All The Small Things // blink-182

Nico dropped me off at the salon and I escaped inside as fast as I could. Now I'm staring out the window waiting for the guy to show up. I'm anticipating it. Practically holding my breath waiting for his headlights to turn into the small parking lot outside the front entrance. And the sad thing is, I think I'd recognize his headlights immediately.

I don't want this. I don't want to be hanging on to my sanity because I'm obsessing over this guy. But here I am, totally thinking back over every second in his garage. Not only the way he looked at me, the way his body heat felt when he started to lean in, because was he about to kiss me? I wanted him to kiss me, no lie. I can admit that to myself. But it's a freaking bad idea, that is also true. And that's not the worst part! Because I was equally intrigued by the way he looked at my car, at my baby. Like he loved her too. Like he saw my car for what it represents in my life; freedom. I shouldn't be so excited for the way he drooled over the messed up engine, but I am. Totally light headed type of excitement. I am picturing it and my heart is racing. It feels like he appreciates the time he has with me, and that he appreciates me for who I am, not for what I can do for him.

I knew it. This guy has already blown up my world. I need to find some other distraction from how he makes me feel, like right now.

I cross my arms and pace in front of the door. It's only ten minutes to nine, so he isn't late, but I'm already anxiously awaiting Nico's presence. Not good at all. I turn back to see Shaylyn cleaning her combs. That's my job, and I feel terrible that I've been so distracted all night that I never got to them.

"Oh man, I'm sorry Shaylyn. The night got away from me."

Shaylyn just smirks. "Or is it that hottie that dropped you off running through your mind?" She looks up in time to see me blush, gulp and turn back to the window. "It's okay, April. I've been there. I couldn't concentrate for a second when I met my guy. Jerome had me almost shaving heads rather than trimming edges I was so gone."

"No, it's nothing like that. He's just working on my car while I'm here, so I've been worried that my baby will be worse than when he started."

Shaylyn laughs. "Sure, April. Whatever." I see her shake her head while continuing to clean up her station. "By the way, Gladys was asking about you this morning."

"Gladys?" I say, glad for the distraction. This is exactly what I needed. "That older lady who gave me her calling card?" I haven't looked at it since she handed it to me, but it's still in my bag. I reach in and root around until I grip the edges of a small card. I pull it out and read her contact information once again.

"Yeah. She's a sweet old thing. Not snooty like some of the women in her position could be."

"Position?" I ask, even though I can guess. The woman had some expensive accessories. She might be a customer at a lower priced salon but her bag alone screamed money.

"She's got money. That much I know. Gladys has opened up a little more, but mostly she asked questions about you. How old you are, how long you've worked here...that kind of thing."

"Should I be creeped out?" Older ladies don't spend that much time thinking about random teenagers, do they?

"No, she's sweet. Harmless. I think she just needs people to talk to. The woman comes in once a week for a do but doesn't need to that often. She just needs someone to listen to her stories, now that I've got her talking."

I stare at the card. What could it hurt? Talking to someone who just needs a friend isn't so bad. I could have used one myself over the last few months. Although being lonely isn't nearly the same as being ignored.

Placing the card on the high counter at the reception area, I pull out my phone and enter her number. Before I hit that green call button, I take a deep breath and look toward the window for headlights. Nope! I need to get my mind off of Nico and this is the best option for the moment. I hit the call button and bring the phone to my ear. I'm sure the old lady doesn't text or facetime so I'll just leave her a message if she doesn't pick up.

Three rings is all it takes and then a woman's voice is on the other end.

"Gladys Monroe speaking, Who is this?"

So formal. It throws me off for a split second. "Oh, um...hi. This is April, from the salon."

"Ah yes, did I forget to leave a tip this morning? My mind these days...not as sharp as I once was."

"No, ma'am. I mean, I'm sure you did. Shaylyn just mentioned that you were asking about me?"

Silence on her end has me rethinking this whole distraction tactic. But then Gladys speaks up again.

"Oh, yes! The lovely girl with pink in her hair! I've been hoping you'd call and come by to have some tea and a chat. My how you remind me of myself so many years ago. Say you'll humor an old lady and give her a little company?"

I think about what Shaylyn said, that Gladys just needed someone to talk to. I kind of feel the same way, but never in my imagination did I think it would be a rich older woman who'd given me her calling card in the salon.

"Yes, actually I think that would be nice." I feel happier about this than I thought I would.

"Wonderful! I'm just leaving out of town tomorrow to visit my son for a few days. Why don't we plan an afternoon two weeks from now? Would that be agreeable, dear?"

How could I say no, now? "Yes, I can make that work."

"Lovely. I look forward to hearing all about you, April."

"Um...okay. Sounds good." I swallow, wondering what I'll end up telling Gladys about. I need an edited version of most of my life for someone her age.

"Thank you for calling. Speak to you soon, goodbye."

"Goodbye." The call goes silent as Gladys ends it first. I pocket my phone and return the card to my bag, this time putting it carefully in one of the side slots so I'll be able to find it. Before I even pull my hand out of my bag, a bright light nearly blinds me.

