Brea in the Clouds

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all the messages and comments! Your words of encouragement and advice are super appreciated. No joke, it means a lot.

This is a revised and re-edited version of "Break In The Clouds". I've changed a few minor details and fixed some errors. If you are familiar with this story already and wish to give it a reread, have at it! It might be more enjoyable of a read now. If you're new here, welcome!

I have a sequel still being written currently so be on the lookout for that! Anyway, thanks for everything and I hope you enjoy the story!

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"Chloe, you coming?!" I yelled down the long hallway.

"Yeah! Sorry, sorry! Just a sec!" She yelled back from her bedroom.

I leaned back against the front door of the house, waiting impatiently. She was probably just taking her sweet time making sure the curls in her hair were perfect. Who knew?

"I sweeeaaar she takes forever..." I whispered to myself. I started twirling my keys around my finger as I waited.

"Okay okay okay, I'm here let's go!" Chloe flashed me a contrite smile.

I chuckled. "Alright, off we go. After you, stupid." I stepped aside, opening the front door for her.

"Idiot." She smirked before punching my shoulder, lightly. "Fuck. Your muscles hurt." The pout on her face was so cute.

I couldn't help but flash a ridiculously dramatic grin down at her while I posed like Superman.

"Yup. Still a dumbass." She laughed.

I followed my baby sister outside, closing and locking the front door behind me. I had to jiggle the key rapidly to dislodge it from the lock.

We both strolled down the sidewalk, side by side.

"When you fixing that door? It's a piece of shit." I said, pointing back at the door with my thumb.

"Yeah well you're never here long enough to do it for me!"

"It's your damn house..." I mumbled with a displeased grimace on my face.

"Blah blah blah....anyway! what are you thinking of buying?" Chloe asked.

"I, uhhh...honestly have no idea. I don't know anything about this stuff. I mean that's why I want you there with me in the first place."

"What kind of budget are we thinkin, huh?" Chloe winked up at me, while poking my side with her elbow. I gave her a playful shove in return.

"I mean, whatever will get her what she deserves...I don't really care how much it costs. Rachel will wear it forever and I just want it to be perfect."

"Awwww that's so sweet, Adam!" She gushed with her palms clasped under her chin.

"Shut uuuuuup." I laughed.

We approached my 1950's Chevy pickup truck, parked in the driveway. The black finish shined brilliantly in the sun and looked like you could dip your fingers in the paint. The truck was spotless, something to be said for how old it was.

"I love it. Such a beautiful machine." Chloe stood, gazing at the beautifully restored masterpiece.

I just smiled over the roof as I watched her. I loved how much my sister was into the same hobbies as me. She even helped me every step of the way when I restored the truck.

I bought the truck from a junkyard when I was 20. It took us about five years to complete, from start to finish.

Not only did we bring the beat up truck back from the dead, but we modernized it immensely. With a brand new fuel injected engine that produced nine hundred horsepower, a brand new custom fabricated frame and suspension, the truck was an absolute race-worthy monster.

Restoring this truck was a stepping stone into working on other cars as a business. It became really big for us when we started gaining recognition from the car enthusiast scene by taking the old Chevy pickup to car meets and shows, especially at the local drag strip.

Thus, Apollo Automotive became our baby.

My younger sister of 5 years, Chloe, was glued to my side the whole step of the way. Not only did she help me in the beginning by working on the vehicles with me, but she became an integral part of bookkeeping and accounting for the company.

I swung my right leg over the roll cage bar that spanned across the doorway, jumped in the driver seat, and strapped myself in. I closed the door with a heavy, crisp, metallic latching sound.

Chloe was mirroring the same process, climbing over the bar on her side, chuckling at how complicated it seemed to simply sit down in the truck. She then made sure the four-point harness system was secured across her torso, while I got ready to wake the dead.

I flicked my index finger through the individually assigned system-startup switches on my center dash. The oversized fuel pump kicked on with an electronic whining sound, followed by the cooling system.

After waiting a short moment to ensure the fuel system was primed and the starter was showing full voltage, I cranked the key to start the ignition.

A thunderous roar erupted from the engine. The twin-screw supercharged, 572 cubic inch v8 unleashed a torrent of demonic sound waves from the bellowing titanium exhaust pipes.

As the engine idled down to operating temperature, the large camshaft produced the distinct "chop chop chop" of a high performance race-car.

Chloe slowly turned her head to me and looked me in the eyes. "Mmmmm, music to my ears!" She had to voice over the loud engine.

I smirked back at her and chuckled. "Best sound in the world!" I took a couple seconds to let the sound and harsh vibrations wash over my senses. God, I loved this truck.

"Okay let's hit it!"

I threw the shift lever into first gear and dropped the clutch as I barely feathered the gas pedal. The truck screamed a symphony of sonic explosions as we made our way out of her neighborhood.

"I swear to god, my neighbors must hate you." Chloe laughed.

"They just don't know what real music is!" I responded

Chloe gave me a content smile.

It was a beautiful early fall afternoon. The air that passed through the cab of the truck, as we cruised down the winding road, felt like heaven on my skin. A perfect day for driving.

