Nick swore loudly. He couldn't believe his luck. Well, not so much luck as it was un-luck. He looked at his busted up car and could have cried.
The heat was ridiculous. The damn tow truck hadn't arrived. He was starving. And he had no idea who had smashed his car.
He just hoped it could be fixed. He knew shit all about cars.
About half an hour later a tow truck arrived. The man was chatty, but he really just talked about his day in a slow drawl and Nick wasn't really in the mood to listen. Which wasn't totally unusual. The guy didn't seem to care at all as he jabbered away.
After about fifteen minutes of driving they arrived at a garage where the man talked to another hick.
Nick groaned and got out of the tow truck. He walked over to the group of hicks. "Okay, can someone tell me how long this is gonna take? I have places to be."
The mechanic turned and looked at him. "Well hi there. We don't have the parts for this here car model, so we are gon' have to order 'em in."
"How long will that take?"
"Dunno. Got El on the phone now. Come in and I'll getcha coffe or somethin'."
Nick sighed and followed the hick in.
"'ey Keith, tomorrow we should have the parts."
"Yeah? Sweet El. Well, this here is the man whose car that is."
"Hey man, name's Ellis." He held his hand out.
Nick looked at the grease stained hand and grimaced. "Nick."
Ellis nodded and retracted his offered hand. "'Kay. Nice to meet you Nick."
"How long is this gonna take?"
"Fixin' your car? Well, hell Nick, could get 'er fixed in less than a day. Waitin' on the parts we need? Maybe two days."
"I can't be stuck here to two days."
"Hire a car" said the first hick.
"Keith here has a point" said Ellis. "There is a rental place jus' down-"
"Well, my plans are leaving here so a hire car isn't gonna cut it."
"I can drive you to the train station" Ellis suggested.
Nick groaned. "I am not leaving this… town without my car."
"Suit yourself Nick" said Keith. "There are a few hotels round here. I'd recommend The Vannah."
"Ugh."
"How 'bout Ellis makes you a coffee or somethin'?"
Nick looked at Ellis. "Did you just talk about yourself in third person?"
Ellis shrugged. "Guess I did."
Nick frowned.
"So, you take it black?"
"Yeah. How'd you know?"
"You look like someone who'd take it black."
Keith chuckled. "Hah, that's real funny El."
Nick rolled his eyes. Of course someone with the mentality of a five year old would find that funny.
Ellis let out a lazy guffaw. "Ho man!" he grinned. "Never thought I'd say somethin' that stupid."
Nick raised a brow. "Really? You look like the perfect candidate to say something stupid."
Ellis frowned and looked at Nick. "Sorry, what was that?"
"You heard me."
"Hey, be nice to El!" Keith said, stepping in the way.
"What are you, his boyfriend?" Nick sneered.
Keith blushed. "I ain't no queer. Anyway, I ain't gonna be the one fixin' your car. I am hopin' to be off the next few days so you should be respectin' El."
"Whatever you say Hayseed."
Keith sighed. "Nick, I wouldn't be insultin' the one who's gon' fix your car if I were you."
Nick just looked at him. "I just want the damn thing fixed. I will take it elsewhere if I have-"
"It's all good Keith" said Ellis. "Some people jus' don't respect anybody an' that's jus' how it is."
Keith nodded. "Well, glad it ain't up to me."
"I's all good, I got this Keith" Ellis smiled. "I'll getcha that coffee now Nick."
Nick nodded. He sat down.
Keith shook his head at him and walked inside the staff area.
"Idiots" Nick sighed. He was irritable. More so than usual. Why did someone even have to crash into his car? They could have at least left a note. Nick was sure his insurance wouldn't cover it now. He leaned back in the chair and sulked to himself. It seemed the most logical thing to do.
"Here ya go. Black coffee."
He stood up and walked over to Ellis to get it. "Thanks." He took the cup off Ellis and took a sip. Cheap instant coffee. Great. Tasted like dirt.
Another man, most likely a local walked in, and Ellis went over to greet him.
Keith sighed and sat down. "You can sit down too, y'know."
