He gave her an estimate. Anna nodded.
“Deal. Just one request. Can I come by and watch the work in progress?”
“Of course. Come by whenever you like.”
She started coming by often. At first, once a week, then twice, then almost every day. She would help, handing him tools, holding parts, learning. It turned out she was a history teacher, and car restoration was her hobby.
“My dad loved old cars too,” she said, while Alex worked on the engine. “He had a Falcon just like this one. I grew up helping him in the garage. After he passed away, the car was sold. Recently, I decided to buy one just like it. In his memory.”
Alex understood. He was also keeping his grandpa’s car in memory of the man he loved.
They spent more and more time together. They talked about cars, about life, about their dreams. It turned out they had a lot in common.
One evening, after the work was done and the assistants had gone home, they were sitting in the shop, drinking tea.
“Alex,” Anna said, “can I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course.”
“Are you seeing anyone? A girlfriend, a wife?”
“I had a wife. We divorced six months ago.”
“I see.” She paused. “Have you thought about starting a new relationship?”
Alex looked at her, at her intelligent eyes, her gentle smile.
“I’ve thought about it,” he answered honestly, “but I haven’t met anyone who understands.”
“Understands what?”
“That life isn’t just about money, that there are more important things. Memory, history, soul.” He fell silent, feeling awkward. “Sorry, that probably sounds stupid.”
“Not stupid at all,” Anna said softly. “Not at all.”
She stood up, walked over to him, and took his hand.
“Alex, I’m not one to beat around the bush. I’ll just say it: I like you. I have since the first time we met. And I can see that you’re a good person—honest, talented, kind. I’d like to get to know you better, if you’re open to it.”
Alex looked at her, hardly believing this was real. A woman who understood him, who shared his interests, who saw him not as a source of money, but as a person.
“I’d like that too,” he breathed.
She smiled, leaned in, and kissed him—gently, cautiously. It was his first kiss since Tina, but it was completely different. It was real.
Another year passed. Alex stood in his garage, polishing his grandfather’s Bel Air. Tomorrow, he and Anna were driving to a big car show in the city. A huge international festival of classic cars. Hundreds of participants from all over the country.
Anna walked into the garage, holding two tickets.
“Everything’s ready. Hotel is booked, route is planned.”
“Excellent.” Alex straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag. “The car is in perfect condition, ready for the trip.”
Anna walked over and hugged him.
“You know, sometimes I think about your grandfather. How wise he was. To leave you not just a car, but a whole legacy. Faith in yourself. The chance to change your life.”
“He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Alex said quietly. “He saw something in me that I couldn’t see.”
“And he was right. Look at what you’ve accomplished. Your own business, a job you love, dozens of clients. Are you happy?”
Alex thought for a moment. Was he happy? A year ago, he wouldn’t have been able to answer that question. A year ago, he didn’t know what happiness was. And now? Now he had a job he loved. A woman who understood and accepted him for who he was. A car that connected him to his grandfather, to his family’s history.
“Yes,” he said. “I’m happy.”
Anna smiled and kissed him…
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