Just Kids With Dreams
Warning Love Scene
The bell above the door of West End Classics rang and ushered in a man with a wide-brimmed hat and a toothy grin, exuding an air of southern swagger. This was no ordinary customer. He was a local magnate, known for his sharp business acumen and his love for classic cars.
"Good morning," he greeted Dani, the shop's no-nonsense service coordinator, his voice deep and resonant. "Dalton Prescott, I'm here to drop off my '74 Firebird. I made a reservation a few days ago."
"Of course, Mr. Prescott. Allan will be right with you," Dani replied then picked up the phone to call for the foreman.
Allan, feeling a surge of both excitement and pressure, emerged from his office and approached the front desk. He knew this was a big deal. A satisfied customer like Mr. Prescott could mean a flood of new business, but a dissatisfied one could tarnish the shop's reputation.
"Mr. Prescott, it's a pleasure to meet you," Allan said, extending his hand.
"I hear you boys know your way around a classic," Mr. Prescott drawled.
"Absolutely, sir, your Firebird will be in good hands. I've assigned one of our best mechanics to take a look at it."
Mr. Prescott nodded, his eyes scanning the sleek front office. "Good. I expect nothing but the best for my favourite car," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"Well why don't you bring it around the back and we'll get started." Allan passed through the door that led out to the shop to open the bay door and stopped to brief Jason as he passed. "Cross, the Firebird we talked about is here, this is a big one. The boss is counting on a good impression for this customer."
Jason shrugged and raised his hands in surrender. "You're the people person, Allan, I just do the work."
The bay door creaked open and the Firebird rumbled in, the engine coughing and sputtering. Immediately, Jason heard a few different problems, but he wouldn't know for sure until he popped the hood.
As they approached the Firebird, Mr. Prescott eyed Jason with a skeptical look. "This kid's gonna be doin' the work?" he asked, his tone implying doubt.
"Of course, Jason is one of our senior mechanics here," Allan said with confidence, turning to Jason who was standing squarely and unimpressed. He knew Jason was a well mannered guy, but there was something about his slightly offended expression that made Allan afraid of what might come out of his mouth.
"Now, I mean no offence here, Allan, but I was expecting you had some more experienced mechanics here. Someone who knows these old machines inside and out," Mr. Prescott replied, glancing at Jason again with uncertainty.
Jason, unfazed, crossed his arms. He'd heard this before and he was tired of being underestimated. "What do you want me to fix first, the blown head gasket or the timing chain?"
Mr. Prescott turned to Jason with a raised eyebrow. He hadn't expected such a confident, almost cocky, response. But Jason's certainty was undeniable. Allan held his breath, almost regretting his decision to put Jason on this one. These mechanics could be wild cards sometimes, but he was confident in their knowledge and skills.
They popped the hood, and Jason took a good look, leaning close to the block to hear the symphony of sounds and what they could tell him. He closed his eyes and thought about something Kelsi had taught him, to shut out everything around him and focus his senses. She used it for music, tuning in on the sound to be able to hear perfect pitch, so why couldn't he use it for cars? He held his breath, cutting out even that steady sound, and listened closely until at last, he heard it. "There you are," he whispered with a satisfied smile, the faint click of an off timing chain doing just enough to upset the engine.
"Yep, sounds like the chain is off, wrecking the firing that probably caused the damage to the head gaskets. I see a small crack so there could be a warped head too. I'll start there and follow the trail for anything else that might have been affected, but you might be looking at a total engine rebuild if the warp is serious enough." He bent to look under the car, shining his pocket flashlight at the undercarriage for good measure. "That hole in the muffler isn't going to help the sound either, but looks like we can weld that instead of replacing it."
"You know your stuff, kid," Mr. Prescott admitted, a new respect entering his voice.
Jason just shrugged. "Been doing this a little while."
Mr. Prescott was visibly impressed and turned to Allan. "Alright, you got my attention. Fix 'er up, cost is no concern."
