Chapter Text
It was a usual Saturday afternoon. The lazy sun hanging in the sky. People bustling from store to store.
Kate Whistler sat at her favorite café in the corner spot by the window - perfect for people watching. Being as observant as she was, Kate loved people watching and trying to figure them out just by their walking pace or their facial expressions.
Even though it was only 3pm, her day has been long. She doesn't usually work on weekends but every now and then it is needed.
"Refill?" She heard and looked up at the young waitress. "Or maybe another muffin?"
Kate shook her head, "No, I'm good." She answered politely.
As the waitress left, something outside caught Kate's attention. It was a car jerking along until it came to a stop across the road. Two women got out and they looked like they were having a disagreement.
One of them power walked towards to café, leaving the other one no option but to follow.
"I don't know why you're mad at me Lucy. How was I supposed to know the car was gonna break down?"
"Because you insist on driving that old thing when you can literally have any car you want."
"I go to college Lucy, I don't need to be driving a fancy car. I don't want to be labeled as the spoiled rich girl. Which is also the reason why I'm out here living with you, because mom wanted to buy me a house."
"Nia, our parents are rich and unfortunately they are not subtle about it."
"That doesn't mean that I have to flex their wealth. I wanna be like you and make my own money."
"I get it. All I'm saying is, get a better car."
"Yeah anyway, so what now?"
"Well we have twenty minutes to make it to the event. I've just texted my driver, so hopefully he'll be here in time."
"Okay but what about my car?"
"We don't have time to wait for assistance. You know I don't like showing up late to stuff."
"Fine, then you go. I'll figure out what to do."
"I'm not leaving you here alone."
Kate studied them a little further. They looked well dressed. Definitely not your typical casual attire. So much so that it made her feel a little subconscious about what she was wearing - sneakers, leggings and a football jersey. Her hair in a ponytail.
Kate couldn't help herself though. She got up and walked over to the two women. "Uh, hey." She gave an awkward wave. "Hi, sorry to interrupt but maybe I can help."
"Help?"
"Your car. I um, I noticed that you seem to have car issues." She pointed out. "I can take a look. I'm a mechanic."
"Oh!" Nia nudged the grumpy woman next to her. "You hear that Luce?" She said with a smile. "This is great!"
"Are you serious? You're actually a mechanic?" Lucy's eyes roamed over the blonde. She was gorgeous. Suspiciously so.
"Yeah, I know. I don't really look the part. I'm Kate by the way."
"Nia." She shook her hand. "And this is my big sister Lucy."
"Hey Nia. Lucy, nice to meet you."
"Hi." Lucy said as they shook hands.
"So, you'll take a look at it?" Nia asked eagerly.
"Sure."
Kate paid for her coffee and then followed the sisters to their car.
Once there, Kate popped the hood, leaned in, and did some inspecting.
"Ah, I see what it is." She got out under the hood. "Cooling system's shot. Could be a busted hose or the radiator is cracked. But you'll definitely need a tow."
Lucy groaned, "We really don't have time for that."
"I could take care of it for you." Kate offered. "I don't mind."
Lucy squinted her eyes at the blonde. "And how do we know you're not just trying to run off with the car? This all sounds a little too convenient."
"That's funny." She chuckled and handed over her business card.
Lucy read it but gave Kate that same look. "I don't know..could still be a scam. Anyone can make a business card these days."
"True. But do I look like I scam people?" Kate asked with humorously.
"Maybe not but you also don't look like a mechanic."
"Aren't you supposed to be going somewhere?" Kate replied with a smirk.
"Oh so you were totally eavesdropping in on our conversation earlier and now you're trying to get rid of us? You are not doing a good job at easing my suspicions.." She glanced over the business card again. "Kate Whistler."
Ernie, Lucy's driver, pulled up next to them.
Kate turned to Nia. "So I'm going to need your keys and a contact number."
"Prove me wrong, Kate." Lucy said as she got into Ernie's car.
Once they were off, Nia looked at Lucy. "Was that your attempt at flirting?"
"Excuse me? God forbid I'm actually concerned about your car."
"Lucy, she's not going to steal it!"
"Because you know her so well?"
Nia laughed and sat back. "So that was your attempt at flirting. You're usually better than that. I mean I know you haven't been on any dates for a while but I didn't think it would make you this rusty."
"Shut up." Lucy said, rolling her eyes.
"Ernie you should've seen it. She called the girl a thief."
"I did not!"
"You heavily implied it though."
"What are the odds that she just so happens to be a mechanic when we found ourselves in a predicament? Don't you think it's a little weird?"
"Well you have her business card, why don't you look her up."
"I will. But only because I'm looking out for you."
"Sure.. Not because you're trying to get into her pants. Maybe learn how to flirt first."
"I. Was. Not. Flirting." She said slowly.
"If you say so. Anyway, I believe her. And once my car is fixed I'm taking you with me to pick it up so that you can apologize for calling her a thief."
"Why do you insist on driving that old thing? It will just give you problems again down the road."
"I told you why and it also holds a lot of fond memories."
"You're 21. Stop talking like you're some middle aged woman. I know it was grandma's car but believe me our dead grandma won't be mad at you if you don't drive the car that she left for you."
"Why did I agree to come with you to this thing again?"
"Because I didn't want to go by myself and because you love me."
"Right. I almost forgot about that second part."
_______________
"What?" Lucy answered her phone while reading through a file on her laptop.