Nick looked around, noting the only seat next to Keith and sat down next to him anyway. He took another sip from the coffee, trying not to grimace.
Ellis started talking to the man, and they both looked at Nick's car with slight enthusiasm, before talking about his car.
Nick frowned.
"Your cars a nice one. How long have you had it? Keith asked.
"Ages."
Keith nodded. "Listen, can you be nice to El? We ain't lovers none, he is jus' my best buddy, y'know? I'm jus' lookin' out for him. He's a good kid."
Nick nodded, only half paying attention. The coffee was, simply put, the most awful thing he had put in his mouth. Almost.
After about ten minutes of not drinking his coffee, Keith stood up.
"Well, I'm goin'. See you El" Keith stretched.
"Bye Keith. Say hi to your ma an' pa for me."
"Will do." He looked at Nick. "Hope you get a place to stay."
"I'll drive him to The Vannah" said Ellis.
Nick looked at him.
Keith nodded. "Okay. See y'all. Wait, is Dave in tomorrow?"
"Nah, he will be back Monday. He never works Saturday."
"Shit, true. Can I have the day off tomorrow El?"
"No. Cause you will go out an' you promised me that we'd-"
"Fine. I will come in for the morning."
"You better."
"I will."
Nick rolled his eyes. Watching two Hicks argue was now the bane of his existence.
They must have finished their 'argument' because when he made himself listen he realised Keith was gone.
"You want more coffee?" Ellis asked chirpily.
"This shit? No thanks. Don't think that's even considered coffee."
Ellis shrugged. "I don't drink it."
"Figures."
"You bein' a smartass?"
"Probably."
He watched Ellis walk over to the car that the last guy left and he drove it up onto the hoist. "Look Nick" the hick said, getting out of the car. "You wanna go an' do somethin' else? You're lookin' real bored. I can give you a guide to Savannah?"
Nick frowned. "I'll be right thanks." A guide to Savannah. Like, there is gonna be heaps to do here.
Always the pessimist.
"Savannah is awesome" Ellis grinned. "Hell, I will show you round on the way to The Vannah-"
"No thanks."
"You sure?"
"Look, I don't really have the money right now to be wasting on shit hotels."
"The Vannah is real nice though. Ain't shit at all. An' it wouldn't be a waste of money."
"I have to pay for the damages to my car, remember?"
"Well, you don't say" Ellis grinned. "Anyway, it probably won't be as bad as you think."
"Oh yeah?"
"Well, when I got the quotes for parts an' shit and then to get them here, an' I'll get the dints and whatnot and y'know I am sure a hammering' job'd totally fix the bonnet an' I just have to put a new headlight in and all up I'm guessing 'bout three and a half thousand. Give or take."
Nick spat out the last mouthful of dirt. Coffee, sorry. "Shit, what?"
Ellis looked at him. "Well, I have to replace some o' the engine. Y'know, if I were you I'd probably write this off" he chuckled. "But it's pretty much a classic-"
Nick sighed. "I am not writing off my car."
"Why not? Your insurance'd give you a payout. I'd buy your car from you. Do it up an'-"
"My car was worth a lot more than a measly payout, you understand. Doubt you could afford it anyway."
Ellis frowned and chose to ignore his last comment. "Jus' sayin'. I'd take the cash an' buy a new truck."
"Well, Einstein, I don't want a truck."
"Why not? Totally handy and you know, the bed-"
"Don't wanna hear about your sex life Sport."
"Well, I ain't never had sex in the back o' my truck. My buddy Keith an' I went campin' an' he was gon' bring the tent an' he didn't so we jus' slept in the back. Comfy you know." Ellis walked back over to the other car and lifted the hoist up.
Nick walked over and watched him empty the oil. "What are you doing?"
"A service. Don't you know nothin' 'bout cars?" he joked.
"I know how to drive."
"An' crash it" Ellis chuckled.
"If you listened before someone crashed into it. Probably one of your hick friends."
"Nah, my friends are all honest. If we crash into a car we'd let the person know."
"Really?"
