“I’m Miles.” He put a hand out.
“Bethany Joelle.” Her hand was enveloped in his larger, softer fingers.
“How does a woman as beautiful as you have such rough hands? Are you Cinderella awaiting her prince to come and take her away from a life of drudgery?” He gave her a brilliant smile. Perfect, bright, white teeth shone back at her.
“Life isn’t a fairytale. Prince Charming is a fictional character.”
“You don’t believe in ‘happily-ever-after?’” His voice had a soft, warm timbre to it.
“Not really. In this sinful world, the only happiness is found in heaven.”
“Wow. That’s a pessimistic view. Could I challenge you to an opportunity to turn your frown upside down over lunch?”
Her eyes grew wide and she shook her head. “I’m not comfortable with that.”
“So, that’s a ‘no?’”
“Thank you for understanding.” She turned to go but he grabbed her arm. “Please let me go.”
“At least take my business card. Call me if you change your mind. Maybe I’ll see you here again.”
She turned, took the card, and hurried out the other end of the aisle. She exited the auditorium and halted as the crowd mingled around, lost as to where to turn. A hand touched her shoulder. Titus.
“Hey, Bethany Joelle, glad you could make it today.”
“Thanks.”
“Feeling better?” He moved her out of the path of traffic.
“Deep breaths still hurt and I need to be careful how I move. Apparently, ribs take a long time to heal even if they aren’t broken.”
“Hey, Ty, glad to see you here.” Miles approached.
“Miles, have you met Bethany Joelle?” Titus nodded to her.
“We met during the service,” the well-dressed man said.
“Bethany, Miles is a benefactor of the garage ministry. He provides some of the funding and at times, helps us get parts at cost. He works for a local car dealership and is one of their top salesmen.”
“Well, I try anyway.” Miles grinned. “I’ve got a consistent track record but have stiff competition. Being around cars seemed to be ideal given my name.”
“You could have become a jogger, but that doesn’t pay as well, I expect,” Titus quipped. “Miles has started to come to the Thursday night group. Perhaps you can join us sometime?” Ty asked as he met her gaze.
She suspected her face was red. “My work schedule makes that hard.”
“Where do you work?” Miles asked.
“The grocery store. In the bakery.”
“I like a woman who knows her way around a kitchen,” Miles joked.
Bethany frowned.
“I’m sorry your work schedule makes it difficult for you to have a social life.”
“Paying the bills takes priority,” Bethany responded. “I’ll forgive the offense. I need to leave. Have a good day.” She slipped between them making a beeline for the door. She got in her steaming hot car and drove home.
~*~
Titus watched Bethany Joelle exit and frowned.
“Interesting young woman,” Miles remarked.
“Yeah, that’d be one word for her.” Ty turned his attention to the man next to him.
Slicked back blond hair and green eyes and snappy suit. Quite the contrast to his jeans and t-shirt look.
“I was thinking I’d stop by the garage sometime this week. See how things are going there.”
“You’re welcome to stop by anytime, Miles. I’d love to show you what we’ve done with the place.”
“And maybe I’ll spot some things you still lack and can help.”
“That’d be great. Any idea what evening?”
Miles shook his head. “No. Not sure how any day will go. I try to keep my schedule flexible.”
“Well, come and we’ll be glad to have you. Do you know how to work on cars?”
The salesman chuckled. “I know about cars enough to sell them. Under the hood, I only know specs but not anything on how to fix them. I’m barely able to change my own flat.”
“You could learn.”
“Doubtful,” Miles said. “I should get going.”
“See ya.” Titus gave a short wave before heading out himself. He had no good reason to deny Miles’s request to come to the garage. But what if B.J. was there? Miles was a sharp guy. Titus needed to work to keep the man focused on other things. And pray that he didn’t ask to be introduced to the volunteers.
~*~
The next night, B.J. came in and checked the project board. She initialed a project and went to go do some general clean up on a new arrival.
An oil change, and checking hoses and spark plugs, would keep her busy for some time over in the corner.
Titus strode over to her. “Hey, B.J.”
“Hi, Ty, what’s up?” The baseball hat was in place as was her normal mechanic outfit. Old, worn, dirty chucks were on her feet instead of the normal boots she wore. Maybe her only concession to the heat?
He handed her a water bottle. “It’s warm in here, so stay hydrated, OK?”
She took the bottle and their hands brushed. A jolt traversed his arm at her minutest touch. A tinge of pink appeared on her cheeks and he wondered if it was from the heat or if she’d experienced a reaction to him as much as he did to her.
“I also wanted to inform you that Miles might stop by this week to check out the garage. He admitted he knows nothing about cars, but since he contributes financially to the ministry he wants to check it out first-hand. Thought you might want to be warned.”
“I appreciate that. I’ll play least-in-sight or perhaps even take off when he comes.”
“I understand. Better to be safe.”
“Do financial contributors often do this kind of thing?”
“No. It’s kind of odd that he wants to come.”
B.J. tilted her head. “His interest worries you.”
Titus grinned. “And how can you tell that?”
“Your forehead wrinkles when you’re concerned about something.” She lifted her water bottle in a mock salute. “I’d better get to work. I don’t have much time.”