Allan dismissed Jason and went over the particulars with Mr. Prescott as they walked back to the office, guaranteeing they would have the work done as soon as possible.
Jason returned to the '67 Mustang he was working on, a frown creasing his brow. The Firebird job had stirred something in him - a mix of pride and frustration. He was happy to do the work, but the owner's initial doubt had stung. Though he couldn't help feeling the satisfaction of a challenge met. It was always the same – underestimated because of his age, dismissed as a kid who couldn't possibly know anything about these old machines. But every time, he proved them wrong. This time, though, was different. This was a chance to not just fix a car, but to help build the shop's reputation. He took a deep breath and watched the owner leave, catching the confident nod from Allan as he passed.
"Work order should be ready for the Firebird soon, Cross," he called out, "come get it when you're done on that Mustang."
After buttoning up the now purring Mustang and rolling it out of the shop, Jason headed to the front office. Dani was sitting at her desk, fingers flying across the keys as she ripped through her daily tasks to keep the shop in line.
"Hey, Dani," he began, "You got the work order for the—"
Before he could finish, she passed the order to him on a clipboard.
"How soon can you get—"
"Second page," she mumbled before taking a sip of her coffee, not even turning her head.
Jason flipped the page to see the parts list, already stamped "ORDERED" and glaring back at him. He couldn't help but chuckle at her efficiency. "You're one in a million, Dani," he said with a smile.
"And I get paid too," she said with a shrug.
"Well, while you're at it, maybe you could book me a dinner reservation for my one-year anniversary with Kelsi this weekend?"
Dani looked over her shoulder, a teasing smirk on her lips. "I charge extra for miracles, Jason. Better figure that one out on your own."
The phone rang, startling Kelsi from her yoga session. She glanced at the caller ID – Ryan. A warm smile spread across her face. She picked up, "Hey, Ryan!"
"Hey, Kelsi! How's my favourite composer?" Ryan's voice, filled with his newfound New York City energy, echoed through the receiver.
"I'm doing good, thanks! How's life in the Big Apple?"
"Busy, as always. But good. I'm loving my job at the studio. Got a bunch of talented kids under my wing. Although, I'm trying to land a choreographer position for this off-Broadway show. It's a modern dance piece, really experimental stuff. I'm so excited about it!"
Kelsi listened intently, her mind wandering back to her own dreams of performing. "That's amazing, Ryan! I can't wait to see what you do with it. Remember those late nights we spent at Juilliard, dreaming of Broadway?"
"Yeah, it's all I've ever wanted, just gotta put in the work to get there."
"How's Tammy?"
"Tammy's been doing great too," Ryan answered. "Hey, Tam, Kelsi's on the phone!"
A moment later, that familiar British voice chimed in from the background, "Hey, Kelsi! How are you, love?"
"Hey, Tammy! It's so good to hear from you. What have you been up to?"
"Oh, you know, the usual bullocks of trying to adjust to America. Juggling a few costume design gigs or working in the background in the sewing department. Just did a small off-Broadway show and now I'm working on a really weird commercial. It's slow going, but I'm building my portfolio and getting my name out there."
Kelsi smiled. "That's awesome, Tammy. I'm sure you're doing great!"
They chatted for a while, catching up on old times and new adventures. Kelsi told Ryan about her part-time job at the music store, and how anxious she was getting to start her teaching job at East High that fall.
"That's awesome, Kelsi! You're really making a difference for those kids, and you're going to do awesome work at East High. They're lucky to have you back."
Even with Ryan's enthusiastic support, a pang of doubt crept into Kelsi's heart. She thought about her dreams of Broadway, of performing in those grand theatres. She and Ryan had both dreamed of making it big after Juilliard, but life had taken a different turn for her. "I know," she said, her voice a bit quieter. "I just… sometimes I wonder if I should've tried harder, you know? Maybe I could have been a big shot composer."
Ryan chuckled. "You know, Kelsi, sometimes the biggest stage is right in your own backyard. You're inspiring young minds, sharing your passion. That could change a kid's life."
