Wings of Love

Wings of Love

Jeanette Skutnik

Chapter 1

Amy Makowski trudged through the ankle-deep snow of the parking lot. Today had been a twelve-hour shift at the grocery store, and she thanked her lucky stars that it was finally over. For the past six months, Amy had worked tons of overtime which did little for her social life. Soon though, she’d have enough money saved to buy the rust-colored Plymouth Duster at the used car lot in town. Granted her walks to work had done wonders for her petite figure, but Amy could live without the sore feet and frozen toes.

Hurrying across the cobblestone path, she marched up the porch steps. Not only was she anxious to get out of the brutal weather, Amy was excited to see her friends. It was a long overdue night out, and she had looked forward to it all week. A strong gust of wind smacked the weathered-wooden swing, which hung on the front porch, against the house and interrupted her daydreaming. By the time Amy reached for the lit doorbell button, her entire body shivered and her teeth were chattering as well. It was a bitter cold December night, but that wasn’t the only reason Amy shook like a leaf.

The door flew open. The lights from inside illuminated a man in his early twenties of medium-build and stature. His black curly hair barely touched the collar of his flannel shirt, and was feathered in the latest style. Immediately, she recognized that smile and those gray eyes. Adam LaPointe had been her brother’s friend for as long as she remembered, and was the main reason for her jitters. The scent of his Old Spice cologne aroused her senses more than she’d care to admit.

Hello, Adam. She shyly peered into the living room noticing the party was already in full swing. Show Me the Way by Peter Frampton played loudly in the crowded room which was decorated with streamers, balloons and a Happy New Year Banner. I’m sorry for being so late.

Better late than never, he stepped aside so she could enter. You should have called me. I could have picked you up. He closed the door before leading her into the living room. Guess who finally decided to show up? Removing her coat, Adam then tossed it onto the couch.

It’s about time! Haven’t you ever heard the old saying? All work and no play? A tall, well-built man rose from an oversized ottoman, towing a beautiful blonde along with him. Amy, I want you to meet Angie Deville. He placed an arm around both of the women. Angie, this is my twin sister, Amy.

Amy noticed that Angie was almost as tall as her brother and built like a brick house. Damn. She sure wasn’t from around here. Hello, Angie.

Joey has told me so much about you. I’m glad that I finally get to meet you. Clinging onto his arm, Angie affectionately smiled at him. You two sure don’t look alike.

And bright, too. That’s because we’re fraternal twins, not identical. Amy smiled back politely at her brother’s new flavor of the week. How did you and Joey meet?

If you two don’t mind, Adam interrupted the conversation. I have to steal Amy away from you for a few minutes.

No problem. Angie waved her hand in the air. We’ve got all night to get acquainted.

And you’ll never guess how we met. Joey laughed, pulling Angie close to his side. I’ll let her tell you the whole story later.

Okay, I’ll talk to you later then. It was nice to meet you, Angie. She called out as Adam whisked her away.

Come on. He held her hand as they walked through the packed room. I have a surprise for you.

Amy rolled her eyes and scoffed, following close behind. The last time you surprised me--, she stopped in mid-sentence.

A perky young woman in a pink sweater and gray Lee jeans stood in the kitchen. Flipping her brown hair, she laughed loudly at the guy who was obviously the center of her attention until she spotted Amy. I thought you’d never show up!!

Janet! It’s so good to see you! She hugged her friend then leaned back to take a second glance. Look at you! You look great! When did you get back in town?

Gee, thanks! I just got home yesterday. Janet handed them each a shot glass. Come on, help me celebrate. I finally graduated with my Bachelors of Fine Arts! Clicking glasses, Janet toasted her accomplishment with her friends. To moving on up!!!

Hey! We can say we knew you before you made it big. Adam chuckled, being the first to down his whiskey.

Yeah, don’t forget about us when you’re rich and famous. Amy glanced over at Adam. Thanks, for the nice surprise.

I can’t take the credit. He confessed, shrugging his shoulders. It was all Janet’s idea. I was just her understudy. His attention was diverted by the doorbell. I’ll be right back.

Sure. Watching Adam until he was out of sight, Amy turned her attention back to Janet who was smirking at her. What?

Are you ever going to quit drooling over him?’ Jokingly, she wiped Amy’s face with a napkin. I see things haven’t changed at all since I been away. Why don’t you just ask him out?"