"Yeah. People appreciate it. Like this one time Keith was drivin' in the car park at the mall an' he accidentally smashed in the back o' someone's car. So he left a note, and his phone number as you do an' they called him and said that cause he was so honest they'd jus' pay their way to fix it without getting' him involved. I mean, how nice is that?"
"Well, you are in the South."
"Don't mean nothin'. No one likes to have to fork out to fix a car."
"True."
Ellis looked at Nick. "You want me to show you what I do?"
Nick shrugged. "Sure, I got nothing better to do."
"There are heaps o' fun things to do 'round here. You jus' don't wanna do 'em."
I'd do you. Ugh, gross, what was he thinking? He shuddered.
Ellis frowned. "You okay? You don't look so well. How 'bout I get you a coke?"
"Whatever kid."
Ellis walked into the staffroom and returned with a can. "Have it. You're lookin' pale. You wanna go grab food somewhere?"
"You joining?"
"Only if you want me too."
"Yeah, sure."
"Can I finish this first? Be about half an hour, maybe a bit more?"
"Sure, whatever."
Ellis frowned. "Don't really understand you, y'know."
Nick shrugged. "Don't expect you too."
"Anyway, jus' one question" he said, stepping back under the car.
"Shoot."
"Why do you say that'cha too broke to get a hotel an' yet you drive this fancy car? I mean, this is a Ford Thunderbird! She's beautiful too. Bet you have the roof down and cruise downtown-"
"Getting a divorce costs money."
"You were married?"
"Twice. Twice married, twice divorced."
"Jeez. Why get married a second time?"
"Listen, I don't know why I got married a first time. You married? Got kids?"
"Naw. I ain't married. My ma wishes I was since I moved out she's been callin' an' askin' if I got myself a girl. Not yet."
"You want one?"
"I'd like to be happy."
Nick raised a brow. "You think being married will make you happy? Then you're an idiot."
"Hey, you are obviously the problem in your marriages, so why you gettin' mad at me? I am sure I'd be able to keep my partner happy."
Nick scoffed. "Whatever." He shook his head. "Anyway, my problem was the women I chose… all they wanted was money and material shit."
"At least y'all had that in common."
Nick's brows furrowed. "Then what do you look for in someone? You seem to be the expert."
"Hey, hey! I never said shit 'bout bein' an expert none. I jus' think you can tell if someone is the one. Maybe even from the moment you meet 'em."
Nick chuckled. "Well, can you tell me how so I don't fuck it up next time?"
"You jus' know, that's the thing."
"Pfft" he rolled his eyes. "Remind me never to take advice from someone who probably fell in love with their cousin."
"I didn't actually. Don't know none o' my cousins. Don't even know if I got any." He checked the pressure in the tires. "Well, tell me what not to look for in someone" Ellis said.
"Someone who asks you how much money you make. What job you do, if you have a degree. That is just a sign that they expect you to have money. If they ask you to buy them shit all the time, then that is a bad sign. If they ask you when you're gonna propose, run the other way. Also if they sleep around, flirt with other people or something of the like run away."
"Bet that was a warnin' about you."
"Is that what you think?"
"Sure is."
He chuckled. "Well, you read me well."
"So, really, all I have to do is stay away from people like yourself. Seems simple enough."
Nick couldn't help but smirk.
Ellis let the hoist back down and lifted the bonnet. "Well damn…"
"What is it?"
"This is gonna need a good cleanin'."
Nick looked under the bonnet and saw all the dirt. He grimaced.
"They went through a few too many puddles. This ain't from goin' out- never mind."
Nick chuckled. "I guess you can tell I am not much of a car enthusiast."
"Damn straight I can tell. Jeez. You'd think you really don't know nothin' 'bout 'em hey."
"I never said I did."
Ellis chuckled. "Well, I appreciate your honesty."
He checked a few things under that hood that Nick recognized as checking the batteries, filling the coolant, refilling the oil, and water for the wipers and he also cleaned the air filters.
"I never knew there was so much involved" Nick said, slightly astounded.
