Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

MIA

After taking a shower, I tried so hard to lie down and relax, but I couldn’t help but see Liam’s eyes when I closed mine. There was something so dark and sad within him. Sure, he smiled and laughed and was all about making jokes. However, I felt like he was concealing something so much darker within him.

Six hours later, I noticed he parked Little Bertha in front of the cabin. Was she fixed already? Relieved, I hoped it was finished so I could leave tomorrow. Unable to sleep but not wanting to disturb him more than I had already, I opened the windows and wrote whatever came to mind.

The mountain air was what I needed to free my mind of writer’s block. I finished my project within three hours and fell asleep within that time.

The following day, I woke up and noticed breakfast was on the island. Was he in here? I didn’t hear anyone come in, nor did I hear anyone open the door. I must have been sleeping more deeply than I thought I was. After doing my morning routine, I dressed, ate breakfast, and then jogged to the shop. To nobody’s surprise, Liam was already working on another car. I smelled the coffee and immediately began to salivate.

“Good morning, Mia. I have some extra coffee if you’d like some.” He said, and I nodded immediately. I felt like a feral banshee left to my vices, with a lost voice and nowhere to turn.

“That would be lovely! I love my coffee like my soul: Black.” We both laughed.

“Help yourself. I’m unsure if you’d like the grease and grit mixed with your coffee. The coffee was made a few minutes ago, but if you’d like it fresher, everything is within shoulder length of you. Spring water is in the jug in the fridge.” He instructed. I noticed the pot was halfway full, so I poured myself a glass.

“This is so delicious, Liam. You have no idea how much I needed this!” I moaned, satisfied with my new dose of caffeine.

“I’m glad you like it. So, the verdict on Little Bertha is you were low on fluids, and your car was probably straining from going up the mountain. Luckily, you didn’t push her to do any more than she was doing. Otherwise, you’d be here for a few weeks.” He explained. I felt a tinge of relief and a tinge of sadness.

“So, that’s it? She’s ready to go?” I asked, hoping to hide my sadness.

“That’s it. I also detailed your car, refilled all the fluids, and gave your car an entire tuneup, including filters, sparkplugs, and everything in between. I had everything in the shop, so it was no big deal.” He said, still working on the car in front of him.

“Well, that’s awesome!” I reached into my back pocket and pulled out the money I had on reserve. “Here’s $500 for all your hard work and hospitality.”

“No, ma’am. It’s only $300. Like I said, you called me before any major trouble happened. Everything is as good as gold, and you are ready to go on your next adventure.” He said, taking three bills and then handing me two back.

“But, you went above and beyond. I’d like to compensate for that as well.”

“Nonsense. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. It’ll be quiet for a few weeks so no one will stay in the cabin.” He offered. Did he want me to stay?

“That’s so sweet of you! I could get so much work done, being in the mountains helped me get what I wanted. So, I guess I won’t need to go any further. Perhaps I can start on my next project and have it ready when I return home.” I rambled on.

He put the cash in the wallet and returned it to the workbench. I slipped the other $200 into the wallet when he wasn't looking.

“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to take Little B for a ride and see if I can find a town nearby and get a jacket and a few other things. Is there a library nearby? I just need to connect to the internet and head back to Georgia. Do you think that’s okay?” I rambled on more.

“Sure, but I have internet and firewood. You’re going to go back so soon?” He looked pitiful. Should I leave him alone with his vices? The man has been alone for as long as his family remembers.

“Oh, I’m not going back tonight. I’d like to get my next few stories written before returning. If I run into my ex or my old best friend, I’m liable to go back into another writer’s block–and the mountains, the air, and its company have kept me so free. I can write it out here, and I treasure the hospitality you’re giving me.” I smiled.

“Good. Stay for a week. Keep them worrying. I’ll take care of you.” He returned the smile.

I made it up the mountains and found the closest town. I bought new notebooks, pens, and highlighters. I satisfied my addiction to pens and notebooks and decided I’d like to get a few more outfits. What’s the point of traveling to a new state if I cannot explore their outlets and boutiques? I went to several different outlet stores and independently owned stores. I had three new outfits: cowgirl boots and a nice jean jacket. I bought my mom a new purse and jacket, my dad a new wallet and cowboy hat, and my little brother a few fancy guitar picks for his guitar, a fancy button-down shirt, and a new belt. Satisfied with the money I just blew, I went to the local diner and bought two lunch specials.

I started to head back to Liam’s shop, but then I realized I had no fucking idea how to get back to his shop. I went to call him for directions when I realized I didn’t know anything about him. I tried checking my call history, but of course, because I was roaming when I called, it wasn’t there. Freaking out, I tried to search for “Liam the Mechanic”--Nothing. I googled Liam and Isabella in Ashleigh, but there was nothing. My anxiety was high, and I was about to absolutely freak out.

I didn’t tell him thank you, nor did I tell him goodbye. My heart was pounding.

I looked up “Mechanic near me,” and I finally found him. Bookmarking the phone number and address, I saved it in my phone as a contact and then started my GPS toward my mechanic.

After driving for about thirty minutes, I arrived at the cabin and shop.

It was amazing how close his family lived in that cul-de-sac. I never had that, but I definitely wanted it.

With a final deep breath, I park in front of the cabin.

Phew. That was a close one.