Are you kidding me? He doesn’t even know I exist. I’m just Joey’s pesky little sister to him. Amy lowered her voice, and admitted her greatest fear. What happens if he says no?

That’s not going to happen. Janet reassured her. I see the way he looks at you.

Yeah, right, Amy wished she could be as confident and outgoing as the young woman standing in front of her. Janet Oakes had been her best friend since grade school, and they’d always made quite the pair. Janet got them into trouble, and Amy figured a way out of it. There was a time though, back in junior high school at a Halloween dance, that Janet had taken the fall for her. She had convinced Amy to share a cigarette in the girls’ bathroom only to get caught by a teacher dressed up as cheerleader. When they got busted, Janet insisted that Amy was innocent. Ever since, Amy knew they’d be friends for life.

Janet glanced at her watch. Damn! I got to go. My boyfriend, Peter, will be here any minute to pick me up. We got another party to go to tonight. She dug in her purse to find an old candy wrapper and a pen. We’re going to have to get together soon. We got a lot of catching up to do. Jotting down her number, she handed it to Amy. Give me a call sometime this week, and we’ll make plans to go to lunch.

Amy shoved the wrapper into her back pocket. Did you really think I forgot your number already? She hugged her friend one more time. "It hasn’t been that long!"

I know. It just seems like forever. Janet admitted. It’s good to be back though. And I can’t wait for us to get together.

Neither can I. Watching her friend make a quick exit, Amy hollered over the music. I’ll call you.

Hungry? A deep voice startled her from behind.

Huh? She turned around to find Adam holding a couple plates.

I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. His plate was piled high with sloppy joes and potato salad. I worked all day then had hockey practice, so I didn’t get a chance to eat yet. Did you?

I had lunch. She heard her stomach rumble as she followed him to a card table set up in the corner of the room. But I did skip my dinner break, so I could leave early.

Then come on and join me for a late night snack. He set both plates down, and pulled a chair out for her. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s good.

Thank you, so much. Sitting down, she shyly looked up at him. While Adam devoured his meal and his guard was down, she studied him closely. She noticed his thick, black eyelashes against his light complexion. When he glanced up his smoky gray eyes enhanced them even more.

What? He smirked.

Nothing. Blushing that he had caught her staring, Amy tossed her crumpled napkin at him to ease her embarrassment.

Still looking at her, Adam opened his mouth twice to speak, but seemed to quickly change his mind. He toyed with his food a little then glanced back up, and cleared his throat. Would you like to go see Rocky or Carrie?

She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. Did she just hear what she thought she heard?

Nervously, he tapped his fork on his paper plate. Or we could see The Outlaw Josey Wales?

I did hear him correctly! For a brief moment, Amy processed his words not quite sure that she could believe her own ears. She certainly had never expected the conversation to take such a turn in her favor. Still in shock, Amy managed to mutter a reply. Any movie would be fine with me.

Great. Then it’s a date. Adam collected the dirty dishes. I’ll get us a beer. Don’t go away. I’ll be right back.

I’ll be right here. She blurted out the first thing that popped in her head. Watching him walk away, Amy finally exhaled. Wow! Pinch me. I must be dreaming.

It took several more minutes for it to register that Adam LaPointe had actually asked her out. She had dreamed of this moment since the sixth grade. Letting herself breathe again, Amy was pleased to have managed to remain calm when in reality she had been as nervous as hell! Feeling victorious, she settled into her chair for the long haul. Amy was prepared to wait here all night for Adam if she had to.

*****

Tossing the dirty plates in the overflowing wastebasket, Adam grabbed the bag out, and replaced it. It figures. Just because I want to spend some time with Amy this needs to be done. Between his work schedule, hockey practice, and games it didn’t leave him much free time. Carrying the trash bag in one hand, and a couple cases of Budweiser under each arm, he hurried out the back door.

Hey! Wait up! Joey shoved his arms into the sleeves of his leather jacket, and chased Adam out the door. Lighting up a smoke, he took a deep drag, and then exhaled slowly. Well chicken shit, did you finally ask her out?

Hell, yeah, he slam dunked the trash into the garbage can, and banged the lid back on. I finally got the cojones to ask her!

Well? Joey smirked as he shoved Adam slightly.

You were right man. He dumped the cases of beer in the coolers which sat in the snow next to the back door. She said yes!

See? I told you. But just remember, dude. Joey took the last drag of his cigarette then crushed it out on the ground with his shoe. That’s my sister you’re messin’ with. Don’t hurt her, or you’ll have to answer to me.