Ellis chuckled. "Well, Nick, I have to make sure that Mr. Williams' car is gon' be done right good. I can't have a good business of I do a rush job and don't pay good attention to detail. It's super important. And it's also the small things that matter. Like I was under the hood here, and I wash the whole car too."
"For every car?"
"Every car." He walked over to the seat and opened the doors, spraying WD-40 in the hinges. "Gotta keep it consistent" he said, going around to each door. He walked back to the driver's seat and turned the car on. "Gotta give it a wash now."
Nick watched as Ellis washed under the hood of the car with high pressure hose, then the rest of the car.
"Pass that there nozzle."
Nick passed the nozzle to Ellis, frowning slightly. "What-"
"Gotta dry it off under here now." He air cleaned all under the bonnet before going over it with a cloth. "How's it look?"
"A million bucks."
"Glad to hear it." He sprayed a few parts under the hood with WD-40. "Well, that's done. Jus' gotta give it a good clean now." He grabbed a cloth and wiped all the water off the car.
"Jeez Ellis, didn't know that you did all this."
"Well, hell, you used my name" he chuckled. "Uh, what I was gon' say was I been hearin' that a lot o' other places don't do all o' this, but I don't know for sure. I jus' think it's nice that people can come back an' have a like new car waitin' here for 'em."
"I'll agree with that one."
"See, jus' cause the average person don't look under the hood and see this here cleanin' job don't deter me. Makes me proud."
Nick smiled. "Can't fault you. At all."
"What's your checklist for?" the mechanic chuckled.
"Just things I go through when I meet people. It's a habit."
"So Nick, what's your job?"
"Uh, I am currently unemployed."
"An' you have such a nice car? Have you ever worked an honest day in your life?"
"Honest? Nope. Conman. Gambler. Whatever you wanna call it."
Ellis nodded. "Been to university?"
"Started and never finished. You asking these questions for a reason?"
"These might be your most hated question, but these are the sorts of questions that make me figure out a person." Ellis got in the car and reversed it off the hoist into the parking lot. He walked back in whistling.
Nick raised a brow. "What have you found out about me?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"You most certainly ain't trustworthy. You ain't affectionate. You're only a people person when it benefits you. You're a liar, you cheat on your partners and you're lazy."
Nick raised a brow, holding back a chuckle. Not bad rookie. "Yeah? Well, this is what I get from you. You're loud, so damn loud. You never shut up. You like cars. You earn a reasonable income" he snorted to himself. Sure he wouldn't, he was probably a junior.
"'Scuse you, I make jus' fine money."
"Is that your beat up rust bucket out the front?"
"How dare you be all high and mighty and insult my truck. You crashed your car, I ain't never crashed mine before. Well not this one anyway. But that is another story-"
"For fucks sake, someone crashed into me!"
"Is that what they call it now?"
Nick rolled his eyes. "You are insufferable."
Ellis smiled. "Maybe? I jus' consider myself honest."
Nick chuckled. He couldn't help it. "Ellis, you are good value."
"You don't even mean it."
"I think I do. That is what is so scary. Can I bunk at yours?"
"Nah, that jus' ain't professional o' me man."
"I'll pay you."
"Go to The Vannah."
Nick raised a brow.
"Fine, whatever. I can't say no. Dammit."
Nick chuckled. Southern hospitality at its finest, he smirked.
"I jus'… don't want you judgin' how I live."
"I won't. What time is knockoff?"
"Soon as Mr. Williams gets his car."
He nodded.
"You want another coke?"
"Forgot about the last one."
Ellis chuckled. "Did you want it?"
"Nah."
"Bins jus' over there."
"Thanks." Nick walked over and threw the can out.
"Hi Mr. Williams" said Ellis' cheery voice.
Nick walked back over.
"Hey Ellis, how'd she go?"
"Jus' fine" Ellis grinned. "See you when she's ready next."
"No problems." Mr. Williams passed Ellis the money. Ellis (messily) wrote him a receipt. "There you go Sir."
"Thank you." He walked back out.
He looked at Nick. "I jus' gotta do the accounts for the day, lock up an' we'll be on our way."
Nick raised a brow. That seemingly infamous brow. "You can do the accounts?"
