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Dan moved toward the couch and reached for the remote.
Wait.
Why? You need to find out what happens next?
Hey, it may have changed since yesterday and the day before and the day
before that, Louis said. How many times do you think Liam s watched this
movie?
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Too many. Dan sat on the couch. Don t you think his obsession with it is
kind of weird?
Naw. Little kids get stuck on something and cling to it. Maybe it s a favorite
toy or blanket or clothes they insist on wearing over and over. I wouldn t worry
about it. Louis perched on the wide arm of a chair, not quite committing to
staying but not leaving either. Man, I used to be terrified of the monkeys when I
was a kid, even more than the witch.
I don t remember ever watching this when I was young. The first time I saw
it was with Cara.
Seriously? How s that possible?
Dan shrugged. I don t know. I watched a lot of nature shows and sports.
Not too many cartoons or kids shows. I didn t grow up watching movies.
Weird industry for you to end up in. Louis looked from the witch turning
the hourglass to Dan s face, still and thoughtful as usual.
He shrugged. It s a business like any other. It wasn t as if I had a burning
desire to bring art to the world. If I had, I wouldn t be involved in producing
blockbusters for major studios. I d stick to indie films.
Well, I admit I escaped into movies whenever I could, Louis said. Living
in a home with a bunch of other kids was chaotic. Going to the movie theater was
like entering a temple of peace and solitude. I wanted to get swept away to
another world.
And you wanted to be an actor. You mentioned getting some bit parts when
you first moved out here.
Yeah. Didn t really pan out. Louis quickly changed the subject. How s
Birthright coming along?
All right. I don t really want to think about it, or I won t be able to stop.
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Bonnie Dee
Leave work at work. I get it. And that was his cue to leave. Dan probably
didn t want him to keep hanging out, making small talk. Louis rose.
So, what do you think is wrong with your car? Dan asked.
I have no idea. The engine seems draggy or something, like it doesn t really
respond when I put my foot on the gas. And it s making a weird noise.
What kind of weird noise? When s the last time you had the car serviced?
Um& Not since he d bought it, but he wasn t going to admit that.
Let s go out and take a look. Dan stood.
Louis followed him outside. You don t have to do this. I ll take it to a
mechanic.
I don t mind. After dealing with people all week, it s kind of relaxing to
troubleshoot something as uncomplicated as an engine. Dan smiled at Louis.
Flutter. Thump. His heart did a ridiculous little somersault. He ignored it and
returned the smile. Well, thanks.
The driveway where the Taurus was parked was as well-lit as a surgery. Dan
started the car, revved the engine and listened, then popped the hood and went
to look underneath it.
Louis stood beside him, staring at the collection of parts that made the thing
run and made absolutely no sense to him.
Dan checked the oil then reached into the motor to tighten this and loosen
that. Well there s your problem.
Hm? Louis bent over and peered at the big circular thing, but got
distracted by Dan s pointing finger and the streak of dirt on his forearm.
Your air filter s all clogged, and the oil is low. There are some other things
I d have checked out too. I think you need a complete tune-up.
Okay.
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They were shoulder-to-shoulder, leaning on the frame of the car. Dan looked
at him. You have absolutely no clue about any of this do you?
Louis grinned. Sorry. I m not a car guy. Didn t have one until I came out
here. I usually caught rides with friends. Can t say I spent a lot of time tinkering
with engines.
Well, there s some basic car care you should know for your own safety.
Dan s tone grew paternally stern as he explained about fluid levels and radiators.
You can t just drive a vehicle into the ground. You ve got to care for it.
Yes, sir. Louis snapped a mock salute.
Dan frowned. I m serious. The last thing you want is to break down on a
busy expressway.
I was thinking the same thing earlier. You re right. And God, are you hot
when you re dominant and caring all at the same time. I ll take better care of it, I
swear.
I ll give you my mechanic s address. I ve been using the place for years. You
can trust Neal not to rip you off.
Okay. Thanks.
Let me show you how to put the cover back on the filter and to check fluid
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