It didn't take long for me to lose myself in the feeling of contentment by just bonding with Chloe and enjoying sitting behind the wheel. We didn't usually have a destination in mind when we went for a joyride. We just drove, enjoying the scenery, the weather, and the brutal accelerations of the ethanol fueled truck.

I glanced over to see her hand floating and dancing in the wind outside the window. Her face was settled with a soft smile, and her eyes half lidded. I figured she must've been tired after pulling an all nighter at the shop.

I poked my sister's arm. "Hey, I'll do whatever you want tomorrow...for doing this with me."

Chloe raised an eyebrow at me and smirked. "Hmmmmm. Okay, lover boy. I'll keep that in mind."

I laughed. "I definitely should've known. You're gonna hang this over my head for a while. I can feel it."

Chloe gave me the biggest, sweetest smile she could muster.

"There's my baby sister. I love that smile!"

"Stoooop! Why do you have to make it awkward?!" She hide her face behind both hands.

Reaching over and poking her in her side, tickling her, I got her to start squealing from laughter.

"What's the matter?" I laughed maniacally.

"Stop stop stop!!!" Chloe couldn't contain herself. "Okay okay! I admit defeat! STOOOOP!" She started snorting and gasping for air.

I finally relented and relished Chloe's mood of genuine happiness. Her well being was a major priority of mine and I always wanted her happy. Therefor, anytime she smiled or laughed, I was happy.

A few minutes later, I parked the truck at the jewelry store and threw the gear shifter in neutral. I let the engine idle and listened. The sound of the motor had a wonderful calming effect on me.

I looked over to Chloe. "Thank you for coming...And for putting up with me."

"Hey...what're you talking about? You're my big brother. I love you and you know I'm always here for you. I promise." She gave me her signature sweet smile. "Okay?"

I nodded happily to her. She had a knack for getting me out of my own head.

"Now let's go get Rachel that ring!" She cheered.

I turned off the truck and pulled the billet-cut emergency brake lever. Then I flipped down my system startup switches.

Chloe and I both unhooked our harnesses and looked at each other as we were fumbling with our legs, trying to step over our respective roll cage bars. We erupted with giggles at our troubles.

"Because race car right?" Chloe chuckled.

"...Because race car." I nodded back with a smirk.

After locking up the truck, we made our way inside the jewelry store.

"Ho...ly...fuck. It's gorgeous in here." Chloe was flabbergasted. "Adam...I feel totally underdressed."

"Oh shut up, you're fine." I laughed.

A slim man in a perfectly tailored, black, three piece suit approached us. His blonde hair was styled with product and slicked back in a way that left some natural waves. He was extremely clean cut.

"Welcome to Athena's Jewelers. My name is Leon Toussaint. May I be of assistance?" The main said eloquently with a thick French accent.

"Hi there. We are looking for an engagement ring..."

"Agh! But of course! You two are such a beautiful couple! I have so many great options for you, my dear!" Leon bellowed in a feminine tone, as he beamed his eyes right at Chloe.

The look on Chloe's face was priceless. "Woah woah woah! Nope!" Chloe laughed hard. "Sorry but no! Adam here, is my big brother."

I shrugged with a huge grin and chuckled. "Yup. I'm here to find something to make my girlfriend permanent. She's just here for support." I said pointing my thumb at Chloe.

"Oh no no no. My apologies to you." Leon bowed before us to show respect. "Please. This way. I shall show you what have to offer."

Chloe and I looked at each other and shrugged. Leon walked with considerable fashion, perhaps thinking he was on a fashion runway. We followed the salesman to the main jewelry counter, trying not to laugh too loudly.

"If you do not mind, sir, what kind of budget did you want to stick to?" Leon probed gently.

"Can you show me what you have in the fifteen thousand range?" I tried to ask confidently.

Chloe gasped.

I looked down to my right, and saw Chloe gawking at me. "What? She's the perfect woman, Chloe. Rachel deserves the absolute best I can afford. Right?"

Chloe was wide eyed. "But that is a lot of money, Adam." She whispered.

"It's okay. I've been saving for a little while. Don't worry." I smiled.

She held my eyes and I started to fidget a little from her stare. I knew what I wanted. I loved this woman and I was going to make her the happiest person alive, I thought.

I turned back to the salesman, who was struggling to contain his over eager smile.

"Well, Leon, let's see what we can find shall we?"

"Certainly, monsieur. Please follow me." Leon stated.

Leon took us to a wide glass counter, containing a wide variety of engagement rings. I was scanning the case carefully, looking for...the one.

Rachel was my whole life. I was going to reflect that with my proposal and give her the perfect ring.

There was nearly countless options. I was immediately overwhelmed with color choices, stone sizes...I thought I was in way over my head.

I'm a gear head, not a romantic. Certainly not someone who knows his way around a jewelry store. I had no idea what girls liked and didn't like.

My face was plastered to the glass like a kid at the candy store window, smearing his boogy-snot all over it. Everything was gorgeous, but were they good enough for Rachel?