"I guess I do look stupid. Course I can Nick." He sighed and started counting the money that was in the til. "Don't you know how to?"
"Never had to know."
"What were you studying?"
"Business."
"Did you like it?"
"No" he scoffed. "Does it look like I liked it?"
"Guess not. So you dropped out to con people? Fuck that's low."
He chuckled. "Wow, when you say 'fuck' its slightly weird."
Ellis rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say Nick."
Nick shrugged. "So, you always get stuck with the accounts?"
"Either me or Dave. Keith ain't allowed cause this one time-"
"I don't really care."
"Then why'd you ask?"
"I just wanted to know if you did the accounts. I don't give a shit if Keith is too dumb to do it."
"Aww man, Keith ain't stupid, y'know. He just does stupid things."
"Whatever you say."
Ellis sighed. "You ain't got much faith in people, do you?"
"Don't really need to."
Ellis nodded. "Fair enough." He finished adding up the numbers and doing whatever the hell else needed to be done and looked up. "Done. Let's go, yeah?"
Nick nodded.
"So Nick, how'd you get such a nice car? I mean, a '65 Ford Thunderbird? An' in such nice condition! Man I am jealous!"
Nick chuckled. "I got it. Before my first marriage."
"How long ago was that?" he asked, locking up the staff room and then the garage itself.
"I'm not keen to say. You will figure out my age."
Ellis chuckled. "Like I care how old you are. I jus' wanna know what year you bought that car."
"About fifteen years ago."
"So you woulda been young, yeah?"
"If you must know I was probably your age. Younger even."
"How old do you think I am?" Ellis smiled.
Nick stopped walking and looked at him. He took in every detail. Well, you are definitely over twenty, but under twenty five."
Ellis raised a brow. "Heh, is that all you're gon' say? Anyone could say that."
"Fine. Twenty three."
"Shit man, how'd you know?"
"You asked."
"That was cool! I'm almost speechless."
"I doubt you have ever been 'speechless' but whatever."
"I was once. I lost my voice in the third grade."
Nick rolled his eyes. "Of course you did."
"I did. True story. Ask Keith."
"I will be right."
"Suit yourself." Ellis unlocked his truck and git in. "I shoulda asked if you needed anythin' out o' your car."
"Nah, I'm all set. Got my wallet and my cell."
"Okay. So, you are how old?"
"Too old. Old enough not to want to be reminded by twenty-something's."
"Jus' tell me Nick."
"Thirty five."
"See, that ain't bad at all. I bet the thirties are the best years o' your life."
"I miss being in my twenties. I didn't feel so out of place."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when I was younger I'd go clubbing, go to bars, pick up women… and now… I feel that I am getting to old."
"You're only as old as you feel."
He had to smile. How was this kid so fucking chipper? "What if I feel fifty?"
"Then that's how old you are" he joked.
Nick chuckled. "Okay."
"But y'know, it's not hard to jus'… well, when you think 'bout it, bein' thirty five can't be that bad. Technically that is the prime o' ya life. Ma always said that people generally get better with age. Maybe I should ask her what she meant. Maybe what she meant was… jus' cause you're getting older don't mean nothing bad. You could jus' be gettin' more mature or hell, more attractive… even gettin' further in life. It could be anythin'."
"Why the hell are you always so happy?"
"What is the point in not bein' happy? Don't make you feel any better. An' bein' a grouch makes you hungry, I swear."
Nick had to laugh. "Really?"
"I think so."
"Okay. Whatever you say Ellis."
"I like it when you call me Ellis, y'know?"
"I'll keep it in mind."
"We'll see."
Nick looked out the passenger window as they travelled away from the garage.
"Um… are you sure you don't wanna stay at The Vannah?"
"Pretty sure."
Ellis sighed. "Okay."
"You really don't want me to stay at yours."
"Guess that was obvious."
Nick felt puzzled. "Why not?"
"Well, you'll see when we get there."
After about ten minutes mote of driving in a sort of awkward silence with Ellis' singing along to the radio every now and again, they arrived at a trailer park.