Kelsi smiled. She thought about her students, their eager faces, their growing love for music, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. She realized that while she had once dreamed of the bright lights of Broadway, she had found a different kind of fulfillment in her quiet corner of the world. She was shaping young minds, igniting a passion for music in her students. It was a rewarding experience that brought her immense joy. And she was doing it all while living a happy, fulfilling life with the man she loved. "You're right, Ryan," she said. "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."
And as she thought about Jason, her heart swelled with love. He was her rock, her constant support. Together, they were building a beautiful life in Albuquerque. They had their own little world, filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities.
Finally she bid good night and good luck to Ryan and hung up the phone, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She was grateful for her past, for the dreams and aspirations that had shaped her. But she was even more grateful for her present, for the life she had, for the love she had found.
The familiar hum of the engine filled the car as Jason drove home, lost in thought. The past year had flown by with Kelsi, a year of shared laughter, love, and dreams. He wanted to do something special, something that would capture the essence of their relationship. Just dinner seemed too ordinary, not enough to celebrate the incredible year they'd shared.
Then, a memory surfaced – one of their first dates through Old Town. The hum of the historical district that had accompanied their conversation back then could once again be the backdrop for another magical night for them. That was it. He'd take her to dinner, recreate that magic of their walk past San Felipe de Neri, and then...and then he'd ask her. The question had been burning on his lips for months. He'd imagined the moment countless times, the surprise, the tears, the "yes" he longed to hear. He wanted to celebrate their journey, to reminisce about the past and dream about the future. This plan had to be perfect.
As he turned into his neighbourhood, the sight of the community garden brought another idea to his mind. If he was planning to ask her that special question, he might as well start off with asking her properly to go out with him. He parked the Jeep and hopped out, strolling quickly past the variety of seasonal plants and flowers. Unsure of what half of them even were, he decided to keep it simple and found a vibrant red rose. He pulled his work knife from his pocket and cut low on the stem where he could see other roses had been cut off already, trimming off the thorns as he walked back through the lush garden. It would have felt like stealing if he hadn't helped haul dirt here earlier in the spring, but fortunately he had done his part and could share the rewards like the rest of the neighbourhood.
Hopping back in the Jeep, he hurried to park in the driveway. Once through the door, he was greeted by the welcome scents of Kelsi's cooking and rushed to the kitchen to meet her. At last he saw her, lovely as always in a white capris and a light tank top, its vibrant green making her look exciting and full of life. Just as she turned around, he hid the rose behind his back and stepped forward into her welcoming embrace.
"Hey, baby," she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck, "welcome home."
He leaned in to kiss her, wrapping his free hand around her back. "Hey, beautiful," he replied, careful not to pull her too close and mar her beauty with the grime of his day.
"Whatcha got there?" Kelsi asked, nodding at the hand hidden behind his back.
"This," he said softly, pulling the rose out and holding in front of her, "is for you."
Kelsi's eyes widened and she reached to touch the soft petals. "Aw thanks, J, that's really sweet of you." She went to take hold of the stem, but he pulled it towards his chest and just out of her grasp.
"But I have to ask you something before you can have it," he said with a mischievous smile.
"Okay, shoot," she replied.
"We've had an incredible year, Kels, and I'd like to celebrate that with you. Will you go out to dinner with me on Sunday night?" He extended the rose back out to her.
Kelsi's breath caught and she smiled broadly, her expression lighting up the room as she took the rose and breathed in its lovely scent. Since they had moved in together, most of their dates were mutually planned now. While they enjoyed every minute together, she now realized that she had been missing the thrill of being asked. It brought a flutter to her chest and made her think of all the places he had asked her out to over the year. That first date at Java Joe's, the pool hall, Leo's, all were fond memories of how their relationship had blossomed into a beautiful partnership that rivalled the beauty of any flowers he could give her.
"I'd love to go out with you, Jason," she answered, unable to contain a lovesick smile.
