“She’s the girl who climbed through your window last night,” she says in a disgusted tone.
“Was that her name?” I ask smirking.
“You’re a pig.”
“You almost sound like your jealous,” I tease, because that’s exactly how it sounds, and that surprises me.
“Hardly,” she scoffs.
“You are, aren’t you? I bet you wished it was you sneaking through my window last night instead of her.”
“You’re delusional,” she says when I pull up at a red light. I look in her direction. My eyes lock with hers. I’m shocked by what I see. I was only messing with her, but by the way she’s looking at me makes me think there’s some truth to what I said. Surely she couldn’t wish that. She acts like she can’t stand me.
Something passes between us. I’m not sure what, but I almost want to reach out and touch her. Kiss her. Whatever it is, it’s quickly broken when the car behind me sounds his horn, alerting me the lights have now turned green. Suddenly, I don’t like where this is heading.
I should’ve let her catch the damn bus.
We travel in silence for the next twenty minutes. When we reach our destination I pull into a parking spot. “You gonna stay in the car? Or do you want to come with me?” She shrugs before answering.
“I guess I’ll come,” she says removing her seatbelt.
Indi’s dad recommended this place to me. Apparently he’s been friends with the owner since high school. He deals in new and used parts, but specialises mainly in classics. Ross was going to call him today and let him know I was coming in. He said he’ll look after me.
Indi falls in behind me as we head towards the shop front. From the street you can see it’s attached to a large factory type building. That’s probably where they store all the parts.
The bell chimes above the shop door when we enter. A man in his mid-forties walks out from the back room. “Well if it isn’t little Indiana Montgomery,” he says as he makes his way around the counter. “Look how much you’ve grown.” She’s grown? How fucking small was she? She’s only pocket-size now.
“Hi, Mr. Gregory,” she says hugging him.
“Let me look at you.” He pulls back, studying her face. “You look just like your mum did at this age. God rest her soul.” What? Her mum’s dead? Looking at her face I see a fleeting moment of sorrow pass, but a smile quickly takes over. I’ll admit I did wonder why I hadn’t seen her mum around, but it never occurred to me she didn’t have one. That makes me feel sad for her. Growing up, I would’ve been lost without my mother. She’s all I have. Here I thought she had the perfect life. I guess I was wrong.
“My dad says that a lot,” she replies with a sad smile, and he gives her a sympathetic look.
“You must be Carter,” he says, eventually turning his attention to me. “Ross told me you were dropping by.”
“Yes. I am,” I answer, grabbing hold of his extended hand.
“Warren. Warren Gregory,” he says.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sir.”
“So you’re after parts for a ‘75 Monaro I believe?” he asks.
“That’s right.”
“You’re in luck. Come out the back and I’ll show you what I have,” he says, turning and heading towards the door over by the far wall. Indiana and I follow.
I’m beaming by the time we leave. That place is like spare parts heaven. I got everything I needed, plus I was able to put a few of the larger, more expensive things aside until I can come up with some more cash. Fuck knows how I’m gonna do that. My cash fund has just about run dry. I may need to find a job.
“Wanna get something to eat while we’re here?” I ask as I load the last of the parts into the trunk.
“You want to eat something? With me?” she asks surprised. I guess I don’t blame her. I’ve been an arse. I’m not sure why I even asked. I guess I’m hungry.
“I’m hungry,” I say with a shrug. I don’t want her to think this is a date, because it isn’t.
“Okay.” We make our way towards the burger joint a few doors down. I’m already regretting asking her. What the hell am I gonna talk to her about? I don’t do shit like this. I don’t go out much. I’m definitely not what you’d call sociable.
We sit in silence as we both scan the menu. “The burgers are great,” she says. “My dad brings me here sometimes.” I make eye contact with her over the top of my menu. A burger sounds good.
“Are you guys ready to order?” the waitress asks when she approaches our table.