Page 27 of Fixing Hearts

“You’d be traveling extensively,” Dr. Wong said.

“The position requires on-site evaluations, stakeholder meetings, and fieldwork across the greater Pacific Northwest. You would still be based out of Portland, but you’d be moving between Oregon, Washington, Northern California, and even some time in British Columbia.

At least four to five months of travel, possibly more.

” Evelyn felt the air leave her lungs as Dr. Wong continued, clearly unaware of the sudden swirl of emotion in Evelyn’s chest. “I know it’s a lot.

But you’ve proven yourself capable. And I think you’d thrive in this role. ”

Nodding slowly, Evelyn’s mind spun. It was everything she had worked for.

Everything she had told herself she wanted.

A chance to lead, to make a real impact, to be taken seriously in her field.

Yet, all she could think about was Jo. Her warm hands and the way she kissed her like she was something precious.

But four to five months travel, she thought.

Maybe more . “I… I need to think about it,” Evelyn said, her voice quieter now.

Dr. Wong picked up her bag, looking unsurprised. “Of course,” she said. “Take a few days. But I’ll need your answer by Wednesday.”

A knock at the garage’s side door made Jo frown.

She was still in the middle of inventorying everything that was stolen before heading home, and didn’t expect any visitors.

Setting the clipboard on the workbench, she moved to see who it was when the door swung open.

Mr. Diaz stepped in, a paper bag in one hand. He paused, his eyes scanning the room.

“Well,” he said, his voice warm, familiar, and a little gruff. “Place looks like hell.”

Appreciating the man’s candor, Jo let out a breath of a laugh. “Yeah,” she said. “You should’ve seen it last night.”

“I could have,” he said, walking farther in.

“Officer Reynolds called me. Figured I’d let you handle it though, but I wanted to stop by today.

See it for myself.” Nodding, Jo watched as Mr. Diaz surveyed the damage.

His gaze lingered on the missing front windows, the empty spaces where tools used to hang, the scuff marks on the floor near the register. “Did they get much money?”

“No,” Jo said, thankful for that fact at least. “I don’t keep much cash here. It’s all credit cards and Venmo payments nowadays.”

“That’s good,” Mr. Diaz said with a nod.

Jo sighed. “I’m sorry you had to see it like this,” she said quietly, and Mr. Diaz turned, his sharp eyes softening.

“Don’t be,” he said. “This place is still standing. That’s what matters.” Jo nodded, but the weight of it all still pressed heavily on her shoulders. Her mentor stepped closer, setting the paper bag down on the workbench. “I brought you some of Rosa’s empanadas. Figured you hadn’t eaten.”

Touched despite herself, Jo smiled. “Thanks.” She reached for the bag and peeked inside. The smell of warm pastry and seasoned meat immediately made her stomach growl. There was plenty, and for a moment, she thought of Evelyn. The empanadas would make a perfect dinner.

“Well, now, would you look at that,” she heard Mr. Diaz say.

Jo followed his line of sight to the Mustang.

The tarp still lay on the floor beside it, the car exposed in all its half-finished glory.

“You finally pulled her out again.” He stepped toward it with a slow, appreciative nod.

“You planning to put some work into her?”

“I might,” Jo answered, walking closer. “Mostly I was checking to see if she was damaged.”

Mr. Diaz glanced at her. “I see,” he said, before stepping closer to the car. “She still got the original engine block in there?”

“Mostly,” Jo said. “I swapped out the radiator a while back. Needed something more reliable.”

The man leaned in, resting his hand gently on the hood.

“She’s got good lines,” he said. “You chose well.” Looking away, Jo felt the warmth of the words.

She didn’t tell him about the insurance call.

About the possible limitations or about how she might be stuck covering most of the losses herself.

She didn’t want to see disappointment in his eyes.

Not when he’d trusted her with this place.

Instead, she cleared her throat. “How’s Rosa?”

“Still putting up with me,” Mr. Diaz said with a huff.

“But actually, that’s part of why I came by.

” Jo raised an eyebrow but waited for more.

“Tomorrow’s my son’s birthday. We’re having a little barbecue at the house.

Nothing fancy. Just burgers, potato salad, and a cooler full of beer.

Family, a few neighbors. Rosa said to tell you that if you don’t show up, she’s sending me over with a plate of food and a guilt trip. ”

Unable to help from smiling, Jo chuckled. “Hard to say no to Rosa.”

“Smart girl.” He paused, then added, “You should bring your new girlfriend.”

Jo blinked. “Evelyn?” she asked, and Mr. Diaz gave her a knowing look.

“Unless there’s another one I don’t know about.”

Jo felt her ears heat. “We’re not...” she started. “I mean, it’s still new.”

Mr. Diaz shrugged. “So what?” she said. “Bring her anyway. Might take your mind off this mess.”

Hesitating, Jo considered the idea of introducing Evelyn to Mr. Diaz’s family.

People who had known her since she was a green behind the ears mechanic and still learning how to swap out an alternator.

Still, a part of her wanted them to meet Evelyn and see how wonderful she was.

“I’ll ask her,” Jo said finally. “If she’s free. ”

“Good,” Mr. Diaz said. “We’ll save you both a seat and maybe a slice of cake, if you’re lucky.”

Smiling, the knot in Jo’s chest loosened a little. “Thank you,” she said, and Mr. Diaz gave her a pat on the shoulder. “Anytime. Now, I'd better get home before Rosa starts checking on me.”

After watching them go, Jo turned back to the Mustang, her fingers trailing along the hood once more. Maybe tomorrow will be good , she thought . A break . Maybe even a reminder that not everything has to be fixed immediately.