"Things Have Got to Change"

"I’m sorry, Baby, I really just need a break," Kate told Colin, as she stood in the doorway of the kitchen, watching as he finished up his breakfast. "We’ve been here for several weeks now, and the whole time has been spent either getting the house in order or working at the garage. I’m just asking for one day to myself – that’s all."

Colin shoved the last bite of his eggs into his mouth, then stood and placed his dishes in the sink. "Kate," he sighed, as he picked up his car keys and headed for the door. "It’s just not a good time right now. You know this. With the business taking off now, I just can’t manage working on cars and running the office on my own. You promised you’d help out until I can manage to hire someone else. . I need you, Sweetheart."

"As long as I’m there you don’t seem to be in much of a hurry to hire anyone else," she snapped at him, fighting back the tears she felt welling up in the corners of her eyes.

"You’re the one that talked me into coming to this town and opening up the garage in the first place," he shot back, "The least you can do is be supportive of me and help out until I can get someone else in there to take your place."

He was right, and she knew it, which hurt all the more. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to help out; it was just that Kate simply needed a day off. Like they say, all work and no play....

She remained still, leaning in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself. Quiet sobs began to escape from her lips. Colin hated fighting with her and didn’t like seeing her so upset like this. He walked over to her and took her in his arms – holding her body close to his.

"It’s alright, Kate. Don’t worry yourself," he told her, as he gently wiped away one of her tears. "You go on and take whatever time you need off today. I’ll make do for now."

"Are you sure, Col? You don’t mind then?" she asked.

"Nah, it will work out," he replied, as he turned to walk out the door. "I’ll call the paper during lunch and place an ad to hire someone."

"Thank-you, Colin," she told him, and then kissed him good-bye as he left for the garage.

TBC...