Jason grinned and pulled her close. That was one yes down, one more to go. "Great, we'll go to dinner at 6 then?"
"Sure, I'll be ready. Speaking of, dinner tonight will be just a bit longer. Are you gonna grab a shower?"
Jason nodded and kissed her cheek, taking to the stairs to get cleaned up from another greasy day at work. He came back downstairs and saw Kelsi was nestled on the couch with her music book, writing notes on a staff. Sitting down beside her, he peered over her shoulder and tried to read the lyrics of her new song. As they waited for dinner, he nodded at her guitar that now lounged against the wall by the couch. "Any chance you'd play something tonight?" he asked hesitantly, not wanting to put her on the spot, but he still hadn't heard her play and was incredibly curious about this unknown talent.
Kelsi hesitated, biting her nail nervously. "You've heard me sing and play a million times, what's the difference?"
"I know, but I'd like to hear you on the guitar. Come on, for me?"
She stood and gingerly took it out of its case, settling back down on the couch beside him, cradling the worn guitar in her arms.
"Okay," she said softly, planting a gentle kiss on his lips, "just for you." She strummed a few chords, her fingers finding a familiar melody. As she began to hum through the verse, Jason was transported back to their high school days, recognizing the song right away. Then she began to sing, her voice captivating him just like it had back then.
"All I wanna do, is be with you, be with you," her voice remained soft and warm alongside the guitar as she gave him a gentle nudge. He wasn't as skilled of a singer as her to pick out the harmony, but he joined in the melody anyways.
"There's nothin' we can't do, just wanna be with you, only you." They'd never sung together like this, and hearing her take up the harmony beside him was the sweetest sound he'd ever heard. He snuggled a little closer as she continued strumming.
"No matter where life takes us, nothing can break us apart, you know it's true, I just wanna be with you." She closed out the song with a gentle flourish that brought a smile to Jason's face as she set the guitar down to lean against the couch beside her.
"That's it?" he asked with soft trace of his fingers up her arm.
Kelsi felt a shiver go down her spine as his hand found its way back down to her fingers. "I'm not going to burn another meal," she said with a determined glint in her eye, heading for the kitchen where her first attempt at jambalaya was ready for a taste test. She savoured the sauce, feeling the bite of the Cajun spices. "Come here, and tell me if this is too spicy."
Jason jumped to his feet and hurried to her side, taking a taste of the sauce she offered him. "Mmm that might be almost as hot as you," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"Oh stop it, you," she said with a playful smack on his chest. "Let's eat then."
They enjoyed their dinner with a casual conversation as usual about their days, filling each other in on the events that shaped the separate parts of their lives.
Kelsi smiled at Jason's story about the Firebird. "So you got a little cocky today then?" she giggled as she stood to clear their plates.
Jason chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, I suppose so, it's just something that ticks me off. I know what I'm doing, but I don't pretend to know everything. I have a lot more to learn, but I'm pretty tired of hearing the clients comment about my age."
"Isn't it a good feeling though? To prove them wrong? I feel like that when a parent asks if I know what I'm doing when they sign their kid up for lessons. Then I just point to my grade 10 RCM certificate and that answers that question pretty fast."
They laughed together and Jason realized she was right. When he had the skills to prove those who doubted him wrong, like he did with the Firebird, it was a good feeling and encouraged him to keep growing in his career.
With dinner cleaned up and lunches packed for the next day, they slipped on their walking shoes, eager for a brief escape into the warm desert air. They strolled hand in hand around the neighbourhood, their conversation on pause as they enjoyed the calm of the evening and each other's company.
Finally Jason broke the silence when they reached a stop sign. "Hey Kels, do you mind if we cut our walk a little short tonight?"
"I suppose. Why? Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." He ran his free hand through his hair and exhaled sharply, "just feeling like I need you tonight."
A mischievous smile crept over Kelsi's lips. "How bad?"
"Not bad enough that I would take you down right here on the street, but bad enough that I might have you on the hall floor," he replied with a terrible grin.
