I could barely see Paisley hidden behind the front seat, but Hayden smiled and waved at me. I smiled back and tapped the car as I walked back up to the house. On the porch, I turned around and watched them pull away. It was the first time Paisley was going to be away from me since the night of Claire’s accident. I told myself it was only for a day and that I would see her after camp. Four o’clock.
Things hadn’t been easy over the past week, but it was worth it. I knew Paisley’s attitude was just her way of dealing with everything. Her entire life changed in one night. It only made sense that it would take her some time to adjust. At least three times a day, I reminded myself to be patient. Even though she didn’t know it, she needed me. And I was beginning to think I needed her, too.
I walked into the kitchen and checked the time on the oven. Seven thirty. I was due at work in a half hour. I poured a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. It would only take about twenty minutes to get to Phoenix if I drove fast, but I knew I should leave soon. Being late on my first day wouldn’t look good. Still, I waited until my coffee was gone before I grabbed my keys and walked outside.
***
It took me exactly twenty-two minutes to drive from my house to Ray Yates’ Motorcycles in Phoenix. When I pulled into the parking lot, I wasn’t sure where to park. I drove my bike around to the back of the lot and found an empty space. Taking my time, I unhooked my helmet and turned the bike off. I was in no hurry to get inside that building.
As I climbed off my bike, I looked up at the three-story building in front of me. I hadn’t seen it in years. It seemed different, bigger almost. Me and my bike both felt small by comparison. I sighed and stuffed my hands in my pockets. This was the last place on Earth I wanted to be.
Forcing myself to move, I walked around to the front of the building. My pace was slow, slower than it needed to be. I dragged my feet and tried to think of a good reason to bail on the whole idea. What I wanted, more than anything, was to climb back on my bike and hit the highway. I wanted to drive until I made it back home. I wanted to sit on my couch and not think for a while. I wanted to pick up a shift at the repair shop where I was comfortable and where I could be myself. Then, after work, I wanted to pick Paisley up from camp and ask her about her day.
Instead, I walked up to the front doors of Ray Yates’ Motorcycles and stopped. There were a few customers inside, but not many. I could see employees moving around, adjusting displays and talking amongst themselves. The show room looked nice, but I was unimpressed. I knew the show room here was miniscule compared to their other locations. This building was the corporate office. The real action took place on the top two floors, where my father and brother worked.
I took a deep breath and pulled the glass doors open. Stepping inside, I felt a rush of cold air. A wave of leather cleaner accosted my nose, and I grimaced. Thankfully, no one was around to see it.
“Good morning, sir!” one of the employees called out. He hurried over to me. “What can I help you with today?”
“Nothing,” I said shortly. I stepped around him and walked deeper into the showroom. My eyes roamed freely over the bikes as I moved.
“Are you looking for something in particular?” the employee asked. “A new bike or customization options?”
“No,” I said. I could feel his frustration growing, but I didn’t bother to stop and explain myself. I wove a path through the bikes until I reached the back hallway.
“Sir, that area is for employees only,” the guy said. I didn’t realize he’d followed me over until I heard his voice.
“That’s okay,” I said. “I don’t think they’ll mind.”
I walked over to the elevators and pressed the button. Standing back, I waited for the doors to open. Beside me, the same disgruntled employee was looking around for help.
“Relax,” I said. “I’m related to the boss.”
“The boss?” he asked. “Mr. Yates?”
“That’s the one,” I said.
“Oh.” He took a giant step backward and laughed awkwardly. “Sorry about that.”
I didn’t say anything, but he turned around and went back to the showroom. I watched him go, wishing I could go with him. Spending the day downstairs in the showroom was much more appealing than seeing my father again.
The elevator light came on and the doors pulled apart slowly. A woman about my age stepped off and extended her hand to me. She smiled brightly.
“Sean,” she said, her dark green eyes taking in my appearance. I wondered if I should have dressed better. “It’s so nice to meet you, finally. I’m Tara. Tara Isaac.”
“Oh,” I said. I shook her hand. “The woman I spoke with.”
“Yes,” she nodded. “Come on up. We have some exciting things to discuss.”
I stepped onto the elevator with her. I didn’t feel any excitement. I only felt a strong sense of dread. Tara stood slightly in front of me while the elevator doors closed. Her long blonde hair fell in ringlets down her back. I shuffled my feet and cleared my throat.
“Well,” she said, turning around to face me. “I think you’re going to be pretty thrilled when you see what we have planned. We’re all just so happy to have you here. I can’t tell you what this will mean for the company. Your image is exactly what we’re looking for.”
“My image?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said. “Your authentic, biker look. It’s perfect. The customers will eat it up.”
“It’s not a look,” I said. “It’s just me.”
“Which is exactly what makes it perfect.” Tara’s smiled was forced, but she held it in place while she spoke. I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded and stared at her. She looked back, clearly waiting for me to speak.
“I’m sure it’ll be great,” I said. I did my best to keep my voice level and professional, but the sarcasm seeped in without my permission. Tara’s smile faltered slightly.
“It will be,” she insisted. “We’re going to meet with your father first. That way we can make sure we’re all on the same page. How does that sound?”
I grimaced at her as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. We were on the third floor. My father’s office was just a few feet away. In that moment, a grimace was the best I could do.
“Swell,” I said. “Sounds just swell.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Tara
The elevator doors couldn’t open fast enough. From everything Ray said, I knew Sean was going to be difficult. After being hung up on twice already, I was prepared for a little attitude from him. I expected him to be surly and moody. After all, a broody nature was part of the look we wanted to sell, but I never thought he would be flat out rude.