Unravel Me

“Carbeth.”

“And what’s so special about this place?”

He turned, a goofy grin plastered on his face. “Nothing. It’s a bit out of the way and I thought it would be a good place for your lesson.”

Now I was completely confused. Alastair kept that ridiculous smile aimed in my direction.

“You’re going to learn how to drive my sexy little car.”

“What?”

A loud laugh echoed through the breeze. “Don’t look so excited. It’s really simple.”

I folded my arms. “Why do you want me to drive your car?”

“No reason. Just curious to see you behind the wheel.”

“I told you I can’t drive a stick.”

“Yes, I know. Hence the lesson. Get in.”

“So bossy.”

I settled in behind the wheel and adjusted the seat so I could reach the pedals. Alastair folded his lean frame onto the passenger seat and grinned.

“Looking good, doll face.”

“Oh my God. What did I say about faking the American accent?”

He chuckled. “Are you ready to learn?”

“I suppose.”

“Alright. Press down on the brake and clutch. Put the gear in first and release the emergency brake.”

“You might want to buckle up,” I muttered, doing as he instructed.

“Now, gently give it some gas and lift your foot off the clutch slowly.”

The car rumbled beneath me as I pressed on the accelerator. Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, I carefully lifted my foot off the clutch. The car stuttered a bit before rolling forward.

“That’s it. Give it a little more.”

Taking a quick glance to my right, I eased the car onto the road. Stay on the left, stay on the left. Driving on the wrong side of the road while sitting in the wrong side of the car was a tad disorienting. I kept repeating my little mantra as I accelerated, shifting into second. I’d only driven a stick shift a few times. My dad tried to teach me when I was sixteen. He thought it would be beneficial to know ‘just in case.’

Okay, this might be easier than I thought. The road didn’t have any major curves as far as I could see. I eased the car into third, feeling more confident I wouldn’t end up upside down in a ditch. Adrenaline gave me an added boost of courage.

“Ready, Holden?”

I gunned it, charged by the power raging in the SLK55’s engine. I heard a thump and looked to my left. Alastair clasped the door handle.

“Too fast?”

“No, love,” he answered in a low, gravelly tone.

By the time I hit sixth gear I really had a feel for it. The car purred and hugged the road at my command. Alastair remained suspiciously quiet, observing every move I made. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. This was almost as liberating as jogging along the coastline.

I glanced at him. His expression may have been blank but his eyes glowed a molten forest green. After several miles, I saw an area to pull over. Gliding the car to a stop, I put it in neutral, popped the brake and cut the engine.

“How d—”

I was silenced by a kiss.

“Impressive, Meyers.”

He looked a little peaked but otherwise seemed fine. A twinge of guilt shot through me. Maybe my driving so fast had reminded him of the accident that killed his family. My stomach sank. Not what I was going for.

“Come with me.”

Those words always sent a charge through me. Grinning, he got out of the car. I waited while he grabbed a blanket from the trunk and followed him to a large elm tree. After he spread the blanket he motioned for me to sit. Once I was settled he laid down, resting his head in my lap. I played with his hair, enjoying the quiet. Only the occasional chirping bird interrupted the relative peace of our little roadside pit stop.

“Everything okay at work?” I asked. There was a long pause before he answered.

“I suppose.”

Here we go. The parade of vagueness begins.

“How’s your grandfather been feeling?”

“Fine.”

“And your aunt and uncle? How are they?”

“Same as always. Katherine keeps asking when I’m bringing you by the house again.”

The house. I had to stifle a laugh. My whole apartment building could fit neatly inside the Holden Estate with room to spare.

“We should go back there and visit. I’m sure they’d love to see you outside of official family gatherings.”

Alastair folded his arms across his chest and stared up at the sky. I could tell he hated the idea. He’d mentioned he avoided going to the estate unless it was necessary. His aunt was a sweet woman, though. I couldn’t imagine why he wouldn’t want to spend time with her. The uncle was another story. I’d noticed Alastair’s relationship with him seemed strained.

“You look lovely today.”

I came screeching back to the present and glanced down at him as he fingered the hem on the green chevron striped tank top I’d picked from the closet. I’d paired it with denim shorts.

“Thank you.”

“Everything fits alright?”