Kelsi giggled and made the turn to head back to the house. "Alright, you've got me convinced. Let's go home. But I'd rather do it in bed tonight if you don't mind." As they walked, Kelsi struggled to keep up with Jason's longer stride and quicker pace, sensing the urgency in his firm grip on her hand.
Jason leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I make no promises that I'll even get you up the stairs.
A jolt ran through Kelsi's veins, and she had never been so happy to see their front door. When they approached, she quickly unlocked the door and felt Jason's hands grab her hips to urge her over the threshold. He shoved the door shut with a bang and snapped the lock, making Kelsi's knees feel weak with anticipation. Before she could even turn around, Jason's hands were on her again, sliding off her denim jacket.
"Why do you wear so much clothes, Kels?" he chuckled, tossing the coat over the staircase railing.
She jumped ahead, making it only a few steps up the stairs before he caught her around the waist, lifting her loose top effortlessly over her head. "The hell is with you, J?!" she exclaimed with a light peal of laughter as she tried to climb a few more steps.
"Told you I wanted you bad, hun," he said softly, reaching for her bra.
"Geez, baby, you're crazy," she giggled, swatting his hands away. "Can you just take me upstairs? We're halfway alrea—"
Jason cut her off with a swift kiss and scooped her into his arms, carrying her quickly up the stairs to their room where he laid her gently on their bed.
"Such a demanding woman," he whispered in her ear before trailing wild kisses down her neck.
"Sorry," she gasped as his hand slid behind her panties, "I don't mean to be all the time."
"Sure you do, honey," he replied, his fingers quickly slipping into her, "because you know I like it when you tell me what you want."
Kelsi groaned at the pleasure he supplied, her hips arching wildly as he pulled her closer and reached deeper. "Oh… fuck that's good… you're so good, Jason." She finally gave in, letting her body loose to tell him just how good he was doing. Her climax flowed and he quickly pulled her pants off all the way, going back for her bra. He stripped his own clothes lightning fast and grabbed a condom from the nightstand. Just as fast, he was inside her, thrusting hard and deep. His head spun as her walls closed in around him, hugging him intimately and tightly. "Kels, are you—?! Damn it, woman, if you cinch me like that we won't be here long."
"I want you to explode, J, and this is the only way I know how," she groaned as she tightened down on him. She could feel him twitching hard inside her, so close to the end, she could have him over the edge any moment.
"Fucking hell!" Jason groaned loudly, slamming his hand down on the headboard. He used the leverage for a couple more hard thrusts until he was trembling. His body shook from head to toe as his own climax finally rushed forward. "Wow, you sure know how to do a man some good, honey."
Kelsi traced her fingers in gentle circles over his back as he lay over her, breathing hard to recover. She took in her own calming breaths and felt him relax with her. "Only my man, Cross."
Jason woke with a gasp a few hours later, heart pounding, the remnants of a nightmare clinging to the edges of his mind. He reached out for Kelsi, searching for the comfort of her presence, but found only cold sheets and an empty space beside him. He fumbled for the bedside lamp, the room becoming illuminated by the warm light when he switched it on.
He checked the time on his phone – 3:17 am. He swung his legs out of bed, a wave of dizziness hitting him as he stood. Stumbling slowly out of the room and into the hallway, the floor creaked softly beneath his feet. The house was shrouded in an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional car moving in the neighbourhood.
Then he heard it – a faint melody coming from the office at the end of the short hall. He moved towards the sound, and pushed open the door, a wave of relief washing over him. Kelsi was sitting at her keyboard, bathed in the warm glow of the lamp on his desk. Her back was to him, her fingers dancing over the keys as they barely made a low sound. He didn't recognize the melancholy tune – maybe something new inspired by her lack of sleep.
