Page 44 of Fixing Hearts

“I live three buildings over,” the woman snapped, pointing east. “We’ve got a sleeping child and a husband on night shift. And it occurs to me that this whole... event,” she said, gesturing vaguely to organized chaos. “Might not have followed standard ordinance permits.”

Taking a slow breath, Jo kept her smile in place. “I understand,” she said. “And I’m really sorry if the noise is causing a problem.”

Crossing her arms, the woman raised one eyebrow. “I’m not trying to be a villain here,” she said. “The hamburgers look delicious. That’s a lovely art table. But I do feel obligated to file a formal complaint if this continues past four P.M. per noise regulations.”

Jo nodded calmly, calling up every ounce of diplomacy and charm she knew the situation demanded.

“Okay,” she said, stepping a little closer, lowering her voice enough to be conversational.

“You’re absolutely right. And if I’m honest, this wasn’t supposed to turn into a full-blown street fair.

It started as a small block party to raise some donations.

But…” She let the pause hang long enough for the woman to frown, clearly intrigued despite herself.

Jo continued. “The reason I threw it is because I own that garage.” She nodded toward the sign.

“I took it over from Mr. Diaz, a man who taught me everything I know. And a few weeks ago, I got robbed. A lot of my tools. Equipment. Things I can’t afford to replace.

So this?” She motioned at the crowd. “This is me trying not to lose the business I’ve poured years of my life into. ”

Staring at Jo for a long moment, the woman’s indecision was clear on her face.

“You were robbed,” she finally said. “And this is to save the garage. One that’s been in this neighborhood for decades.

” Knowing better than to say too much and risk pushing the woman’s decision the wrong way, all Jo did was nod.

The woman sighed. “Okay. This one time.”

Letting out a deep breath, Jo leaned in. “Thank you so much,” she said. “Tell you what. I’ll personally give your car a free oil change and full-service tire rotation whenever you want. You don’t even have to schedule it.”

At last, the woman smiled. “Fair enough,” she said, holding out her hand. “I’m Carol.”

Shaking Carol’s hand, Jo smiled. “Jo Fuller,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Give my apologies to your family.”

“I will,” Carol said, turning to go. “Good luck.” Then, she went back into the crowd, and Jo ran a hand over her face. That was a close one, she thought, as she felt someone fall in beside her.

Turning, Jo saw Evelyn, hands on her hips, eyes searching her face. “Everything okay here?” she asked softly. “Did that woman have a problem?”

Nodding, Jo took Evelyn’s hand. “Yeah,” she said. “But I handled it.”

“You threatened her with Mica, didn’t you?” Evelyn asked without missing a beat.

“Nope,” Jo answered with a laugh. “Pure Fuller charm this time.”

Evelyn studied her for a moment and then leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “Then she didn’t stand a chance,” she said into Jo’s ear. “Because you’re amazing.”

By the time sunset hit, the party had turned into something more than Evelyn could have imagined.

Kids streaked past in face paint that looked increasingly like war paint as dusk settled over the lot.

The band had broken down their gear and were now sitting cross-legged by Mr. Diaz’s grill, devouring hamburgers like they hadn’t eaten in a week.

Rosa had switched from handing out hot dogs to distributing foil-wrapped leftovers she insisted people take.

Over by Bay Two, Mica finished up taking payments for the silent auction.

Brooke had parked herself beside her at some point, and Evelyn noticed how often their arms brushed.

Definitely something happening there, she thought with a sigh. But I will deal with that later.

Sipping a plastic cup of cold cider, she scanned the rest of the space with a soft awe curling inside her, and she realized they had done it.

Not just me, she thought. All of us. No corporate sponsors.

No hired staff. Only people who gave a damn.

People who showed up. Ready to facilitate shutting the whole show down, she turned toward the small stage only to see that Jo had climbed the few stairs to where the mic stand waited.

She leaned into the mic like she didn’t entirely trust it and tapped it once.

The sound crackled, then steadied. “Hi,” Jo said, shifting slightly.

“Uh. Before everyone heads home, I wanted to say something.” She ran a hand through her hair.

“I’m not great with speeches, so I’ll make it short. ”

The crowd quieted, and Evelyn tilted her head.

They had never talked about Jo giving a thank-you speech, so she was not sure what she was about to hear.

She watched Jo take a deep breath. “Most of you know I took over this garage a few years ago from Mr. Diaz, who is…” She stopped, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on him.

“...still making me look bad at engine diagnostics and somehow hasn’t aged a damn day. ”

People chuckled, and Mr. Diaz raised his drink in salute.

Jo nodded, her voice steadier. “We’ve seen a lot of cars through here.

Some really busted up. Some only needing a little tender care.

But the point is, this place has stood because of all of you.

” Her voice quieted. “I wouldn’t have gotten through the last few weeks without people who care.

This party and this support means more than I can probably say without getting awkward and weird. ”

Warm and affectionate laughter rippled through the crowd, and Jo smiled.

“And, uh… there’s someone who really made this happen.

” She paused, looking over the crowd until her eyes met Evelyn’s.

“And she’s leaving soon,” Jo continued. “But not forever.” Evelyn watched Jo take a deep breath.

“She’s been real patient with me, plus taught me a few things, but mostly she’s helped me understand that you don’t have to give up who you are to let someone in. ”

Evelyn’s breath caught. Then, with one quick smile, clearly meant for one pair of eyes, Jo stepped back from the mic and hopped down from the stage, as if she hadn’t just filled Evelyn’s heart with an unbelievable amount of joy.

Around her, the clapping rose like a tide, but Evelyn stood still and knew that whatever unfolded ahead of them, she and Jo would find a way to work it out.