"You live… here?"
"Yeah. It ain't that bad Nick."
Nick frowned. "Okay."
"I can drop you-"
"It's fine."
Ellis pulled up out the front of one of the nicer looking trailers. He turned off the car. "Well, this here is my place."
"What does your mom think of this place?"
"Well, she lives on the other side o' the park over there so she likes it. I was raised here y'know."
"I see. Now I see why you think The Vannah is actually nice."
Ellis frowned. "What are you sayin'?"
"Nothing."
Ellis sighed and bit his lip. "I really didn't want to bring you back here. But I can't say no to helpin' people out. I knew you'd have nothin' nice to say." He got out of the truck and walked up to the front door. "You are the kinda person with money. You probably had a real nice house or apartment somewhere with all the luxuries. I am happy here, but I can see why you'd wanna judge me for that."
Nick followed him to the door and leaned against it. "Having money doesn't secure you happiness. But it sure helps." He shrugged. "I'm not judging you."
"I don't really believe it. I love livin' here, sure. But if I were to get married an' have kids I would want a house. Y'know? I am sure you understand. You got kids?"
"No."
Ellis nodded, and then continued. "This is why I don't bring… I don't go out with the intent of gettin' someone to sleep with cause I jus' don't wanna bring 'em back here. What if they weren't impressed?"
"Well, that means they aren't the one. The 'one' is someone who doesn't give a shit what your background is. They don't care what your job is or how much you earn. They don't care about all that shallow shit. They love you for your personality, your looks, the way you smile, the way you say certain things. It isn't all about money. And that is the mistake I have been through with my relationships. When you asked me not what to look for, well, I should have told you what to look for. Those are the points that matter, I guess."
Ellis smiled. "Well Nick, seems ya do say nice things. I'm impressed. Is that okay?"
"Course it is."
"But it don't mean I trust you. That's the sort o' shit you probably say to get money out o' people when you con 'em. You aren't trustworthy, but shit you're good with words."
"What if everything I just said was what I meant?"
"What if it was jus' a con?" Ellis shrugged. "Anyway, come in." He unlocked the trailer.
Nick walked into the small trailer. The first thing he noticed was how cluttered it all was. The kitchen sink had a few bowls in it, there were takeaway wrappers on the table as well as some graphic novels. There was some shelves with more graphic novels, a TV with a game console, a closed laptop on the floor. What the hell Ellis? He looked at the kid who seemed to be waiting for him to say something.
When Nick said nothing he quickly chimed in. "In case you're wonderin' it does have a bathroom."
Nick just nodded. He walked down, noting the bathroom on the left hand side, and continued down to the bedroom. He chuckled when he saw the discarded boxers on the floor, and a weeks' worth of washing piled up in the corner. "Well, I can totally see why- that you are single." He looked at the second TV in the bedroom and shook his head. "I bet you are that person who moves the game console from one room to the other."
"So what if I am?" he piped up defensively.
"Well, let me tell you, your place isn't all that bad."
"Thanks Nick. Uh, you can sleep in the bed tonight if you want. I'll take the lounge. It's pretty comfy-"
"It's your house. Just sleep in the bed with me."
Ellis blushed.
"Don't blush. It makes this weird" Nick sighed.
"Sorry. Uh, I'm jus' gon' shower. We'll go out for dinner cause I don't got much food in here."
"Okay."
"You can watch some TV or whatever."
"Thanks kid."
Ellis nodded and walked into the bathroom. Nick still couldn't believe he lived in a trailer. Like, it probably should have been expected, but he thought he would at least have a house. But then this place felt more like a home than the places he had lived in, strangely enough.
He heard the shower running and Ellis start singing. He had no idea what the song was, and he held back laughter.
He walked into the first room and picked the laptop off the floor. God he hated clutter and junk. He set the laptop on the table and opened it. Maybe the kid had some music on it he would listen to. It was locked. Shit. He left the laptop on the table and started washing up the plates, bowls and cutlery that the sink was filled with. Who the hell cleaned up after him? This shit had to have been in here for ages. He shuddered. That was just disgusting. He set them all on the drying rack.
