Chapter 7

The quiet loll of the car eased my bubbling nerves a bit and glancing at Tommy, it had allowed his tiny body to ease into a comfortable sleep. Our drive to breakfast was quiet and comfortable, neither of us feeling the need to fill it with inconsequential topics. I found it rather amusing to have just met someone yet feel completely at ease around them. His charming grin and easy personality was a large contrast to Matt's conniving and devious one.

"We're here." I turned my attention from my thoughts and smiled at Kevin. He truly seemed genuine though, Matt had too in the beginning. I had to remind myself not to get attached. I couldn't afford to get distracted; Tommy was my main concern as was my goal to win the architecture internship. "Have you ever been here before?" I stared at the sign of the restaurant and giggled.

"Yes. I have to say, you definitely know how to pick a child friendly place." He chuckled and collected Tommy from the car.

"You're not a fan of McDonalds?" He asked shaking his head looking incredible amused and adorable. "I don't think we can be friends because I happen to love their burgers."

I shoved his shoulder lightly, "I am a huge fan, and my thighs are proof of that!"

"Is that so?" His steps slowed to a stop and his eyes roamed over my body starting from the top and working his way slowly down the length of my body, only stopping at my legs. His gaze lingered on my thighs and then slowly returned to my face, stopping briefly at the cleavage of my shirt. "I don't see anything wrong." He shrugged and opened the restaurant door.

I blushed and followed behind him. "You're awfully sweet."

"Just truthful. So what do want?" I grinned and recited my order to the man behind the counter. Kevin paid and we found a seat near a heater. Tommy stirred in his seat and began to whimper for food.

"I'm going to feed him while we wait, is that okay?" I asked digging in Tommy's bag for his food.

"Can I? It will give you time to eat your own food."

"What?" I sat dumbfounded and confused. "Why would you want to?"

He shrugged, "Why not? It will help you out." He reached for the small tub of food and uncapped it with ease. I numbly passed him the plastic orange spoon.

"Why do you always answer my questions with your own question?" I asked once our food arrived. I found my hashbrown and took a bite.

"Just do." He answered casually.

I snorted, "I guess I should be thrilled that wasn't a question huh?" His light chuckle sent a tingle through to my fingertips. "So I should probably clarify a few things with you." Kevin turned his head in question. "About Tommy," I continued. He nodded his head in understanding.

"What about him?" He asked. "Are you trying to tell me that Tommy is really yours and you have a boyfriend at home who is likely to kill me for treating you to breakfast, because I recall you telling me there was no boyfriend?" He teased with an amused smirk.

"Not exactly..." I sighed. "I didn't lie. Tommy is really my godson. I just didn't explain my situation clearly enough. You see, Tommy's mother was my best friend. She died about a month ago." I let my voice trail off while I tried to hold the tears at bay. Kevin's hand reached across the table and gently covered mine.

"I'm sorry," His hand squeezed mine softly and I found myself staring at our hands, secretly loving the warmth of his touch.

"Thank you," I whispered. "I found out three weeks ago that I was listed as Tommy's legal guardian."

"So you've taken responsibility to care for him? That's very admirable."

I shrugged, "I couldn't possibly leave him with anyone else."

"It must be difficult to transfer from a young beautiful student to a mother figure."

"Now I'm not beautiful?" I teased earning a generous blush from him. "You're blushing! I don't think I've ever seen a man blush. It's quite funny."

"Don't get used to it. A man shouldn't blush." He grumbled and shoved a gherkin between his lips, sucking on the juices.

"There isn't anything wrong with blushing, it's a natural reaction. So how do you know Dean?" I asked changing the subject.

"We grew up in the same neighbourhood. He's a great guy, you'll love him." He glanced at his watch. "Speaking of Dean, we should get going. He wants to sort us out before the customers start arriving."

"Sure, that's really sweet of him." We gathered our trash and discarded the papers and quickly returned to the car. The drive to the garage was filled with casual chatter about our favourite food and music. I tried not to grin like a mad women at the realisation of just how similar we were. Our taste in music was similar but with enough variety as to add some harmless conflict. His taste in food generally made me feel sick at the thought but, he also happened to share a similar taste in beverages.