You don’t have to worry about that. Adam pulled a couple beers out of the cooler, passing one to Joey. You have my word. He popped the tab, and took a swig of his beer. Let’s get back inside. It’s friggin’ cold out here. Besides, I told Amy I’d be right back.

Yeah, you wouldn’t want her to get pissed before you even go out on your first date. Joey laughed, holding the door open for him. I better check on Angie, too. I kind of left her in there all alone, and I don’t want anyone making any moves on her.

Did you actually just care about someone else? Adam joked. Better watch it, Joey. You just might ruin your reputation.

Tell anyone, and I’ll deny it. Laughing, Joey paused to check his reflection in the window of the back door. After fixing a few out of place strands of his strawberry-blonde hair, he sauntered off into the crowd. I’ll talk to you later, dude.

Yup, Adam watched as Joey worked his charm on Angie, and then headed back into the living room. The furniture had been pushed aside and the throw rugs had been rolled up. The lights were dimmed, and music filled the room while couples boogied on the newly-made dance floor. Sitting the cans of ice cold beer down on the stereo speaker, Adam snuck up behind Amy and placed his hands over her eyes. "Guess who?’

Adam! She jumped, and looked at him startled. Your hands are freezing!

Cold hands, warm heart. He smiled down at her. Fanny (Be Tender with My Love) by the Bee Gees played invitingly in the background. Would you like to dance?

Sure. Placing her hand in his, Amy let him lead her onto the dance floor. This is one of my favorite songs. Her soft amber eyes glanced up at him timidly.

Really? He’d known Amy for many years, but this was the first time he had been this close to her. Hesitantly, he placed his hands on her hips as they glided across the floor. He was reassured when she nestled her head into his shoulder. The smell of her hair mixed with her perfume intoxicated his senses. Swaying back and forth to the music, he softly whispered in her ear. Only a few minutes until midnight.

I know, she whispered back, another year, come and gone.

The warmth of her breath on his neck sent shivers down his spine. He pulled her even closer as they moved in perfect rhythm to the music. The slow song ended and Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry came on next.

Hey! It’s almost midnight. Joey interrupted, holding a box of New Year’s decorations. Handing them each a hat and horn, he disappeared into the crowd.

I better get the champagne ready. Adam placed a black and silver top hat on his head then guided Amy over to a makeshift bar. Handing her some plastic champagne glasses, he noticed how cute she looked in her glittery tiara. Do you want to help?

Sure. After toppling the cups over a couple times, she finally managed to stack them in a pyramid. Success!! As Amy smiled up at him the glitter from the tiara shimmered upon her face.

Just in a nick of time, he popped the cork off the first champagne bottle. Pouring it into the top glass, he continued until the rest were full and all the bottles were empty. Adam handed her a glass, and wrapped his arm around Amy’s waist just as the countdown began.

Ten-nine-eight-seven-six-five-four-three-two-one!! Everyone chanted, as Auld Lang Syne played, almost inaudible from the noisemakers and horns that rang in the New Year.

Happy New Year, Adam, Amy raised her glass.

Happy New Year, holding her in his arms, Adam gave Amy her first kiss of 1977.

If the way she kissed him back was any indication, it was going to be a very happy new year indeed.

*****

Amy fluffed her pillows as she tossed and turned from side to side. Snuggling under the granny square afghan her great-grandmother had crocheted, she stared dreamily at the ceiling unable to fall asleep. Not that she really wanted to. Adam had dropped her off well over an hour ago. Lying here, she recalled every single detail of the evening. Amy touched her lips which were still tender from his kisses, wondering if she was going to wake up and find it had all been a dream. Many nights, she had lain in bed imagining being in Adam’s arms. Tonight, her dreams had become reality. Smiling, she closed her eyes, anxious to see where her dreams would take her tonight. A sharp knock on the door interrupted her train of thought.

Are you still awake? Joey whispered in the darkness.

Yeah, she sat up, clutching her afghan. What’s up?

Just checking to see if you had a good time tonight. He sat down at the foot of her bed.

Yes. She hugged her pillow to her chest. I had the best night ever!

I kind of got that impression when I saw you with Adam. He laughed. I heard he finally asked you out.

Yes, Adam did. She felt her heart do a somersault at the mention of his name. How did you know?

Words out on the street, he teased. So, what did you think of Angie?

