Chapter One
They called up Valentina to inform her about Scarlett's wedding and Karen's arrival. She was overjoyed and promised to visit in the evening. She needed their measurements for the wedding dresses too.
In the evening, Valentina Summers came as promised and they caught up like old times. Benny, her adopted son, played with Austen.
"I've arranged a party tomorrow evening for Benny's birthday. Our whole Summers family from Brody, my husband's side is coming. His friends Chase and Jayson are also invited. Both of you and Austen come with mom and dad. Ok?" Valentina said.
"Sure, what time should we arrive?" asked Scarlett.
"Come by five in the evening, it'll be a great help," she said,"The party's starting at 6. I would need help with the preparations. Brody's mom and aunt are helping with some of the dishes. The rest of the food I'm catering from Dustin Moore's restaurant "Jenny's Restaurant and Bar."
"We've tried their food too, it's good," said Scarlett, "Don't worry, we'll be there by 5. Uncle Phil and aunt Chloe will go later," she added.
The next morning Karen went to the boutique in the marketplace where Valentina worked, to get a dress for the party. She hadn't packed anything gorgeous apart from the dresses for the wedding and they wouldn't be appropriate for a child's birthday party. She found the dress she wanted and started her car and drove to Chase's home. However, her car had a flat tyre in the middle of the road. She somehow parked it at the side and got down to inspect.
"Oh drat! It had to happen here?" She said looking at the flat tyre. She couldn't change tyres. In Austin she would call her mechanic and he would arrive anywhere she wanted for a handsome fee. Here whom would she call? Chase? Yes she would call Scarlett and tell her to ask Chase, if he could send someone.
Unlocking her phone, she was about to make a call when a deep baritone voice said from behind her,"A damsel in distress, it seems. Need help?"
She whirled around and came nose to nose with a handsome hunk with chocolate brown hair, chiseled jawline and sparkling blue eyes dancing with amusement. Do all the handsome hunks live at Travis Springs? Shaking her head off the silly thoughts she said, "Actually, yes, are you a mechanic?"
He nodded, "I could be anything for you," he said, winking.
She stared in confusion. What did that mean? Either he was a car mechanic or he wasn't.
"So, you're new here? Haven't seen you before," he asked as he took out her spare tyre from the trunk of her car and wheeled it to the side.
"Yeah I came here yesterday. It's my best friend's wedding coming up in a month, " she said, looking at what he was doing as his muscles flexed under his tee-shirt. His sleeves were rolled up displaying his biceps.
"You're Chase's friend? His wedding's coming up in a month," he asked, looking at her.
"No, I'm Scarlett's best friend as well as Valentina's," she said as he just stared at her.
"Brody's wife?" He asked and she nodded.
"There your tyre's fixed," he said, getting up and going over to his motorcycle parked behind her car and wiping his hands on some cloth.
"Thank you," she said, "How much do I owe you Mr.?" She asked, not knowing what to offer him in return or whether he was a mechanic or not.
"I'm Jayson Meyers. Jay for you," he said, winking. "Tell me your name?" He asked, coming closer and holding her car door so that she didn't escape without telling him her name.
"I'm Karen Richardson. Ms. Richardson for you," she said, glaring. "So, how much do I owe you Mr. Meyers?" she asked.
"You owe me a lot, but in kind and I will snatch my pay when the time comes. And it will soon. So, see you beautiful. Dream about me, till then," he said with a smile hovering on his lips. She huffed and puffed in annoyance and opened her car door, slammed it shut and sped off without a backward glance.
Jayson stood there with astonishment. What was that? How did he manage to flirt with a complete stranger? He was a serious, no-nonsense type of lawyer who had no time for women. His dad, Christopher Meyers and his siblings had given up all hopes of ever getting him married. He was actually married to his work, so at thirty-one, he was a bachelor with no girlfriend of his own. His last girlfriend ditched him six years ago as he couldn't give her time. Managing a law firm all on his own, hiring the best attorneys and serving the whole of Texas, he made quite a name for himself as a lawyer as well of his company at a young age.
Chuckling at his behaviour he started his motorcycle and sped home. He couldn't help himself with the woman. He wanted to kiss her so badly when he watched her discreetly checking him out.
Karen came home, her cheeks red from her acquaintance with the mechanic. She was actually attracted to him and she couldn't tell a soul about her encounter out of embarrassment. So the day went by and it was time to go to the party. Chase took Scarlett, Karen and Austen to Valentina and Brody's house while his dad and mom would arrive later in his dad's truck.
Valentina's husband and son came forward to greet them and led them inside the house. Valentina came forward and introduced Karen to her husband and they shook hands. They gave Benny his birthday gift and he was ecstatic.
Karen and Scarlett helped her with the balloon decorations as well as arranging the buffet table. The food hadn't arrived and they just decorated the table and placed the plates, glasses, bowls, paper napkins and the cutlery.
The party was yet to start and suddenly Karen remembered that she had forgotten her mobile phone in Chase's truck. So, taking the keys she went to fetch it before the guests started pouring in.
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Featured Picture: Scott Eastwood as Jayson Meyers