He threw out the takeaway rubbish that seemed to be multiplying everywhere he looked. There was even a burger wrapper hidden between his graphic novels. God this kid was gross.
He looked around and everything just seemed in need of a good clean. He heard the shower being turned off and sat down.
Ellis walked out seconds later with just a towel on wrapped low around his hips.
Nick couldn't help but stare at his body. "Whoa Ellis…"
Ellis looked at him. "You okay Nick? Help yourself to water or coke. In the fridge. I have some sweet tea I made up jus' yesterday if you want some? I think I have some snacks in the cupboard." He walked into the bedroom.
Nick's mind was a little fuzzy. Ellis' body was amazing.
Ellis looked back around. "You wanna shower? I can lend you some clothes."
"You are smaller than me."
"I have sweatpants-"
"I don't even wear jeans. I am not wearing sweatpants."
Ellis shrugged. "Suit yourself. If you wanna you can go over to the coin operated laundry tomorrow an' wash your stuff. No one 'round here'll mind if you're jus' in sweatpants. I'll show you where it is cause I really gotta get my washing done. Been at work all week though."
"How many days do you work?"
"Six."
"Shit, really?"
"Yep. Eight 'til four thirty. It's good though y'know. I love my job."
Nick nodded, eyes only leaving Ellis body to admire his face. "You are really-" shit, where was this going? "-dedicated to your job" he quickly decided on.
Ellis nodded. "I always wanted to be a mechanic. Or jus' work with cars in general. I guess. Don't think I'd be much of a car salesman though." He shrugged, smiling.
Nick nodded. "Well, you can certainly talk and that is a redeeming feature."
"I thought you'd be sick o' me by now. Thought you'd be beggin' me to drop you off at The Vannah.
"I thought you would just kick me out."
"I wouldn't do that. It ain't polite." His cell rang. "Shit." He looked around for his phone. He grabbed it from the pocket of his discarded coveralls. "Oh, it's my ma." He answered it. "Hey ma. … I'm good, how are you? … O'course I'm still comin' over for Sunday dinner." He guffawed loudly. "Ho ma, oh my god! I'mma have to tell you 'bout this sweet car I'mma be workin' on. Its beautiful ma. Jus' gotta get the parts for it and I wanna drive it. … O'course I won't take it without permission." He chuckled. "Okay. … Well, I will see you Sunday night. Lookin' forward to it as always. … Love you ma. … Okay, bye now." He hung up. He smiled at Nick.
"You have my permission to drive my car."
Ellis' jaw dropped. "Really? Oh my god, this is the best day ever!"
"Well, I have to repay you for letting me stay here, so I will also shout you dinner."
"You don't have to."
"I want to, Ellis."
Ellis looked at him. "Y-you sure 'bout that?"
Nick nodded. "Wouldn't offer it if I didn't want to."
Ellis smiled. "Okay. I'll take you up on that. Jus' gotta get changed."
Nick smiled as Ellis turned to walk up to the bedroom.
Damn the hick had some sort of spell on him. Ellis was undeniably attractive.
God no, I am not going to ruin this with stupid feelings. I am just going to stay here tonight, then my car will be fixed tomorrow. And then I will leave.
Nick seemed happy with his plan, until Ellis walked out in a nice pair of jeans and a tight fitting shirt. His hair was starting to dry and get its curl back. "Well, ready to go Nick?" he smiled.
Nick ogled him like a fish for about two seconds, okay, maybe more, before quickly regaining composure. "Ready when you are."
Ellis smiled. "Sweet. So, where'd you wanna eat?"
"Don't really know many places around here."
"Well, there is a real nice steakhouse up the road a bit. No reservations needed either. They always have tables."
"Is this indicating that they are good or bad?"
"They are great!" Ellis beamed.
Nick smiled. "Alright. Let's go."
Nick was definitely not disappointed by the steakhouse. He was impressed. The food was incredible, Ellis was ridiculously attractive and ended up getting them their drinks for free. Nick wasn't sure how cause he had just talked to the girl for like, two seconds.
