Starting Over.

#17 Let's talk.

Malia’s POV. 

I love my new job, my colleagues and boss are great, and the atmosphere is light and fun. I might be a little over qualified for the job seeing I’m a machine engineer graduate and could do a lot more than just fixing vehicles, but let’s face this is what I love to do.. getting all greasy working on a problem you are trying to fix, maintaining cars and bikes to prolong their lives.. it’s like I’m a car doctor. I love it! 

I got hired at my interview and Jenna the owner of the garage asked me to start right away, so of cause I did. The garage has been in Jenna’s family for generations, her grandfather started it, then her father took over and now Jenna owns it, she herself isn’t a mechanic but maintains everything from costumer service to the books and finances. She herself studied to be an accountant, but when her dad got sick and couldn’t run the place anymore she proudly took over. As far as I can see, she’s doing a really good job, everybody seems happy here, it’s like a close little family, and everybody been so great welcoming me here. We’re 4 mechanics, Jenna and then her teenage son Justin, he’s 16, comes and helps out from time to time to earn a couple of bucks. Reminds me of myself and my dad back in the day, god I miss him..

“So you sure you won’t consider going out with a 16 year old?” Justin asked pulling me out of my train of thoughts. 

“Sorry buddy.. not really my thing.” I giggled, “besides.. I don’t think your mom would approve.” I continued giggling. He’s been asking me out since my first shift here, it’s totally cute and I know he doesn’t really mean, I’m pretty sure he’s only asking cause he knows I’ll say no.. 

“Come on, Malia.. If everybody saw me on a date with a woman like you, they’ll think I’m cool.” He said pleadingly, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. 

“Sorry dude, I think you should find a girl your own age.” I shrugged laughing at his look. 

“Never mind, I’ll try again next time.” He said with wink before going to his mother’s office. 

“Give the boy a break, the girls his age doesn’t look like you.” I hear Adam chuckle behind me.. Adam is one of the mechanics here. Great guy also the youngest of the team besides me.. he’s only 6 years older than me. I return with a teasing eye roll.. Adam flirts a little, but nothing serious, seems like he kind of flirts with every woman he comes by, even the costumers, thankfully most of them seem to appreciate his advances.. 

“Alright guys.. see you Wednesday.” I said before leaving work for the day. Today’s Monday but I’m off tomorrow, cause I worked the weekend.. I have plans with Theo later, he’s cooking me dinner at his place before his shift starts at the bar, which I’m looking forward to, I haven’t really seen him since I started working, just had to get back in to it. 

I most admit though I’m secretly hoping that Damon won’t be home tonight. I haven’t talked to him much since that night he stayed on my couch. He’s written me  a few times and I’ve kind of ignored him a little, I know that’s not cool or very mature but I just can’t seem to figure out my own thoughts and feelings regarding us and whatever we are. Only time will I guess. But for now I have a training session with Frank at the gym before going home and getting ready for tonight.. 

****

“Food is almost ready, if you wanna help set the table.” Theo said while taking the chicken out of the oven. 

“Sure.” I answered putting the glass of wine i had in my hand down on the counter.

I found plates and cutlery and set the table, and Theo brought over the chicken and steamed veggies, It looked delicious. 

“Wow, Theo I almost forgot how good of a cook you are.” I smiled, licking my lips in appreciation of the delicious homemade food.

“It’s been I while since I actually cooked, forgot how much I actually like it.” Theo said returning my smile, digging in, both of us enjoying the food in silence. 

“So tell me, what have you been up to? I know it hasn’t been that long since we’ve talked but it feels like ages, when it comes to us.. we talk almost everyday so a full week feels like a lifetime.” I giggled at the last part. “Oh and what is this about the text you send saying you’ve met someone.” I added clapping my hands together excitedly. Theo laughed at my childish behavior. 

“It does feel like a long time.. about the girl I’ve been seeing.. You remember Sophie right?” Theo said with a slight smirk. I just stared at him wide eyed.. Sophie? Like Sophie from high school? The same Sophie that was my best friend and Theo’s first girlfriend?? 

“Sophie!!?” I said and he just smiled in return. 

“Like Sophie, Sophie? Little petite, dirty blonde, blue eyed, about this tall Sophie!” I said eyes still wide gesturing with my hand her height around my ear. The Sophie I’m referring to was a little shorter that me. Once again Theo didn’t say anything but his smile got wider and he started to nod. 

“OH MY GOD! Are you serious!!! Sophie’s back? Why haven’t you told me? How did you know she was back? How is she? Are you guys like back together? Oh my god!! I can’t believe this.” I ranted out in one breath, leaving me breathless. 

“Breathe Malia.” Theo laughed. 

“Yes it’s the same Sophie. She apparently moved here 6 months ago.. you know we lost contact over the years after she left. And then last week she came in to the bar with a couple of girlfriends. She ditched her friends and sat at the bar talking with me the whole night. I asked her out to dinner the night after, and we’ve been talking everyday since..” he said with the biggest smile on his face. I couldn’t help but swoon over his reaction. It’s so damn sweet. Now we’re both all smiles. 

“Aw Theo! You got it bad, huh?” I smiled at him. Theo shrugged and I’m pretty sure he blushed too. I can’t believe it, what are the odds his first girlfriend, and now they are finding each other again.. 

“It’s incredible Malia. We decided to take things slow.. but it’s like we just started where we left off.. she’s amazing.” He gushed and I could see all the emotions in his eyes. 

“I can see the happy dripping off of you.” I smiled at him. “When can I see her? I’ve missed that girl.” I added. 

“What are you doing this weekend? I told her you were here too, she’s excited to see you too.” He said the happiness not leaving his face.. he’s too cute for his own good. 

“I’m so free, if it means I get to see Sophie!” I giggled, Theo joining me with a laugh at my eagerness. 

We talked about their dates, apparently they already been on multiple, even though it’s only been a week. I’m so happy for him! If anyone deserves to be happy it’s Theo! He’s like the greatest guy I’ve ever known, and sadly girls tend to take advantage of him. But if Sophie is the same girl I knew, that won’t happen. She is like the sweetest thing, so sweet it could give you cavities.. it was almost time for Theo to go to work.. the bar was between here and my place so we would just walk together, as we made our way to the front door it opened from the outside and in walked Damon, damn it! I was hoping I could avoid seeing him. 

“Oh hi.” He said obviously kind of surprised to see me here. 

“Hey dude, we were just leaving, my shift starts soon.” Theo said clearly not affected by the awkwardness in the room. Damon stepped away from the door to leave room for Theo to pass. 

“Hi.” I simply said. “See ya.” I added as we were almost out the door, Damon grabbed my arm making me turn around. 

“Malia, please. Can I talk to you for a minute.” Damon said pleadingly, something was off about him, but can’t really pinpoint what? 

“Uhm..” was all I mustered before Theo cut me off. 

“I really have to go, or I’ll be late.. just stay, I think you two have somethings you need to talk about.” He said pushing me back in the apartment and closing the door behind me. Damon and I staring at each other for a second. 

“So.. uhm. What do you want to talk about?” I asked. Normally I’m not this awkward.. I don’t know what’s happening right now, my mind is suddenly filled with more questions than answers...