Nico's truck has pulled into the lot, his headlights pouring in through the windows. It's nine on the dot, which makes me wonder if he's been waiting around the corner for the clock to turn. I shake my head and wave bye to Shaylyn, the only other person in the salon at this point. Then I head to impending doom in the passenger seat of Nico's truck.

I choose to go with light and airy as my disposition for this leg of my interaction with him. "Did my baby behave for you? Or is she now in time-out?"

Nico laughs. "Funny you should say that..."

"Oh gosh, I was kidding! What?"

He winks at me as he pulls out of the lot. It's the second time he's winked at me today and I hate the fact that I like it.

"Nothing too terrible, yet. But I need to replace a few parts, a fan belt, some gages, that kind of thing."

"So what are you saying? I need to bring it back tomorrow?"

I get a side eye and silence. I knew this was headed for doom before I even stepped out of the door.

"Nico?" I turn my body to the side so I can face him even though I only get a half view of his grimace.

"I need to keep her for a while. I have to order the parts because it's a classic, April. Pep Boys doesn't keep stock of parts for cars from the sixties. This is going to take time."

"What am I supposed to do for a car? Did you plan this, Nico?" He had to have known that once he started working on my car that I wouldn't get it back right away.

He takes a deep breath but doesn't look my way. "I had my suspicions, and I did tell you that it was a possibility, but no I didn't plan this. Your car needs a lot of TLC, April. Let me be the guy to give it to her."

Ah jeez, again with the porno talk. "If that's what floats your boat, fine." I sense him wiggling his eyebrows. I have no idea how I do because I've turned away from him, but I know that's what's happening. I cross my arms again and continue to stare out the front windshield. "But I'm not happy about this. I guess your chauffer services are now being enacted."

"That's what I promised. And I always make good on my promises, April."

I look over at him just in time to see him wink. Again. My heart is fluttering and my stomach is an even bigger knot than it was this afternoon. More time with this guy. At least the pick up lines have stopped. Now he's aiming them at my car.

"Ugh!" I can't stop the groaning sound emanating from me as I picture the next however long Nico needs my car. Rides to school. Getting out of his car in the front lot. Everyone staring at us, whispering, judging. Why in the hell did I agree to this madness!

"Chill out, April. It's just a ride. Nothing scandalous." Nico is almost laughing but I give him credit for at least trying to hold it in.

"Chill out? Let me ask you something, oh Nico of the grease and despair, how often do you give people rides to school? Hmmm?" I'm leaning over into his space a little, my attempt at intimidation. Really, I'm just trying to get him to take this seriously because up to this point he seems to think nothing is a big deal at all.

"Girls?" He smirks.

"Anyone." I lean a little closer, my voice a threat of bodily harm. Honestly, though, I'm all talk. I know I couldn't take this guy with a bag over his head and hogtied to his truck. He'd win every time.

"Um...that would be never. No one has ever asked." He shrugs.

SHRUGS! The guy just made my point for me and he shrugs.

"I never asked, either!" Hands in the air I slide back to my side of the truck and grumble loudly.

"True. You didn't ask. But you did agree to a tune up. And I am the kind of full service guy who takes everything into consideration." We've stopped at a red light so Nico leans real close to me. "And I do mean everything."

I glare at him. "I don't need that kind of service." Presumptuous jerk! And it looks like the pick up lines are back with a vengeance.

He leans away from me as the light turns green and continues through the intersection. "Never said you did. I'm just being thorough with my offer."

We sit silently for a few minutes before I realize that he isn't driving toward my house. He's going back the way we came from his house.

"Hey, if my car has to stay for a sleepover, you should just take me home. Turn here and loop back around to main street."

Nico shakes his head and continues on in the same direction. "We are going back to finish prepping for your exam."

"It's nine o'clock! I'm not studying now!" I just want to curl up in a warm blanket while I can before that exchange student invades my space for the next however long. Mom reminded me again this morning that Ko will be arriving this weekend. I'm not sure I can handle this level of human interaction on a daily basis, let alone late into my nighttime. I need to gear up for the invasion.

"The night is young. We can review some things on your car while I pull a couple more parts out of the engine. I might need to order something else and I want to put that in asap."

I can't with this guy. He's a one track mind of motors and pick ups. But he is right. I need to study more before this stupid shop exam.

"Fine. But you only get until ten. My mom won't want me out any later."

"You're a good girl, April." Nico teases as he reaches out and tries to scruff my hair. I push his hand away and mutter to myself that he's the only one that seems to think so. I'm in so much trouble with him.

Well, well, well... April likes Nico more than she wants to admit, but I think she may lose that battle soon enough. Maybe not soon enough for all of you, though! And what do you think of Nico's plan to get everyone's mind off of her past? Crazy or genius? Even I'm not sure about that yet...

This song is a semi fit for this chapter. It doesn't scream April to me, but the idea about the small, insignificant things being weighty, and the ride home part really gets me for this one too!

https://youtu.be/9Ht5RZpzPqw