"What did you say to her?" he asked as they left.
"Oh, you get free drinks if it's your anniversary so I told her it was ours" he smiled.
Nick looked at him weirdly.
"Now, don't get no bad ideas. Dave and Keith do it all the time. I can't remember how long they have been doin' it for now" he chuckled. "Think a couple a years. It's always weird when they take their girlfriends there but oh well. That's their problem."
"Well, good thinking cause you probably saved me over twenty bucks in drinks."
"Well, I guess I just conned 'em, hey? Usually I have to pay for drinks cause I am the third wheel with Keith an' Dave or one o' them and their girlfriends. Always wanted to try that trick though."
Nick couldn't help but smile. "Well, you did well."
"Thanks Nick. By the way I noticed you cleaned my kitchen. Sorry it was such a mess."
"You are gross. But I forgive you."
Ellis chuckled. "Thanks. An' you shouldn't have bothered cleanin' it cause now I feel bad."
"Don't. Take it as a thanks for letting me stay."
"Okay. But I owe ya."
"You think?"
"I think I do."
"You need to understand that I owe you. You don't owe me shit. Here, let me explain."
"Can you explain it inside my house? We are almost there."
"I don't know if a trailer qualifies as a house, but sure."
"God you turn into a dick real quick."
"That rhymed. You turned into a poet real quick."
Ellis pulled up out the front. "Well, whatever you say. It's my house an' I love it."
They got out of the car, Ellis locking it before walking up to the door. He unlocked it and stepped inside. "So, go on."
"Right" said Nick, feeling distracted by the fact that Ellis has chosen to start getting naked (almost) in front of him. He watched as Ellis muscled moved under tan skin.
Ellis looked at him puzzled. "Did you food not agree with you?"
"Wait, what?" he looked at Ellis' face. "I'm feeling great" he admitted. Shit Ellis, I could fuck you. Wait, he had to get those thoughts out of his mind. Get car fixed. Leave Savannah. That was his plan. "Um, you don't owe me anything. You're letting me stay here for the night, you're driving me around, you got my drinks for free, which was nice, and you will be fixing my car."
"Yeah, but that's my job. You paid for my steak and that-"
"As a thanks."
Ellis smiled. "You're gettin' all nice now" he chuckled.
"What? When wasn't I? Is this about the shitty coffee you gave me?"
"Jus' your demeanour."
"Wow, demeanour, that's a big word."
"There we go again. Pickin' on me jus' cause I'm from the South. You can be such an asshole. Well, I'm gon' get some sleep. Night Nick."
"Aren't you gonna clean your teeth?"
Ellis glared at him and walked into the bathroom.
Nick grumbled, realising that he was the one without a toothbrush. There was no way he would go to bed without a nice clean mouth. He walked into the bathroom. "Ellis… I was jus' jokin'."
"I know. You can't say one nice thing without sayin' somethin' rude an' jus' plain insultin' too, right?"
"That is actually pretty accurate."
He rolled his eyes. "I get it."
"Do you have a spare toothbrush I can use?"
"Under the sink."
"Thanks Ellis. I appreciate it."
"Yep. Bet you do." Ellis rinsed his mouth out and left.
Nick frowned. Why did he keep saying stupid shit? Was he that used to being an asshole that he would insult the man who was letting him, a total stranger, into his house- trailer? He sighed. Did he have to fuck up everything? It wasn't like he didn't like Ellis. He did like Ellis. A lot. Ellis was gorgeous, and his personality was just as attractive.
He groaned and let his head rest against the wall. Why did he have to be such an asshole? Could he be nice for one day? Would it hurt him to be nice? Of course it wouldn't!
He brushed his teeth and walked into the bedroom. "Ellis?"
"What?"
"I am sorry. For being such an asshole. You are a great guy and I appreciate everything you have done for me."
"You sure know how to show someone that you appreciate 'em."
"Ellis-"
"I am tired Nick. I will talk to you in the mornin'."
"Okay. Night Ellis." He undressed to his underwear and lay down in the bed next to Ellis. He hope to hell he wouldn't piss him off in the night.