I didn't need to wait too long for the car to stop at a run down and dilapidated building. The buildings' doors were hanging on the hinges and looked as though one gush of wind would sweep it away. The paint was chipped and the sign, 'Quick Fixes' hung rusted and missing the letter 'Q' on top of a roof covered in gapping and hazardous holes.

I snuck a glance towards Kevin who was smiling. Once the car had been parked and the engine shutoff, Kevin turned to me with a grimace, "please don't judge the store on first appearances. Dean is a respectable mechanic and so is his business, he just prefers to reach out to the poorer communities as an affordable enterprise."

"This place should be condemned. There is no way I can walk in there with Tommy. Who knows what could happen to him. It doesn't look safe in there." I pointed towards the building where a young sculpted man emerged through the double garage doors. I couldn't tell what he looked like from the large distance between us but it was clear that the only thing white about him was the top of his head which was void of hair, the rest of him was painted in a thick covering of what I could assume was a combination of grease and oil.

Kevin sighed beside me. "Fair enough, I guess I never did factor Tommy into our visit. Why don't you stay here and I'll go talk to Dean?" I nodded and Kevin swung his door open and left. I watched as he approached the greasy bald man and shook his hand before embracing him in a brief hug. Kevin; and the man I assumed was Dean, spoke briefly, Kevin's hands pointing in my direction ever so often. After some time Kevin and Dean approached the car and I quickly exited to meet them.

Dean approached me and extended a gloved hand. I sighed in relief. "I'm Dean Callas. It's nice to meet you." I shook his hand and was surprised at how firm his grip was.

"Tori Carradale," I greeted. "Thank you for helping me out yesterday and today. I really do appreciate all your help."

He smiled and I noticed a deep dimple on his chin. I found it oddly charming and I soon found myself smiling back at him, equally as genuine. His smile softened his hard exterior and made him seem far more approachable. I decided I wanted to see him smile more. "Kevin here is a good friend and I'd do anything for him. It's just an added bonus that you happen to be a beautiful girl." He winked and I giggled in return while I tried to hide my blush creeping up. I heard Kevin snort beside me but I chose to ignore it. If Kevin wasn't going to make a move, than I was going to enjoy some harmless flirting.

"Thanks. It isn't every day a handsome man calls you beautiful." I tried to throw him my flirtiest smile though I wouldn't have been surprised if it looked like a grimace. I wasn't the most skilled with flirting though I was once told that my innocence was my most charming factor. Dean grinned giving me a boost of confidence.

"So about her car..." Kevin interrupted my staring at Dean's dimple and I glanced in his direction. Dean turned his smile towards Kevin and I noticed the dimple shallow out.

"Engine isn't damaged beyond repair which is a good sign." Dean continued to explain the damage to Kevin who listened intently and asked questions where needed. I chose to ignore their car talk and made faces at Tommy through the slightly misted window. He giggled and thrashed around in his seat excitedly.

"Tori," I stopped halfway through crossing my eyes and sticking my tongue out. I sucked my tongue back into my mouth and turned sheepishly towards Kevin. He shook his head in amusement. "Dean says your car is fixed and can be driven home."

"Are you serious? That's great!" I rushed towards Dean and threw my arms around his neck and pushed my body against his. His body stiffened briefly until his large arms wrapped tightly around my waist. "Thank you so much! How much do I owe you?" I asked once we broke apart.

Dean chuckled and rubbed at his neck, "No cost. It's on me."

"No I can't let you do that. There must be something I can do to pay you back?"

He smirked, "How about dinner?"

I blushed, "I can do dinner." He grinned in return.

"We need to get going, can we have the keys?" Kevin snapped and I stared at him in shock.

"Sure." Dean threw him the keys and looked to me sheepishly. "I should get going anyway. I'll call you about dinner; I have your number on file." I nodded and watched him leave. I chose not to question how he had my number and just chose to bask in my own giddiness. I was going on a date with a rather good looking man.

Maybe there was a chance I could be happy without Maggie.

"Let's go." Kevin grunted and I frowned.

"What's got your panties in a twist?"

He glared and continued to storm away in silence.

Sometimes I just don't understand men.