Chapter 14 - THE GARAGE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Two years after the warning in the rain, Aurelio visited Gus Prior's garage.
Barrel was asleep beside the heater.
The boat was nearly finished.
Gus looked up.
“So you're the rich fellow.”
Aurelio smiled.
“I suppose.”
Gus grunted.
“Take off your coat.”
Aurelio blinked.
“Why?”
“Because you're helping me sand this boat.”
Marin laughed.
Aurelio looked toward her.
“Is he serious?”
She nodded.
“Very.”
He removed his coat.
Rolled up his sleeves.
And began sanding.
Gus watched him.
“Too much pressure.”
Aurelio adjusted.
“Still too much.”
Marin laughed harder.
After an hour, Gus handed them tea.
Aurelio looked around the garage.
“This is where you taught Marin?”
Gus nodded.
Aurelio studied the training mat.
“She saved lives because of what you taught her.”
Gus shook his head.
“No.”
Aurelio frowned.
Gus continued.
“I taught her how to get out of trouble.”
He looked toward Marin.
“She chose to go toward someone else's.”
Marin lowered her eyes.
Gus smiled faintly.
“That's the difference.”
Later, Aurelio and Marin walked beside the harbor.
The air smelled of salt and diesel.
Aurelio stopped.
“Marin.”
She turned.
He took her hand.
“I love you.”
She stared.
He continued.
“I don't love you because you saved my company.”
She swallowed.
“I love you because you make me want to be better when nobody's watching.”
Marin's eyes filled.
She smiled.
“I love you too.”
Aurelio exhaled.
Then she added:
“But if you ever start acting like Garrett, I'm leaving.”
He laughed.
“Fair.”
May you like
She leaned against him.
And together, they watched the boats move through the harbor.
