Jimmy popped the hood and listened for a minute.
“Well, I have some good news, and some bad news for you.”
“What’s the good news?” Bri asked hesitantly.
“You’re just running low on oil. When was the last time you had your oil changed?”
“Oh, my gosh,” heat flooded Bri’s face. “I’ve been so busy lately, I totally forgot. It’s definitely been awhile.”
“No problem. I’ll pull it in and have the guys get working on it for you. It won’t take long.”
“Okay, great! Thanks.” Bri started walking towards the lobby. “Oh, Jimmy?” she turned back. “What was the bad news?”
“The bad news is that Cole isn’t here to help us. He would’ve gotten a kick out of this!” Jimmy winked at her and pulled her car into the bay. Bri walked into the lobby, utterly embarrassed, and waited by the counter. Jimmy walked back in a minute later, smiling and shaking his head. Bri’s embarrassment level went up another notch.
“I seriously can’t believe I did that,” she laughed. “I’m not usually such an airhead.”
“Aw, you’re a teenage girl... it happens.”
“Yeah, but I’m a teenage girl who loves cars. I watch Top Gear. I should so know better!”
Jimmy laughed.
“Just please don’t tell Cole about this. I’d never hear the end of it,” she laughed.
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Not that I’ve seen much of him lately.” Jimmy eyed Bri knowingly, causing her to blush. “And when he is home, he’s holed up in his room painting. He’s got the senior art show coming up in two weeks, and he’s obsessing over every little detail.”
“Knowing Cole, I’m sure whatever he puts up there will be amazing. Everything he does is amazing,” she smiled.
“Only since you came along,” Jimmy smiled. At Bri’s confused look, he continued. “Don’t get me wrong, Cole has always been talented, whether it was art, or basketball, or football. But since he met you, he’s gone from great to exceptional. I think part of it is that he’s showing off, trying to impress you.” He winked.
“Well, it worked,” Bri replied, shyly.
“But I think the other part of it is that with you, Cole is able to fully be himself. He doesn’t have to hold back, or suppress anything. You don’t expect him to be anything other than who he is, and because of that he can do what he wants to do. Instead of doing what everyone else, myself included, wants.”
Bri was stunned by this new insight into Cole. She hadn’t realized she’d had such an impact on him.
“In fact, I think that’s why he loves you so much.”
“What?” Bri gasped, her head shooting up.
Seeing Bri’s shocked expression, Jimmy smiled.
“Haven’t figured that out yet? Knowing Cole, he hasn’t said anything, either.” He laughed.
Panic flooded Bri, and her face paled. This couldn’t be happening. As Bri’s shocked silence continued, Jimmy started looking uncomfortable.
“Shoot, I’m sorry Bri. I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought you knew. Hell, anyone who sees you two can tell. Please, don’t tell Cole I said anything. He’ll never speak to me again if he knows I told you.”
“But... what if I don’t...,” she stammered. “What if I can’t...” She shook her head. “I don’t want to hurt him,” her eyes finally focused on Jimmy again.
“Bri, it’s okay,” he smiled sympathetically at her. “It’s not like Cole is going to profess his love tonight. He’s still trying to come to terms with this, and what it means for him. You see, when Cole’s mom left he saw how much it affected me, what a mess I became. Because of that, I think he came to see love as something that would only end up hurting him, destroying him. So Cole has kept himself closed off, never allowing himself to get too close or too attached to anyone. Until you. You’ve changed things for him, and he’s still trying to figure everything out. It’s not easy for him, and it’s going to take some time, but he’ll get there. He loves you too much not to.”
Jimmy’s words were meant to reassure her, but they frightened Bri to her core. If Jimmy was right and Cole did love her, she couldn’t return his feelings. She had been wrong to think that they could be together and no one would get hurt. Fear and panic threatened to consume her, but she swallowed it back down.
“Thanks Jimmy,” she forced a smile for him. “How much do I owe you for the oil change?”