She seems nice. She gave him her typical reply. I never did get to hear how the two of you met.

It was after one of my hockey games, and I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since. He staggered to the door, holding his hand over his heart. I think I’m in love.

Joey, you’re always in love. She tossed her pillow at him. Like every other week.

This is different though. He paused at the door. I swear.

Good night, Joey. She caught the pillow that he threw back at her. You can tell me all about it tomorrow.

All I’m going to say is we met by accident. And I’ll let her tell you the rest the next time you see her. He teased as he left the room.

I can hardly wait, she yawned, and rolled over for the last time tonight. The suspense is killing me.

Sweet dreams. Joey’s voice echoed as he disappeared down the hallway.

Drifting off to sleep, Amy savored each and every moment she had spent with Adam. Being held in his arms and kissed by his lips, made Amy long even more for what she had been missing. Tonight, Amy dreamed her sweetest dreams yet.

*****

Checking the clock on the kitchen wall, Adam saw it was nearly four in the morning. He had dropped Amy off a little while ago. Unable to sleep, he decided to finish cleaning up the mess from the party before calling it a night. Turning off the kitchen light, he headed up the stairs escorted by the familiar sound of each creaky step.

He fumbled for the light chain in the darkness, and finally found it. Staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he brushed his teeth while pondering the events of tonight. The scent of Amy’s perfume still lingered on his shirt. It’s funny how he had never noticed it before. She had always tagged along with him and Joey, but tonight had been different. Tonight, she let him hold her in his arms, and he had to admit he liked that far better.

He shut the light, and walked down the hall to his bedroom unbuttoning his shirt along the way. Tossing it on the floor, Adam slid out of his jeans, and crawled into bed. He pulled the comforter up to his chin, reached over to the nightstand, and turned on the clock radio. I actually have a date with Amy. Who would have ever thought? Clasping his hands behind his head, he stared up at the ceiling listening to December 1963 (Oh What A Night) by the Four Seasons before drifting off to sleep. Adam had kissed many women before, but never had one left him feeling the way Amy did tonight.

Chapter 2

Amy yawned, stretching her arms up above her head. She dreaded the thought of getting out of her warm, cozy bed. Looking at the clock radio, she saw it was 6:21a.m. It’s time to get up and make the donuts. Kicking off the covers, she jumped out of bed. She put on her slippers, and shuffled down to the kitchen. Filling the coffee pot with water, she added the fresh grounds, and clicked the button on. The aroma woke up her senses as soon as it started brewing. Scanning the cupboard, she found a box of Frosted Flakes then reached in the refrigerator to discover an almost empty carton of milk. Worried about her mom, Amy decided to give her a quick call. She dialed the phone, and grabbed a bowl out of the cupboard.

Morning, Mom, she poured some cereal into the bowl. How are you feeling today?

Much better, her mother answered, still sounding a little congested. At least, I felt like getting out of bed this morning.

That’s good to hear. Amy sat down, and added milk to her cereal. Do you need me to pick anything up for you? I could drop it off on my lunch break.

Some Mrs. Grass soup would sure hit the spot. Her mother sneezed a couple times. But only if you bring it after work. I don’t want you skipping your lunch on my account.

Okay, Mom. Amy knew better than to argue the point that it really was no trouble. I’ll see you around five-thirty.

Okay, honey. Dress warm. I heard the temperature is supposed to drop into the single digits today. A couple more sneezes could be heard as her mom hung up the phone.

While Amy finished her breakfast she browsed through the morning newspaper. Checking the movie section, she saw Rocky was showing at the Freiburg Theater this weekend. It would be the first time her and Adam had ever gone out alone. Usually, they hung out together as a group. Placing her empty bowl in the sink, she poured herself the last of the coffee. She stared out the frosty window at the winter wonderland. I am not looking forward to my walk to work this morning. With her coffee mug in hand, Amy climbed the stairs to prepare for another day at the grocery store, and all the customers that came along with it.

Amy flew down the stairs, threw on her rust-quilted coat and grabbed her lunch off the counter. I better get my ass moving or I’m going to be late. Before heading out the door, she made sure it was locked. Joey had left a few minutes ago for hockey practice, and she’d doubted if he would be home before her. He had bought this tiny two-bedroom bungalow almost two years ago to the day. At first, Amy had only stayed here to keep an eye on the place while he was out-of-town. But eventually, she ended up moving in permanently. Now, it seemed like Amy was here more than he was.

