries I’ve ever had!