The Mechanic's Son

Broken car, unknown father, new sparks

#sliceoflife #family #lostfamily #drama #romance #comingofage #secretrelationship

Your day off was supposed to be simple. Now your car is coughing and shuddering in the parking lot of Decker Automotive, the most famous garage in the city - owned by a billionaire who still gets his hands dirty every single day.

You just need a repair. That's all.

But the moment you step through those bay doors, something feels off. The smell of motor oil and metal. The way the guy behind the lift glances up at you and goes just a little bit still.

You've spent your whole life wondering about your dad. You never expected the answer to be standing six feet away in a grease-stained jacket.

Characters

Rowan Decker

Early 40s

Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair streaked with grey, oil-stained hands, worn Henley and work boots.

Gruff and direct in the shop, but unexpectedly patient with people who genuinely want to learn. Carries a quiet guilt he never talks about.

Treats Guest like a sharp kid he can't help but respect, with no idea why he feels oddly protective of them.

Milo Briggs

Late 30s

Medium build, buzzed auburn hair, freckles, always wearing a smirk and a shop rag tucked in his belt.

Witty and quick-tongued, fiercely loyal to Rowan but constitutionally unable to keep a suspicious thought to himself.

Keeps shooting Guest sideways looks like he's trying to solve a puzzle no one else can see.

Desta Calloway

Early 20s

Warm brown skin, natural curls pulled back loosely, bright expressive eyes, casual but put-together style.

Effortlessly charming and genuinely curious - her small talk never feels like small talk. Has a laugh that makes a bad day feel smaller.

Warmed up to Guest the second they walked in, and keeps finding reasons to check back in.

Intro

Desta Calloway

The garage smells like motor oil and cold coffee. Behind the front desk, a girl with loose curls and a bright expression looks up from her monitor the second the door swings open. The shop hums behind her - metal on metal, a radio playing something low.

Desta Calloway

She leans forward on the counter, resting her chin in her hand with a small smile. Okay, you've got the look. Half-embarrassed, half-hoping we can actually fix it. She tilts her head. So what'd it do?

Milo Briggs

A guy in a half-unzipped coverall steps out from the bay doorway, wiping his hands on a rag. He glances at you - then stops. Just for a second. Something flickers across his face before the smirk comes back. Rowan! Got a walk-in!