The remainder of the day is more about learning classroom rules and structure. How to line up for restroom breaks, lunch, and recess. We also spend the afternoon doing an art project. Just a simple try-to-stay-in-the-lines coloring exercise to open their minds and work on their concentration. Some did very well, and others not so much, but they all seemed to enjoy it. They got to hang their pictures on the huge display board by the door, and I already had small name tags posted. They had the task of finding their name to match the name on the top of their papers that I put there. I’m happy to say that everyone passed that exercise with flying colors.
It’s just after three, and I’m exhausted. I used my planning period to make some adjustments to the seating chart. There were a few students who liked to chat just a little too much, so I decided to try and separate them now to get a handle on it. Then it took me twenty minutes to get them in their new seating assignments. I probably shouldn’t have made a move on day one, but I wanted to try and get the distractions under control as soon as possible.
I tidy up my classroom a little before grabbing my stuff and heading out. When I reach my car, I see the donut, and I can’t help but smile when I think about Rushton, which reminds me that I need to go to his brother’s shop today to get this tire handled. The last thing I need is to be stranded on the side of the road with another flat.
In my car, I navigate to Kincaid’s Auto Repair without my GPS. Willow River is a small town, and I have a pretty good sense of direction. Ten minutes later, I’m pulling into the lot that’s already quite full. I hope they’re able to work me into their schedule at least one day this week.
Parking, I grab my keys and head inside. There’s a woman sitting behind the counter who greets me with a wide smile. “Welcome to Kincaid Auto Repair. Can I help you?”
“Hi.” I wave awkwardly. “I was referred here to replace a spare tire with a new one. Or maybe repair the old one, I’m not sure.”
“Sure. How did you hear about us?” she asks as she types on the computer in front of her.
“Um, Rushton.”
She stops typing and looks up at me. “Rushton Kincaid?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I don’t know why I called her ma’am. She appears to be close to my age.
“How do you know Rush?”
“Well, I don’t really know him. He helped me change the flat in the parking lot of Gunderson’s on Saturday. He said not to drive on the donut tire for long, but by the time I made it here on Saturday, you were already closed.”
“Yeah, we close at noon on Saturdays. Let me grab one of the guys and have them take a look. I’m sure we can get you taken care of today. We had a brake line replacement cancel, so today is your lucky day.” She smiles kindly, and the action instantly sets me at ease.
She scoots back in her chair and stands. I watch her as she walks to the garage service door and disappears into the work area. I glance around the room and smile when my gaze lands on a picture of Blakely and who I assume are her parents. The three of them are smiling. The man’s hands are on the woman’s baby bump while Blakely stands in front of them.
“That’s Declan and his wife and daughter. He owns this fine establishment.” The voice behind me sounds. I turn to smile at her. “I’m Alyssa, by the way. I’m engaged to Sterling Kincaid.” She flashes me her engagement ring. It’s sparkling in the light, and without getting close, I know it’s beautiful. “The guys are going to pull your car around now. Can I have your keys?” she asks.
I hold my keys out to her. “It’s the Ford Edge.” I pause. “I’m Crosby by the way.”
She smiles. “Nice to meet you. Your car sticks out like a sore thumb with that donut,” she teases. “I’ll give these to the guys and be right back. Help yourself to a refreshment.” She points to the corner where a small refrigerator and one of those one-cup coffee makers sit. There’s also a basket with snacks.
I open my mouth to thank her, but she’s already gone. I make my way to the small refrigerator and grab a bottle of water. Moving to the front of the waiting area, I peer out the window as I watch a guy in blue overalls slide behind the wheel of my car and move it into the garage.
I’m lost in thought when I hear my name being called. “Crosby?” I turn and fight a grin when I see Rushton standing behind me. He’s wearing worn blue jeans, work boots, and a black T-shirt. From the looks of it, he just got off work.
“Rushton, nice to see you.”
“What are you doing here?” he asks, taking a step toward me.
“Getting my tire fixed.”
His jaw ticks. “You were supposed to do that on Saturday.”
“I tried. They were already closed,” I counter.
“Shit. I forgot Dec changed the Saturday hours. I’m sorry. I should have made sure you got it taken care of. I could have opened the shop and fixed it for you.” He runs his fingers through his dark hair that’s longer on top and shorter on the sides.
“It’s fine. I stayed close to home, just going to the school and back this weekend. No tire catastrophes.” I smile, but he’s still scowling.
“I’m sorry.”
This time it’s me who takes a step closer to him. He’s obviously upset that I’ve been driving on my donut tire for a couple of days. “It’s all good, Rushton,” I assure him, placing my hand on his chest. I tell myself it’s to calm him down, but if I’m being honest, I just want to touch him. His hard pecs flex beneath my palm. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I’m not this person. I’m never this forward.
He places his hand over mine, and we’re locked in a stare. His gaze is so intense I want to look away, but I can’t. I can’t stop gawking into his deep blues as I try to work out what he’s thinking. I’d give anything to know his thoughts right this minute.
A throat clears, causing him to drop his hand, and I do as well, taking a step back from him. My eyes move to glance behind Rushton to find the man in the picture. He has the same dark hair and blue eyes as Rushton.
“You must be Crosby,” he says, walking around Rushton and offering me his hand.
“Yes. Nice to meet you….” I let my words hang in the air.
“Declan Kincaid.”
“Ah, one of the many brothers,” I tease.
“So you’ve heard of us?” Declan asks, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips.
“No, well, I mean, I guess so. Rushton explained there are nine of you.”
“Oh, he did, did he? And how do you know my little brother?” Declan slings an arm around Rushton’s shoulders, only for him to shrug him off and take a step closer to me. He’s standing so close I can feel his body heat.
“We, uh, don’t really know one another. Not really.”
“We do,” Rushton counters.
“We met briefly on Saturday. Rushton helped me in a jam with my flat tire.”
“So you’re the damsel in distress.” Declan’s smile widens.
I turn to look at Rushton. “Is that how you see me?”
“No.” He’s shaking his head even while saying the words. “Saturday was a big day for my brother Sterling. Remember I told you he had a surprise for his girlfriend?”