A Father's Name(41)

That was a direct zing. “Ouch,” she said.

He looked apologetic, as if he knew he wasn’t fighting fair. “I want better for you than a guy with a record.”

“Pops, I’m not looking for a man. Bart leaves for school this fall, and for the first time in my entire adult life, I’ll be on my own. Responsible for myself. Unencumbered. I’m not interested in something serious or permanent with a man—with any man,” she reiterated. “As you’ve pointed out, I have enough on my plate with the business. But if there comes a day that I don’t have time for a friend…” She left the sentence hanging because she didn’t know how to finish it. She knew she’d always find time for a friend.

And Tyler was a friend. “So, that’s that, right?” she asked. “I don’t want to have this fight with you or with anyone else again.”

Friday night her friends, today her father. What on earth was going on?

“I love you, Angel. I’ve spent my whole life worrying about you, and that’s not going to change. You’ll see when Bart goes to college. You’ll still worry.”

“I know you’re right on both counts, Pops. And I love you, too.”

“So, are you going to put aside your papers there and go into town for the fireworks?” She’d forgotten it was a holiday until she got into work this morning and found the garage deserted. Then Tyler had called.

She decided not to mention that to her father. “I had plans to go into Erie for the fireworks, and you’re welcome to come along, too, if you like.”

“I wasn’t fishing for an invitation,” he told her. “As a matter a fact, I’m taking Marilyn out for the evening. They’re having some a polka band down at St. Stan’s.”

“Pops has a girlfriend,” she singsonged. “That explains your worry over my dating habits. You were hoping I wouldn’t notice you’re dating someone.”

“Angelina,” he warned.



She laughed. “I’m bustin’ ’em for you, Pops. I think it’s great. Isn’t she the Bentley Continental GT?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

Tucker let out a long, low whistle. “You picked a classy lady. She’s always been very nice to me.”

“It’s some polka music, dinner, then the fireworks.”

“Do we need to have a discussion like I’d have with Bart, about dating and what could happen and being safe?”

Her father looked as uncomfortable as she’d felt earlier. “You’re funny, Angel. Very, very funny.”

She was giggling as he walked away.

She heard the murmur of voices outside her office door and wondered who else had come into the shop on a holiday.

She thought about getting up and checking, but the inspection form her father had tossed onto her desk taunted her. She sighed and picked it up.

Paperwork was the bane of her existence.



TYLER STARED AT ANGELINA’S father.

“You heard?” George Tucker asked.

Tyler nodded. He’d heard Angelina’s proclamation that they were friends. She hadn’t dated him when he’d had money, why would she date him now that he was simply a mechanic? Not that he’d ask her to date him. He wouldn’t drag her into his mess.

“Yes, I heard, sir. And Angelina’s right, we’re friends. Only friends. She’s been wonderful with Jace. So have you and the other guys. The daycare center in town is willing to take him. I can see about arranging it.” His stomach turned at the thought of putting Jace into such a big center. Ideally, he wanted to find someone grandmotherly. Someone whose only focus would be Jace. The baby had lost so much. He deserved to be someone’s singular focus while Tyler was busy fixing cars.

“No.” George shook his head. “That’s not what I want, and I know it’s not what Angel and the other guys want. We can continue this for a few more weeks until you find the right place for him. We all love him now, and don’t want anything less than the best.” He paused and added, “I feel the same way about my daughter. She deserves nothing but the best.”

“I understand, sir.” And he did. Angelina deserved the best, and anyone with half a brain would know that was someone other than Tyler Martinez. “We’re friends.”

“Fine then.” George clapped Tyler on the shoulder. “I’m very glad you’re working here. All the guys have nothing but good things to say about you. You’re an asset to the business.”