"Have you ever heard me answer my phone like that whenever you call me?"
"Pretty often actually. Why are you calling me Nia?"
"Are you busy right now?"
"Yes, it's Monday. I'm at work. Why?"
"Well Kate just texted me that my car is ready but I have class for most of the day and then I have a thing with some friends that I can't cancel."
"You could also just pick it up tomorrow when you're free."
"Or you could ask Ernie to take you and then you drive my car back home."
"Your car doesn't like me. It might break down again."
"Because you keep insulting it. Please can you pick it up?"
"Okay fine. Send me the location."
"Awesome! Thanks sis, you're the best. Just so you know, I'm not coming home tonight."
"Yeah yeah. Don't do anything irresponsible wherever you going. Be safe. I know I give you a lot of shit but I love you. Also, you know our parents will hold me accountable for whatever trouble you get into so at least try to behave, okay?"
"Yes mom. I promise."
"Good."
"I'm gonna text Kate and tell her that you'll be there to get the car. Gotta go. Bye!"
"Bye."
_________________
Ernie dropped Lucy off at Whistler's Auto Shop. She looked around then waved him goodbye as he drove off.
Once Lucy entered the shop's reception area she removed her sunglasses.
"Hey there! Welcome to Whistler's Auto Shop. How can we help?" The voice almost came out of nowhere which made Lucy jump.
"Hi. Is Kate here?"
"Yes. I'll get her for you ma'am. Have a seat."
"Thank you."
It didn't take long before Kate walked in. Dressed in blue mechanics overalls with the top part tied around her hips, accompanied by a white vest with a few oil stains and a backwards baseball cap.
Lucy's jaw damn near dropped. She was stunned. Obviously she thought Kate was beautiful when they first met but this version of Kate standing in front of her now was the epitome of raw, untamed sexiness - looking like every single fantasy that Lucy ever had as a teen. Her rough-around-the-edges-look made Lucy feel all kinds of tingly.
"Lucy, hey!" She said while wiping her hands on her overalls. Completely unaware of her effect on the brunette.
Lucy had to clear her throat to make sure she still had a voice. "Hi. I'm here for the car."
"Yeah, Nia told me that you would pick it up. Follow me."
Lucy was quick on her feet and followed Kate.
"So you really are a mechanic." Lucy accidentally said out loud, making Kate laugh.
"It would seem so, yes. There it is; all fixed and road ready." Kate said while handing over the keys.
"Amazing. How much do we owe you?"
"Nothing, it wasn't that big of a job. Besides, I offered to fix the car, remember?"
"I do but you probably needed to put in new parts or whatever, so if you won't accept money for the job at least let me pay for the parts. Please, I can't just not pay you. It doesn't feel right."
Kate laughed. "It's really okay."
"Here's the thing though, I don't take no for an answer. So just let me pay you."
"Okay, fine."
After Lucy went through the payment process with the receptionist, Kate walked her to the car and opened the door for her. "Tell your sister to not ignore any warning signs on her car in the future."
"Oh I will. Thanks again, Kate."
"You're welcome."
Lucy felt those tingles again when Kate shut the door and leaned with one hand on the roof of the car.
With a shaky hand Lucy started the car and Kate took the cue to step back, sticking her hands in her pockets.
Lucy just about whimpered at the image. It looked like a poster from one of those magazines that used to only be for men.
"Bye!" Lucy waved and drove off.
Kate's co-worker, Kai, let out a drawn out whistle when she joined him again.
"What? Something on the engine that we didn't catch before?"
"No. But I wish you could pick up when girls are checking you out as easily as you can spot a problem on a car."
Kate frowned, "What?"
"Nah come on Whistler, tell me you're joking!"
"Joking about what? Kai, did you hit your head?"
He laughed again. "The girl that was just here-"
"Lucy."
"Yes. She was checking you out."
"No she wasn't."
"Whistler, she was practically drooling."
"You've definitely hit your head."
"You have no idea how many times I've seen clients, men and women, flirt with you..it's insane. Some are more subtle than others. But you are so unfazed, every time."
"Lucy wasn't flirting."
"She was totally checking you out." Then Kai was hit with a realization. "Wait, I thought she looked familiar! Did you say her name is Lucy? As in Lucy Tara?"
"I don't know her full name."
He pulled out his phone and a few swipes later turned the screen to Kate. "It is her! This is your girl!"
"She's not my girl, Kai." Rolling her eyes, Kate took the phone from him. "CEO Lucy Tara. Tara Technology." She read out loud.
"Damn Whistler, you caught a big fish."
"Stop that, you're being an idiot Kai. And how are you familiar with her?"
"I'm not really. An old high school buddy of mine works at the company. He usually posts works stuff on his insta stories, that's why I thought she looked familiar because I've seen her on some of his posts."
"Oh okay."
"She is beautiful. Did you get her number?"
"Kai, can we finish this engine now or what?"
"Yes boss."
"Hey by the way, I'm interviewing another technician tomorrow since clearly our workload is increasing. Wanna sit in and maybe ask a few questions?"
"As your first and most trustworthy employee, I'd be honored. Even though you did good choosing those two on your own." He nudged his head in the direction of the other two employees.
"Yeah, they're not bad."
"Okay enough chit-chat. Let's get some work done." Kai said in a mocking bossy way that made Kate laugh.
He was definitely like a little brother to her not just a coworker or employee.