Walking down the street, she heard the crunch of the snow underneath her boots. Rabbits tracks, which were imprinted upon the glistening snow, were proof she was not the only one up this early. The rumbling of a car engine broke the tranquility of the peaceful morning.

Need a lift? A deep voice was heard from a partially rolled down window of a black Chevy Camaro. Reaching across the front seat, he opened the passenger door. Hop in. It’s cold out there.

Good morning, Bob. She slid into the warm car. Aren’t you supposed to be at hockey practice?

I’m heading there right now. The coach already knows I’m going to be late. He revved the engine before pulling away from the curb. I just got back from Traverse City. I was helping out at a sled hockey camp for disabled kids this weekend.

When did you start doing that? She was surprised that he would spend New Year’s Eve with a bunch of kids.

It’s part of my community service for my probation. Leaning over, he changed the radio station to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee. It’s that, or I get kicked off the team, and go to jail.

You sure don’t want that to happen. She agreed, knowing he lived and breathed hockey as much as Joey and Adam did. Besides, the last thing she wanted to see was him ending up on the wrong side of the law.

How’d the party go? He turned the heater up on high, and changed the subject.

It was fun. Too bad you missed it. She rubbed her hands together in front of the vent. Janet is back home.

Really? Bob looked shocked. How is she doing?

Great. She shrugged her shoulders. She earned her Bachelor’s degree.

Good for her. He nodded before glancing over at Amy. Hey, what are you doing this weekend? How about you and me go to the auto show?

I have to work Friday, and I already have plans for Saturday. Looking straight into his light blue eyes, she saw them flash from hopeful to disappointed. Sorry.

No problem. I’ll find someone else to go. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. I just thought it might be cool for the two of us to hang out. Staring straight ahead, he concentrated on the road. We haven’t done that in a long time. How come? Did I do something wrong, Amy?

No. It’s nothing like that. I haven’t hung out with anyone lately. She felt terrible that he thought it was his fault. Even though Bob had quite the reputation for being a bad ass and getting into trouble, he had always been a loyal friend to her. Whenever she needed one, he’d drop everything to be there for her. I’ve just been working. A lot.

Sure, I understand. You’d much rather work than hang out with me. He winked at her, and laughed. I’ll take a rain check.

The only sound for the rest of the ride was the radio that taunted her with the song, Give a Little Bit by Supertramp. Pulling into the parking lot of the Spencer Grocery Store, he did a couple donuts in the freshly fallen snow. She laughed along with Bob, missing times like these that they used to share together. Driving up to the entrance, he let the car idle, and waited for her to get out.

Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it. After stepping out of the car, she leaned back inside. We’ll hang out another time. I pinky promise.

Okay. I’ll hold you to that. He held up his pinky finger. See you around, Amy. He pulled away the second she shut the door.

Thanks again for the ride. Amy waved, watching him swerve around doing a few more donuts for her amusement.

Hurrying across the parking lot, Amy thought about all the times she had been there for Bob, and vice versa. He was right though, they hadn’t hung out in quite awhile. She definitely needed to make a point of doing something with him soon.

*****

Adam pulled into the corner service station in town with three minutes to spare. He started working there at the age of fifteen, and had never been late once. It was just his luck, this morning his clock radio had decided not to wake him up on time. Fortunately, his inner body clock had not pulled the same trick on him. Running through the parking lot, Adam placed his cap on his head. He rushed through the doors just as the clock on the wall struck seven, and the telephone began to ring.

Good morning. Harper Shell. How may I help you? He answered the black rotary phone that hung beneath the clock. Tuesday? For an oil change? Let me check. Flipping through the calendar, Adam looked for an opening. Is two o’ clock okay? Good. I’ll pencil you in. Yup. Have a great day. He jotted down the customer’s name, hung up the phone, and then hurried into the garage. Morning, Mr. Harper.

Happy New Year. A voice muttered under the hood of a Chevy pickup truck. How’d your party go?

Great. Adam rubbed his temples. And I have the hangover to prove it.

Aww, do we have a little headache? A stout, middle-aged man with glasses and graying hair found the air wrench. Purposely, he used it to be extra noisy. You want to be a man at night; you got to be a man in the morning.

Shut the hell up, laughed Adam. What did you and the wife end up doing to celebrate?

Hell, we just celebrated the fact that the grandkids passed out before midnight. Mr. Harper disappeared back under the hood. You can rotate the tires on that Dodge over there.

