Free Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins Page A

calling himself a player was pitiful.”
    “You have to admit, she does have a point.”
    Malachi glared. “Told her I have pretty young things all over me when I go to Kansas City.”
    “That’s because you lie to them about owning hotels in Las Vegas.”
    “Don’t hate.”
    “So what did she say when you told her about these pretty young things in Kansas City?”
    “Said I should cut back on my Viagra, like maybe it was making me crazy.”
    “Could be she’s on to something.”
    “You laugh now but just wait. When your hammer stops being strong enough to break through the pearly gates, you’ll be looking for little blue pills too.”
    Trent grinned. “I don’t think I’m old enough to hear this, so tell you what…I’m going home. Just wanted to check on you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    He turned the wheel and backed up only to have Malachi call out, “What’re you going to do about Lily?”
    Trent didn’t stop as he yelled his response, “None of your damn business.”
    “Coward.”
    “That’s my name, don’t wear it out!”
    Grinning, Malachi walked to the door and went inside.
     
    At the garage the next morning, Trent cleared off a spot on his desk so he could put down the foil-wrapped plate holding his breakfast. The only thing he missed about living in LA was being able to drive up to a fast food joint and get fed. Here, because his father still hadn’t found a replacement for Rocky, he had to either cook for himself in his small apartment up above the garage or go begging from people like his grandmother. Luckily for him she loved him and would feed him until the Second Coming. Beneath the foil lay waffles, grits, eggs, and four slices of Clayton Dobbs’s prize-winning bacon. Trent wasn’t as trim as he’d been twenty years ago, but what man was. He was still in good shape though and active enough to handle a hearty breakfast, especially one that came out of Tamar’s kitchen.
    Taking a seat he undid the foil and pulled out the silverware. Lily claimed she’d be coming by the garage early to pick up her rental car, but he hoped she’d hold off long enough for him to eat. He dug in and as he did his mind floated back to the woman he used to call Lily Flower . Last night Malachi had asked him what he planned to do. Truthfully, Trent didn’t think there was anything to do. After their breakup, she’d gone on with her life and he’d done the same. Time passes, and it wasn’t like they were going to pick up where they left off. Yes, she was still a good-looking woman, even pissed at her he’d noticed that, but she’d kicked him in the heart so hard he still had the bruisesto prove it, and he wasn’t looking to get sucker punched again. So, no…He’d be polite, hoped she’d enjoy herself while she was in town, and then she could take her trifling little behind back to Atlanta.
    He heard a car pull up. Being the area’s only mechanic, he knew the sound of every vehicle in town. Marie’s old Pontiac was idling out front. She’d probably given Lily a ride over and his bad mood was all over his face when he turned around and found her standing in the doorway.
    Her face was no happier than his. “Sorry for the interruption. How much do I owe you?”
    “Nothing.”
    Irritation flashed in her eyes. “Right, Trent. How much?”
    “Just take the car. Keys are inside.”
    “Fine. Thanks.” She disappeared.
    A few moments later, he heard the rental car’s engine start up and the car drive away. Cursing teenage love, he went back to his plate.
    Lily’s jaws were tight as she drove the five miles back to Marie’s. All she could think about was his angry face. Granted she’d hurt him, but good Lord, they were teenagers then. Would she have to pay for her sins every time she ran into him from now on? If so, it was going to be a long two weeks. He’s going to mess around and get cussed out , the angry sister voice inside warned, but it was just like him to fix the car for free just to