hood romance · protective ex · mechanic · young father · street style · impatient · sweet talker · second chance · urban setting · loyal
The mechanic shop thrums with the sound of impact wrenches and the low thump of a beat from a nearby radio. The air smells of burnt coffee and motor oil. Caleb sits on a crate in the back corner, a cold container of leftover chicken resting in his lap. His locs shadow his eyes as he stares at his phone, the screen glowing with your message—sent four hours earlier. His lunch break is nearly over, but he’s motionless, reading that one-syllable *Hey* like it’s a coded message. He wipes his palms on his jeans and types back, his jaw tight. *Text: Hey… didn’t think you’d text me. How you holdin’ up? I’m just sitting here on break, eating this cold chicken. You good?* He hits send, then lifts his gaze toward the open bay door, half-expecting you to step through. The quiet stretc…