***Vi’s POV***

Waking up on that expansive chest to such a beautifully hard-cut face was wonderful, but I didn’t plan on doing that again anytime soon. Quin didn’t have to ask because he understood from personal experience. He knew it was too soon for me to continue looking for comfort in the arms of another, but that one day I might return.

I busied myself through Sunday, but by Monday was running out of things to do that didn’t cost money. So I went by the shop that had called me about motor mounts--the one to which Zack had taken me--to see what they were working on. I dressed overly comfortable, not wanting to show off my curves, and didn’t bother with makeup. While I was fairly happy with where my life had taken me here in southern California, I had to admit I missed being around cars and car people.

I really wanted to see what they were creating, but by the time I walked in I was wondering if this had been a good idea. The three guys who worked there were obviously three dudes who had known one another since high school and decided they would open their own place together. I didn’t even have to ask--they were the same age, the same type, communicated with words and phrases no outsider would know.
They wore the grunt style tshirts that showed off their "I used to be in shape" bodies, the backwards hats, tribal tattoos peeking out of their sleeves. I chuckled to myself when I wondered if they hit the same gym together, jerked off to the same overly straight porn together. I’d just have to put up with the bro-ness for a short while, so it couldn’t be that bad. After all, they were at least still car guys.

A wide smile covered the beard stubble on the first guy’s face. It was the same one that had been at the computer with my car on the dyno. Josh? If I had to guess, he was somewhere around my age, but his heyday--much like the other two--had been in high school. Most likely when they played football, based on their physiques that were large but now also pudgy.

“If it isn’t Mrs. 460.” He put the phone away that he was about to use.
“Thank the Lord for the big block Ford,” I replied, looking around at the newly-build shop.
“What can I do for you?” His light eyes traveled over my body and back up to look me in the eyes again.
“Was it you who called me about the Torino?” I knew it was.
“Yeah,” He waved me towards the shop, leading the way, “We’ve got it running. Putting the finishing touches on it.”

“Can I hear it?” I followed him through a short hallway to the shop. The sounds and smells hit me hard as I inhaled slowly, welcoming what felt like home.
“Sure.” I could tell her was trying to contain his excitement about their current project.

The other bro that was working on the car perked up, acknowledged me with a smile, and jumped into the car--bringing it to life. The loud rumble echoed through the small shop.

“What are those?! They’re not Flowmasters!” I yelled over the car. After a few moments, the tech in the car shut if off.
“Spintechs.”
“Not bad.” They sounded great, but I wasn’t about to say I liked the way my car sounded more. I was biased, obviously.

“You have a place to work on your car?” He folded his arms, trying to show them off.

I folded mine back, holding his gaze but going out of my way not to be flirty, “No.”

He leaned down towards me a bit, cocking his head derisively to the side, a smirk that I'm sure he thought was sexy firmly planted on his face, “Maybe if you promise to wear shirts like you had on the other day, you can come into my office and we’ll see if we can’t find you a job here.”

Instead of dropping my jaw and slapping him, I arched a brow and smirked back. His was a bold move, especially with his bro right there, even if also very stupid. Before I could reply, he actually continued.

“I have friends that hang out at Johnny’s. I saw the Instagram post. Seems you have sex for just about any reason, why not to get a job, sweetie?”

Instead of letting him get to me, I grinned like a shark and stepped closer to him, glaring right up into his meaty face. I put a fake teasing edge to my voice to make a point, “Ya know, I bet you’d look really good in a tighter pair of Dickies, and...maybe unbutton this a little?” I undid his top button and furrowed my brow disapprovingly at his hairy chest, “You’ll have to shave that and lose a few pounds, but it would no doubt get you more business with that sweet ass, hon.” I moved my fingers around to his bicep and squeezed--smiling when he flinched uncomfortably, “Very nice. What are these doing hiding under this shirt, hm? Sweetie?”

He batted my hand away, cheeks flushing as he looked at the ground, “Alright, alright. I get it.”

To drive the rest of my point home, I got up under him so he’d have to look me in the eyes, “You don’t have to apologize for sleeping around, so why should I?”

Without waiting for an answer, I walked off--holding my head high as I flipped them off and heard his friend tease the crap out of him.

Just as I was getting in my car, my phone rang. My sky high good mood was spoiled when I saw it was Meaghan. I answered nervously,

“Hi Megs.”
“Can we talk? Coffee at our usual place? It’s not to yell at you, I promise.” She chuckled dryly.
“Um, sure.”

Click. What? There’s absolutely no way she could have forgiven me already. So what else could she possibly want?

Half an hour later, I sulked into the place we always met and sat down. When she came in alone, I couldn’t help but imagine Zack with Ness. Dammit, I finally had been distracted and they couldn’t give me five minutes to enjoy it?