“Keep up the good work, squirt.” He winked at her before walking away. Even with what little he knew she still intrigued him. It bothered him that another man might be interested in her as a woman.
Miles was new to the church. Other than his generosity and spit-polished appearance, Ty didn’t know much about the man’s character. The man was a car salesman. Most he knew were honest people, but some were keen manipulators and he wondered if Miles fell into that category.
But he wasn’t Bethany Joelle’s keeper and given the distance he’d been keeping out of his own confusion, he wasn’t sure how he’d ever earn the right to become closer.
The caution for the night was a false alarm but at least she was warned.
Bethany left around seven after putting in two hours of solid work. Did she ever get more than five hours of sleep a night? Maybe she took a nap before coming to the shop? His phone rang with a call to take out the wrecker. He left Will in charge as he left for work.
~*~
Bethany had all the main donuts finished for the day and the dough was rising for bread. She approached Jack, her boss.
“Hey, Bethany Joelle, how’s my favorite assistant doing today?”
“Fine, I guess. I wanted to ask you a question if you don’t mind.”
“Sure. Shoot.”
She sighed. “What do you do for fun? You know, when you’re not working?”
Jack considered her. His mustache twitched as he gave her a half-grin. “It can be hard, can’t it, working when everyone else is sleeping and sleeping when the most fun is being had by your peers.”
She shrugged. “It’s all I’ve known.”
“I putter in my garden, take long walks with my wife and enjoy a good book. On rare Sundays, I go to worship and lunch with friends. I even manage to host a Bible study in my home which is why
I’m probably not as spry on Thursday mornings.” He winked at her.
“I would’ve never guessed.”
“Find things to do that you enjoy and don’t forget to connect with other people. You need others in your life. My circle of friends is small but tight. I like the quiet here of the bakery. I understand the flour and sugar and vanilla and we work with mutual respect to provide food for the masses. But as much as this is good, it’s the relationships I have with good friends that make life rich and wonderful.”
“I don’t have many friends. I’ve been alone for so long I’m not even sure…”
“When someone invites you out, or over for lunch, say yes. Explore the relationships. Take a risk and make new friends. Have fun. Offer a little bit of yourself and ask questions. And trust your gut. Not everyone is worthy of being entrusted with your heart.” He touched her chin and lifted it a little. “And remember sweet baker, I will always be here for you. As a friend, coworker…almost as a father for you. We’ve worked together for what, three years? You need anything, don’t hesitate to call. OK?” He dropped his hand and gave her a smile.
“Thanks, Jack. I appreciate that. You’re the kind of father I wish I would have had for all of my growing up.”
“How many ‘fathers’ did you have?”
Bethany frowned. “Other than my biological one whom I don’t remember? Eight. But only one of those was really great. I miss him.”
“What happened?”
“He got cancer and died.”
“So, the war took away one dad and cancer another.”
She nodded.
“Then you know more than most how fragile life is. Treasure those friends in your life. It’s worth it to have the richness and love of those relationships for as long as you can. Don’t let someone wonderful slip past because you’re afraid of loss. Regret can be a more painful burden.”
“Thanks, Jack. I’d better go knead the bread now.”
“Yes, you’d better.” He turned back to his work.
~*~
Bethany found a message taped to her locker. They weren’t allowed to take personal calls at work unless it was an emergency. Miles called and left his return number. She shrugged and picked up the phone in the break room to call him back. She had no use for cell phones and preferred not being too easily found.
“This is Miles. Who’da know wants to buy a car?” The deep rich tones and the rehearsed marketing made Bethany want to groan.
“Hi, Miles, it’s Bethany Joelle. You called?”
“You are a difficult woman to get in touch with. I would love to take you out one of these days—soon.”
“Why me?”
“I think you’re cute and would like to get to know you better.”
She sighed. Have fun. “OK. When and where?”
“How about lunch Friday? I could meet you somewhere.”
“OK, but do you have that kind of time for a sit-down lunch?”
“Good point. Do you mind going to Culvers? I know it’s fast food…”
“That’s fine. The one on County Line Road?”
“Yeah. Can you make it there by one o’clock? It should be past the lunch rush.”
“Sure. I can do that.”
“Great. I’ll see you Friday.”
“Friday.”
She hung up the phone. A date with the handsome salesman? It was a conversation over food. She was driving herself. No risk. Maybe she’d have fun. She grabbed her stuff and headed to the car. After a short stop at home and maybe a nap, she’d head into the garage.
~*~
Once at the shop, she dug into replacing hoses in an engine. It was a messy, tedious business but if that single mom had one less thing to worry about, B.J. would have done her job well.
Titus and Miles entered the shop.
She pulled her cap down lower and was extra grateful for her baggy boy jeans. Not that she had a rear that attracted attention. And she was sure oil smudged her face. She should take to blackening a tooth or two before coming in from now on. The thought made her grin.
She got back to work and tried to tune out the noises around her.
Ty would keep Miles away from her area.
She prayed that would be enough.
~*~
B.J. was keeping her head low under the hood.