I’m right on it, boss. He immediately hoisted the car up. Taking the lug nuts off, Adam proceeded to toss them into the hub cap. Do you want me to work on that Ford with the flywheel problem when I’m done?

Sure. Mr. Harper was busy writing up the work order on the truck he had just finished. I need you to lock up tonight, too. The old lady made me a doctor’s appointment for a checkup this afternoon.

No problem. Completing the tire rotation, he let the hoist back down.

Ding. Ding, echoed inside the garage, informing Adam that there was a customer at the gas pumps. Walking outside, he spotted his roommate’s black Camaro.

Back already? It seems like you just left. He teased his friend. Do you need a fill up?

Yeah, you can also check the oil for being such a smartass. Shutting the engine, Bob left Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen blaring. Check out the new eight-track system I had put in yesterday.

Sounds great. Opening the hood, Adam cleaned the dip stick, and checked the oil. He slammed the hood shut, approached the driver’s window, and leaned inside. Are you going up to Doogles Friday?

I’m planning on going to the auto show, but maybe I’ll stop up there afterwards. Bob glanced in the rearview mirror. Who’s the hot chick behind me?

I think her name is Crystal. I’ve seen her up at Denny’s before. Removing the nozzle, he placed the gas cap back on. That will be $9.45.

Keep the change. Bob snapped a crisp ten-dollar bill in front of him. I’ll see you at the house later.

Take it easy. He tapped the trunk of the Camaro and then watched Bob drive away while the next customer pulled up. Morning, Crystal.

Good morning. Five-dollar worth, please, she handed him the money just as the sound of squealing tires could be heard. Isn’t that Bob Prusinski from the Motor City Blades?

The one, and only, Adam wished he had a quarter for every time a woman had asked him that. Whistling, he waited for the pump to stop at the set price. Are you still working up at Denny’s?

Yeah, I’m still there. She admitted, and then added hopefully. But I have an interview at the hospital in an hour.

Good luck on that. He finished washing her windshield. Well, you have a nice day, Crystal.

Thanks. She pulled away, but not without running over the cement curb first. A loud pop was heard, followed by a hissing sound. Oh, no, she leaned back in the seat, and shook her head. I cannot believe this. What am I going to do now?

I can fix your tire. He offered, seeing that she was almost in tears. But it could take a while.

Are you all right? A voice questioned from the car next in line.

Her car will be. Adam noticed it was Joey’s new girlfriend. But she needs to be at an interview soon. I would drive her myself, but my boss is leaving, and I’m the only one here today.

Where’s your interview? Angie slammed the car door, and walked toward them.

It’s in Freiburg at the hospital. Crystal checked her watch. It looks like I’m going to miss it though.

Actually, you’re in luck. Angie smiled at both of them. I’m on my way there right now.

You got to be kidding me? Adam couldn’t believe the solution to the problem had been solved so easily. What are the odds on that?

I guess they are in her favor today. Angie motioned to Crystal. Come on. As soon as I get my gas we’ll be on our way.

That would be great. Crystal exhaled a sigh of relief, and grabbed her purse out of the car. Thank you so much. I really need this job. She handed Adam her car keys. Let me know when it’s done, and I’ll pick it up later.

I’ll have it done by four. While filling the gas tank, he listened to the two women gab as if they had known each other for years. I’ll see you later Crystal, and thanks for coming to the rescue, Angie.

Bye. Both women waved as they pulled around the other car.

Say hi to Joey. Hearing his stomach growl, he figured now would be as good a time as any to take his lunch break. He pulled Crystal’s car into the garage, determined to fix the tire right after lunch with the long list of other repairs scheduled for the afternoon.

Managing to finish up all the work orders for the day, Adam balanced the cash register and locked the profits in the safe. He turned the sign from open to close, and was just about to call it a day when the telephone startled him.

Aww, man. He battled with himself whether, or not to answer it. His good conscious won out. Harper Shell. How may I help you? Listening intently to the person on the other end, he shut the lights off inside and out. We’re closed so we wouldn’t be able to look at it until tomorrow. Adam fumbled in the dark for a pen and paper to write down the directions the customer was giving him. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. You’re welcome. Okay. Bye.

Grabbing the tow truck keys off the hook, Adam locked the station up for the night. He climbed into the cab of the truck, and started the ignition. Immediately, The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy broke the silence