I sat there with my eyes down for a long ass time until she finally sighed heavily and spoke,
“I’ll be honest, Vi. I’m still pretty upset by all the stuff you told me. But...I also believe you’re a good person that made a mistake and that you deserve another chance.” Her sweet voice was heavy and sad, but the words she spoke made me so happy that she might be considering giving me said other chance, “And...I also need your help.”

I finally raised my eyes, “My help?”
She shifted nervously, “Things with Jake….”
I could tell Megs was having a hard time with whatever this was, “You guys alright?”
“I dare say...we’re too alright?”
My brow arched curiously.

“Things are amazing. He treats me so much--” Her eyes flicked to mine, stopping before she said ‘better than Zack’ and continued warily, “Wonderfully. It’s way too much, too soon.” She caved and grabbed my hands, just like she had when she warned me not to fall for Zacky, “What do I do?! I don’t want to scare him off, he’s amazing! But….I’m not sure I should….ya know, after getting out of….”

I squeezed back, “Meaghan, I may not be great at this whole love thing, but don’t rush into anything. Just be honest. He’s a guy, he’ll appreciate it. Tell him you’re really interested in him, maybe even long term, but you just want to be clear about....some things, whatever those may be, for awhile after recently getting divorced. Trust me, better tell him now than wake up in ten years and realize you rushed into something you shouldn’t have.”

She smiled sweetly sideways, “Thanks, Vi.” After a pause, she let go of my hands, eyes darting around nervously and suspiciously, “Soooo...we’re going to this fancy fundraiser thing Saturday night...and Jake’s taking me. Do you wanna, maybe go? You could bring Erin…you can...maybe be my backup in case I seriously need advice? I wonder if he’s going to make a move that night.”

“Make a move?”

“Yeah. Super romantic atmosphere, we’ll be all dressed up. I...I don’t even want to voice what I’m thinking it’s so catastrophic.”
I raised both brows, “Uh...I dunno, Megs. Any chance….he’ll be there?”

She laughed uncertainly and waved it off, “This isn’t really the guys’ thing, but...even if they are…” Her smirk was incredibly un-Megs as she gave me a coy look, “If he is, he can eat his fuckin’ heart out, right?”

I couldn’t help but smile, raising my coffee cup to her in cheers.

****Z’s POV****

Thursday evening there was a knock on my door, and when I answered--in walked my entire band. They all had shit-eating grins on their faces as they just stared at me and me at them.

Finally, Matt wrapped me in a huge bear hug,
“We’re so fuckin’ happy for you, man.”

Before I could respond, he’d let go and now my bassist was hugging me, “It’s about time you let someone in, Zack.” He looked at me with a serious look in his eyes.

“I guess you really aren’t gay. Who knew.” Brooks joked and slapped me on the back before also hugging me.

I blinked a them for a moment before grinning, “Uh, thanks? I mean...she hasn’t even said anything, it’s not like we’ve…” I tugged at the back of my neck, "I'm a little nervous she's going to turn me down."

Brian scoffed and Brooks stepped up, "She's over the moon for you, Zack. She'll want to keep your relationship open to make herself comfortable with the situation, but just let her know you're fine with that. The hard part comes after--keeping her once you've got her."

It wasn't often we had serious talks about relationships. But they were dead serious and I knew I was lucky to have such good friends.

Matt squeezed my shoulder, “We’re here to make damn sure Saturday night goes swimmingly. As fucked up as what you two did to your poor ex was, you deserve this. You deserve her, Zack. I hope you know that.”

I looked around at all the concern and love on their faces and couldn’t help but smile wide, “You guys really are the best.”
“Yes we are,” Syn put an arm across my shoulders, “So do you have something planned yet?”
“I do. It’s perfect and I think she’ll love it and it might actually convince her I’m in love.”
“Good,” Brooks put his hands in his pockets, “What can we do?”

***

I was such a nervous fucking wreck that I took a shot of tequila before I even left the house. I knew I looked great, but that was of little comfort. The guys, and all their girls, had come over that afternoon because the girls wanted to get ready together and Megs had convinced them to do it at my house so that I’d have company. Little did I know they were going to spend some of that time fussing over me.

Val convinced me to let her shave my face with a straight razor, despite how nervous I was giving any of them something so sharp anywhere near my jugular. Mich fixed my tie. When Lacey came at me with the eyeliner, I stopped her with a look.

“What? You put it on yourself that night you and Brian slept with her,” She smirked and Meaghan whirled around. Her jaw dropped and I rolled my eyes.

“Mich, did you tell fucking everyone?!”
She put on a fake offended face, “Me?! I didn’t tell them anything, they figured it out by watching the three of you that night at the bar.”
The other girls shrugged and I was relieved when Megs just laughed and shook her head.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t tell them about the other one.”
I sighed in exasperation, my face turning bright red, “Mich, I swear to fuck…”

All the other girls flitted to Michelle and tried to get her to spill, which I knew she wouldn’t until I was gone. Then they all turned to me and tried to get me to tell them. Laughing, I couldn't believe I'd found myself in such a gossip girl moment. I put up my hands, “Hey, it didn’t even involve me, so I’m not the one to ask.” I raised my eyes to Michelle’s, “I’m so telling Brian on you, though.”
“Hey, I didn’t say a word.”
The other girls looked very curious, but I kept my cool.