Ty almost wished she were under a car today. Now that he realized she was a woman he saw curves he’d missed before. The slight flare of her hips wasn’t completely hidden under those horrendous jeans. It was probably his imagination. She intrigued him, and he promised himself he would keep her safe here.
“Hey, Ty, remember that cute woman on Sunday? Bethany?”
“Bethany Joelle?”
“Yeah, her. Got me a date with her Friday for lunch.”
“Um, that’s nice.”
“Yeah. Something about that strawberry blonde hair. So long. She’s modest but you know what they say about that.”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t worry. She’ll be treated well. I’m a good guy.”
Somehow, I doubt that. Something about this man put him on edge. Surely, he wasn’t jealous because he admired Bethany Joelle. He had no claim on her.
Ty noticed B.J. closing the hood of the car she’d been working on. She put away her tools, cleaning up the area and washing her hands before checking off the project on the board. She’d probably worked this morning.
“Say, I thought I met everyone. Who’s that kid?” Miles asked nodding to Bethany.
“B.J. Quiet kid but does good work.”
“Kind of small.”
“Size doesn’t matter when it comes to fixing cars,” Titus quipped.
Miles grinned. “Oh, but it’s helpful in other areas.” He guffawed as he socked Ty on the shoulder, almost knocking him over. “Thanks for the tour. I might stop back again one of these days. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about cars.”
“There are classes you can take for that.”
“Who has time for that? Besides, I’m a salesman.” He flashed his manicured fingers. “Gotta keep my hands clean and look the part.” With a wink, the man was out the door.
Ty only hoped that Bethany had already left.
~*~
The next night, Titus tapped B.J.’s leg lightly with his boot. “B.J.?”
The wheeled board she was on slid out from under the car. “Yeah?”
“I have a pick-up with the wrecker and the weather is decent. Wanna come?” He didn’t miss her deep gulp.
“Sure.” She rose and picked up her tools. After cleaning up and making a note on the board as to her progress, she turned to him. “Ready.”
“Great.” Titus led her out to the car. He whispered, “This is hard. I really want to open your door for you.”
“Treat me like one of the guys when I’m here. I understand. I don’t expect to be treated like a lady when I’m dressed like this.”
“But you still are one.” Ty moaned to himself. He hopped up into the cab and when B.J. was buckled, he started up the wrecker and they took off. “This car isn’t on the highway—just in front of someone’s house.”
“Technically safer, huh?” Bethany said, but he heard humor in her voice.
“How are those ribs?”
“Amazing how I think I’m all healed up and make one quick move that reminds me that ribs take a long time.”
“Did you ever go to a doctor?”
“Ty…” her voice held a note of warning.
“Sorry. I worry about you. I care. Is that so bad?”
“No. I appreciate it. You’ve been a good friend and I’m grateful you’ve let me continue at the garage.”
“No problem. You do good work.” He cleared his throat. “As a friend, can I caution you on Miles?”
“What about him? He didn’t see me, did he?”
“He saw you but only noticed you’re small. He mentioned he has a date with you.”
She groaned. “He called and I’ve bee
n recently challenged that I don’t really do anything fun. A date isn’t a permanent relationship. He’s an attractive man.”
“Is that your criteria?”
“What, afraid you don’t measure up? You’re attractive too, Titus.”
Ty gulped, not sure how to take the compliment. She’d noticed?
“Listen. It’s lunch on Friday. That’s it. I don’t expect anything more with him, but I suspect he’ll find that out soon enough. He’s not really my ‘type,’ as if I had one.”
“Your type?”
“Miles isn’t the type of man to tolerate a woman who is a lowly laborer, whether it’s as a baker or mechanic. It’ll never go anywhere.”
“So why go?”
Bethany shrugged. “I couldn’t think of a good reason to say no and maybe he’ll be a friend.”
“You make friends?”
“Not really. You know me better than most people do.”
“That’s not saying much, B.J.”
“I know. And I’m sorry. You’ve been more of a friend to me than I’ve been to you.”
“I’m not so sure about that. You did save my life and you love Cooper, a feeling that’s mutual, by the way.” He glanced over as pink flooded her cheeks.
“Cooper has a good owner. I’m glad you got him. As for saving your life, will you ever drop that?”
“I hope I never forget, although the nightmare of you laying there lifeless will probably haunt me forever. I wish I could forget that.”
“I survived.”
“I thank God for that.” He pulled over in front of a sedan on the street. “We’re here. Let’s do this.”
Bethany grinned at him. “Yeah, let’s.”
Titus knew that B.J. was a quick study but working with the wrecker proved it again. He enjoyed working side by side with her. He wondered how much more enjoyable it would be if she weren’t hiding. But at least no one else was bothered by images he had of her sweet curves. He cursed himself for letting his mind wander there. Still, he often wondered what kissing her would be like. Given the shockwaves his body experienced when they’d touched, he figured that Miles would know nothing about banked fires. Surely, she wouldn’t feel that with him, would she?
And why did jealousy plague him? Maybe because he’d kept her secret and he didn’t want her hurt.
As he walked his dog later that night, the realization hit him. He was falling in love with the quiet mechanic and baker. He laughed to himself. If Miles thought she would be an easy conquest, he’d soon find out differently.
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