The Mechanic’s Apprentice – Part 23

Everyone in this story is 18+

Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and not feeling too stressed. If you have a moment, here’s part 23 of this story—perfectly fitting since it’s December 23rd today! The finale, part 24, will of course be released tomorrow on the 24th. (I know you guys span almost all continents, so the dates might be a bit off for some of you). I’ll also have a big Christmas post and update for you tomorrow with more information about what’s coming next. Stay tuned!

A Key to New Beginnings

The living room glowed softly, lit by the warm flicker of candles and the multicolored lights on the Christmas tree. The faint scent of pine mixed with the aroma of Mom and Connor’s Mom cooking, and the room felt cozy despite the chill of winter outside. I sat gingerly on the couch, a blanket draped over my legs, moving carefully to avoid aggravating my ribs. Connor was right next to me, our shoulders brushing, like the space between us didn’t exist anymore.

From the kitchen, I could hear Mom and Cecily chatting, their voices light with laughter as they worked on something together. I hadn’t expected them to get along so well, but I guessed their shared concern over us had a way of bridging gaps.

Connor leaned closer, his voice soft. “Did you hear? The police found steroids in the lockers at school belonging to those fucking loosers who attacked us.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Steroids? You serious?”

Connor nodded, his expression tense. “Yeah. They think that’s part of why those guys were so aggressive. They’re also looking into connections between them and some extremist anti-LGBTQ group. It’s all part of the investigation. I wonder how the trial will go.”

“Good,” I muttered, my fingers brushing against his. “Let them deal with the mess they made. They deserve it. I hope they get time.”

Connor’s lips twitched into a small, wry smile, but his eyes stayed on me. “You still took the worst of it.”

I shrugged, wincing slightly. “Would do it again if I had to.”

“You’re a dumbass, never again!” he muttered, but there was a warmth in his voice that made my chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with my ribs.

Before I could say more, Connor’s phone buzzed with a text. He pulled it out, his brows furrowing as he read.

Joe: Hi, Kiddo. You have 5 minutes for your father? Bring Ryder too, if he’s up for it.

Connor looked at me, questioningly. “What do you think?”

“He’s your dad. It’s your call,” I said, leaning back carefully.

“It is Christmas,” he admitted, his voice hesitant. “I kinda want to see him. Even if it’s just for five minutes.” His eyes searched mine for approval.

“Of course. Let’s go,” I said without hesitation.

“But are you sure?” he asked, concern lacing his voice, as he leaned closer to me. “You can stay here and relax if you need to.”

“Hey, we’ve been conjoined at the hips ever since the accident. Why stop now? Where you go, I go,” I replied, kissing him lightly.

He smiled, helping me up as I carefully got to my feet. Together, we made our way through the kitchen.

“Mom, and Ma’am—uh, sorry, I mean Cece,” I said sheepishly, “We’re just going for a tiny little walk.”

“But Ryder, are you sure?” Mom asked, pausing as she glanced over. “Dinner is almost ready. Are you up for walking?”

Cecily nodded in agreement, her concern evident as her gaze flicked between us.

“Yeah, I’m okay. The doctor said some very careful walking is fine. We’re just going down the block and back,” I assured them with a small chuckle as Connor’s arm stayed securely around me. “Plus, I’ve got Nurse Conn here to keep me in line.”

Mom still looked skeptical but relented, her hands now on her hips. “Well, okay. But be careful, hon.”

Cecily added, “And don’t keep us waiting too long. You need to eat.”

“We’ll be quick,” Connor promised, holding me steady as we stepped put on our jackets.

We made our way down the block when we caught sight of him.

“Dad?” Connor’s voice wavered slightly.

Joe shifted, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. His expression was softer than usual, almost unsure. “Merry Christmas, kid,” he said gruffly, his eyes flicking to me. “Both of you.”

Before I could react, Joe pulled us both into a rough but earnest hug. Connor hesitated for a moment, his muscles tense, but then he eased into it.

When Joe stepped back, Connor’s brow furrowed. “What are you doing here?”

Joe cleared his throat awkwardly, pulling a small box from his pocket. “Sorry for showing up like this. I didn’t want to upset your ma by knocking at the door. But I, uh, brought you something. Thought maybe it was time.”

Connor glanced at me, then back at Joe, before taking the box. He opened it carefully, and inside was a single, slightly worn key.

Connor’s eyes widened in recognition. “This... is this the key to the shop?” His voice cracked slightly.

Joe nodded, his usual tough demeanor cracking just enough to show a flicker of vulnerability. “Yeah. It’s yours now. Both of yours.”

“What?” Connor whispered, staring at the key like it might vanish. “You’re giving us the shop?”

Joe nodded again. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Look, I know I haven’t been the best dad, but I’m ready to do something else with my life. And I can’t think of anyone better to take care of that place than you two.”

Connor’s hand trembled as he held the key. “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything,” Joe said. “Just... do what you want with it. Sell it, keep it, doesn’t matter. But I want you to stay in school, Connor. Follow your dream. And Ryder”—his gaze shifted to me—“you’re a damn good mechanic. Old Tom’s happy to stick around and help. You’ll figure it out.”

Connor’s voice was thick with emotion. “Thanks, Dad.”

Joe reached out, placing a firm hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Merry Christmas, boys.”

As Joe stepped back toward the door, Connor turned to me, his fingers still clutching the key. The weight of everything that had happened was clear on all of our faces, but for the first time in weeks, it didn’t feel so heavy.

“Merry Christmas,” I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Joe rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncharacteristically hesitant. “Oh, and uh... there’s one more thing.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What now?”

He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I’ve got a buddy who runs a gym. Good guy. I might’ve convinced him to make a little call to the cops about some... concerns in the lockers over there.”

I blinked. “Wait, seriously?”

Joe nodded, his smirk widening. “Turns out those goons who jumped you? I did some diggin’ and it turns they where all juiced up… Let’s just say the cops found enough roids in their lockers to make a horse jealous.”

Connor let out a short, incredulous laugh, his eyes flicking to me and then back at Joe. “You really did that?”

“Yup,” Joe said with a shrug, the smirk still lingering. “Figured it was the least I could do. Sometimes you gotta play dirty when the bastards don’t fight fair.”

I shook my head, a surprised laugh escaping me despite everything. “That’s... actually kind of amazing.”

Joe’s smirk softened into something more genuine as he looked at me. “I can never thank you enough for what you did for Connor. When he told me what you did for him…” He paused, his voice catching as he teared up slightly. “And when I saw you at the hospital like that... well, I can never repay that.”

I glanced at Connor, who gave me a small, emotional smile. “I didn’t do it for repayment,” I said quietly. “I did it because... well, I care about him. A lot.”

Joe nodded, clearing his throat and pulling himself together. “I know. And I’m grateful, kid. You two take care of each other, alright?”

Connor reached out, grabbing his dad’s hand briefly. “Thanks, Dad. For everything.”

Joe gave a quick nod and turned to leave, his figure disappearing into the chilly night. Connor and I stood there for a moment, the key still clutched in his hand, the enormity of it all sinking in.

“Well,” Connor finally said, his voice trembling but steady. “That’s a hell of a Christmas present.”

“It really is,” I murmured, wrapping an arm around his waist as we headed back inside.

Then he turned towards me. And, Ry? I’ve got one incredible Christmas present for you later.” Connor grinned, the kind of grin that left no doubt about what he meant.

And I couldn’t fucking wait!