Megs insisted on perfecting my hair. This time when Lacey tried again with the eyeliner, I let her, making sure she had a light touch. I figured I could always take it off if I didn’t like it. When Lacey was done, Kelly dabbed at it with a kleenex,

“You should probably skip the eyeliner tonight. She’s going to cry, then you’re probably going to cry. Hell, we’ll all probably cry.”
My eyes widened, “Cry?” I’d made her cry before, so I knew exactly how much I never wanted to do that again.

“Yeah, like happy tears.” Val smirked. They’d all loved my idea, getting little hearts in their eyes and “awww”ing when I’d told them. It was sickeningly sweet, but I knew I was going to need a lot of that to make up for how much I’d hurt her. And to convince her that we should be in love when it was so clear she didn’t want to be.

“Great.” My shoulders slumped, not sure I could take her tears whether they were happy ones or not.

Val stopped whatever she was doing with her hair and sat in my lap, holding my face in her hands, “Don’t worry, Zack. You’re going to do great. You got this, and we’re all going to be there to support you, okay?”
I blinked for a second before grinning, “Sure, Val. Thanks.”
She'd often been our rock throughout the years, so I had no doubt that if I faltered--she'd be there.

When they finally let me leave to finish their own looks, I scurried off downstairs.

“Well don’t you look fuckin’ pretty,” Shadz grinned. I shook it off, much more focused on the fact that Jake was there. I shook his hand, wanting him to know I didn’t mind.

“Jake.”
“Zack.” He looked right at me, “Can I talk to you?” His voice was deep and stern. Just what I needed right now, something else to worry about.
“Uh, sure,” I nodded towards my back deck so we could have some privacy. Once we were outside, I nodded at him, “What’s up, dude?”

Jake folded his huge arms, clearly trying to intimidate me, “I’ve been instructed not to bring this up with you, but I can’t help it. I have very strong feelings for Meaghan and she recently found out you and one of her good friends have been lying to her face. She won’t tell me the details, and I get that Violet’s hot, but what the fuck, man?!” He scowled, putting his fingers close together, “I am this close to kicking your ass, but I know it would just piss her off. Now you going to tell me what’s up?”




I pinched my nose, trying to be understanding towards the guy who was threatening me in my own house, “Jake...not that I feel I really need to tell you anything, but...if you must know...I’ve never been in love before. Before Violet, I mean.”

He huffed, only getting angrier, “You mean to tell me you married Megs, and had a kid together, without loving her?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I know how it sounds, but I did really like her and I guess I thought if I gave her everything else she could ever want or need….maybe that I’d fall eventually, I’m not sure.” I put my hands on my hips, doing my best to stand up to the guy who wasn’t huge by height standards, but definitely worked out way more than I did, “Look, I’m not proud of that or what Violet and I did. I’m quite embarrassed, really. A man should have more self restraint than that. And more dignity. More lots of things. But I didn’t. Couldn’t. What I feel when she’s around, when I think about her, when I miss her...it’s so unlike anything I’ve ever known.”

His features softened and he finally smiled, “Yeah. Know whatcha mean.”
I arched a brow, folding my arms again.
Jake looked at the ground, suddenly shy, “I’ve never been in love before, either…”
I chuckled, “You’re...you’re in love with Megs???”



His smile deepened and I had to feel bad for the guy, knowing the turmoil he was going through even though it can be such a good thing. He pulled a hand down his face, shaking his head, “Yeah. Apparently. I’ve been trying to take it slow, knowing she just got out of, well, her marriage to you...but, it’s hard--”
“Trust me, I know.”
“Exactly. It’s way past time I told her, so I think I will tonight. And leave it at that.” His eyes raised to mine and I realized he was looking for some sort of confirmation that this was a good idea.

I smiled, knowing my advice should certainly be taken with a grain of salt right now, “If you think she’s ready. And you. They say that fools rush in, and they’re right. But, as you can see, I’m a complete fool right now.”

We both had a good laugh and headed back inside. The women emerged and we all told them how beautiful they were. I had to admit, the looks that Jake and Meaghan shared were pretty adorable and I was really happy she’d found someone. Hopefully, like I’d found someone.

*

Notes

I have zero patience for "bros", can you tell???
I pray I have the ovaries to react to the next guy that acts that way towards me like that! It'd be so cool!!!

Haha, I dropped a hint at what Zacky has planned, but you guys'll never guess! Teehee. Larisa caught it, but she also knows what he's doing lol! Can't wait to finish writing the next chapter! Sorry, this one got too long I had to separate it. You know what's comin' though!

As always, thanks for reading and please comment!!!