He leaned against the doorframe, watching her. He could see the faint rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the soft tap of her foot keeping perfect time. She was lost in the music, her head swaying slightly. This was her escape, her way of finding solace in the in her music. The keyboard was a recent purchase, a compromise since they couldn't fit her beloved upright piano in the house. It wasn't the same, but it allowed her to practice and channel her emotions, to find a sense of calm and familiarity. Insomnia had been her unwelcome companion since she moved in with him, a constant reminder of the upheaval in her life. The move, the new surroundings, her pregnancy scare, her new job coming in the fall – it had all taken its toll. He'd tried everything he could think of to help her relax, but nothing seemed to work. In fact, it only seemed worse in recent weeks. He stepped into the room, his presence immediately breaking the spell.
Kelsi's fingers stilled on the keys, her head snapping up in surprise. Her eyes widened as she saw him, a flush of guilt rising on her cheeks. "Jason! I'm so sorry, did I wake you again?" she whispered, her voice laced with remorse.
He shook his head, walking towards her. "No, no, you didn't. I... woke up on my own." He gestured towards the keyboard. "So this is working out for you then?"
"Yeah," she said, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. "It's silly, I know. But I couldn't sleep, and...well, sometimes playing helps me relax."
He sat on the edge of the desk, facing her. "I get it," he said softly. "I haven't been sleeping well either. Changes around the house, stress at work...it's a lot. Plus," he added, a hint of a smile in his voice, "I'm used to having a beautiful brunette keeping me warm all night."
Kelsi laughed softly, the tension easing from her shoulders. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble," she admitted.
Jason reached out and gently took her hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles. "Come here you," he said, "let's go back to bed. I'll get you some of those kisses you love."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and turned the piano off. He stood and pulled her to her feet, his arm slipping around her waist as they walked out of the office and back towards the bedroom.
Once they were settled in bed, he pulled her close, her head resting on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.
"Any better?" he murmured.
"Yeah, much better," she replied, her voice muffled against his chest.
He tilted her chin up, his gaze meeting hers in the darkness. "Is anything else on your mind, Kels? I know the new job coming up is pretty stressful, but if there's anything else you want to talk about, I'm always here."
She heaved a deep breath and settled in close beside him. "That's definitely the biggest thing on my mind right now. I'm really nervous."
"They'll love you, baby. They couldn't ask for a better teacher," he replied.
She felt her cheeks flush at his tender comment and pulled even closer. "Thanks, J. This past year has been amazing, you've been so wonderful. Hard to top what you did for me in New York," she said with a soft laugh, "but it's also all the little things you do. We're building a great life together."
"We are Kels," Jason replied, instinctively reaching for her left hand. "I've got a nice reservation for us on Sunday, it should be a great night to celebrate our year. I can't wait to see what's next for us."
Kelsi smiled but gave him a confused look. "Next? What do mean by that?"
"Uh, nothing really," he stammered back, "just you know, the whole 'building a life together' stuff you mentioned."
Kelsi raised an eyebrow at him, but decided to leave it alone, it was late and they were both exhausted. She curled back into his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"You know I love you, right?" he whispered as he stroked her hair
"How could I miss that? she whispered back with a soft giggle. "I love you too."
Jason pulled her back off his chest and then he was kissing her, a slow, tender kiss that spoke of comfort and reassurance. She melted into him, her worries fading away as she lost herself in the feeling of his lips on hers. The kiss deepened, passion flaring between them, chasing away the shadows of insomnia and nightmares, replacing them with a warmth that spread through their limbs. When they finally broke apart, breathless and content, Kelsi snuggled closer, her eyelids heavy.
Jason held her close, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her arms. He wasn't sure why, but he started humming a soft tune. It was his own slow version of a rock song, but it was the first one that popped into his head, hoping it would help ease her back into her dreams.
A small smile curled onto Kelsi's lips and her eyebrows rose a little. Her voice came out groggy, slowly slipping into sleep as she mumbled, "Black Parade?"
"You really do know every song," he chuckled and gently kissed the top of her head. "Go to sleep, Kels, I've got you." They drifted off to sleep, finally finding peace in each other's arms.