I stopped looking when I spotted a white gold band that had a large round diamond in the center with two smaller diamonds, one on either side of it. It's beauty without being too flashy made it stand out to me. It was classy and elegant, yet shined brightly as the diamonds were exquisitely cut.

Holy shit. It was perfect.

"That one. That one right there. Third from the top." I said pointing my finger at the glass counter top.

"Agh! But a wonderful choice, monsieur!" Leon praised.

He pulled the ring out of the case and gently laid it on a black velvet cushion.

"Geesuz Adam! That says it's twenty two thousand dollars." Chloe was pushing on my upper arm.

I picked up the ring and turned it around gently with my fingers.

"Yeah...I don't care. This is the one. For sure." I stated calmly. "We'll take it, Leon."

"Right away, monsieur Adam!" He said excitedly.

Leon gathered the ring into its proper box and took it over to the register to wait for us to pay.

"Damn. That's a gorgeous rock. You're such a romantic! What ever happened to the days of you saying, and I quote!....oh god I'll never get married, it's stupid, blah blah blah, it's only for people who..."

"Alriiiiight I get it!" I laughed. "I'm telling you...Rachel...she did something to me. Changed me. Made me a better person. I'd do anything, absolutely anything for her. I just want to show her that she means absolutely everything to me."

Chloe was looking at me with glassy eyes, brimmed with unshed tears. "You really have changed. I'm so proud of you. And I'm SO happy for you."

"Thank you, Chloe." I couldn't control my stupid smile. "It feels good, I have to admit. I never thought I would be doing this. But, she's worth it."

"Well when's the big day? When are you gonna pop the question?"

"Today."

She just gawked at me again with wide eyes.

"And YOU are gonna help me get it on camera." I said.

"Hell yeah! Let's do this! Wait...how do you want to do it? You don't want to spend some time to prepare? Or are you going out for dinner...or what?"

"Nope, she likes things low key. I was supposed to see her tomorrow but I'm just gonna do it today. Fuck it. No time like the present."

"Shit, sounds good to me. Want to head there now?" Chloe asked.

"Yeah. I'm too anxious to wait any longer as is. She should be home. She said she was super busy with a project she got started early on for work. So I figured this would be a good break for her."

"Okay." Chloe smiled wide. "Ah! I'm so excited!"

With that, we finally paid for the ring and made our way out of the store. When we were walking to the truck, I noticed a car parked two spots away from it. This was odd, seeing as I parked a million miles in the middle of nowhere.

As we approached, a man was looking at the truck closely and circling it.

This is one of the major drawbacks of having a badass whip...there's always some jackass trying to either steal it or vandalize it. Regardless, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I was uncomfortable knowing I was going into a possibly dangerous situation with Chloe with me.

"Can I help you sir?" I asked stiffly.

The man turned around quickly to see me closing in on him. He looked to be in his early fourties with some slightly graying hair, but otherwise looked like he took real good care of himself. He took a few steps back away from the front of the truck.

"Chloe, stay back..."I said quietly "Hey man, you good?" I started raising my voice just slightly.

"I'm sorry sir! I was admiring your truck and wondering where you got the work done. I have a car that is collecting dust, and I figured I need to start working on it."

I stared at him for a moment. He seemed genuine. I decided to play along just in an attempt to keep the peace. I really didn't want anything to escalate with my sister nearby.

"Actually, we both restored this truck ourselves. But I do own the shop that does most of the project cars in the area. It's called Apollo Automotive."

"Oh shit. You did a fantastic job. It looks brand new!"

I decided to try my chances to see if this guy was legit. "Are you interested in having some help completing your car?"

"Are you kidding? That's exactly what I need, honestly. Where is your shop located?" He seemed very excited.

I told him where it was and he wrote down the address. I reassured him that if we can't complete his projects, no one could. Regardless, he seemed nice and genuinely excited about the whole process.

He was so excited about the truck and what we could possibly do for his cars that he practically begged to take a video of the car as we drove off. He looked like a little kid at Christmas when I cranked the motor on and gave him a few revs of the engine.

"Well that was cool. You just gained yourself another penny, I think. He seemed really nice!" Chloe said with a hopeful smile.

"Yeah I wasn't expecting that. I've been curious about starting another project. I wonder how extensive he's willing to go, if he's a serious customer, that is."

"Time will tell. Hey! Before we head over to Rachel's can we grab some smoothies first? I haven't had breakfast."

"That sounds good to me!"

We stopped to grab a couple smoothies from our favorite local shop. She got kiwi strawberry and I got myself a peanut butter banana. We kept stealing sips from each other's straws as we drove to Rachel's on the other side of town.

"Here. Try this." While we were stopped at a red light, Chloe took both smoothies and sipped on both straws at the same time. "Oooooh my god the flavors mix together so well! Try this, Adam!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her but I tried it. "Holy shit that's fucking amazing! It's like a tropical peanut butter sandwich!" It really was fantastic tasting.

"Gimme gimme I want another sip!" Chloe took a huge pull from the straws again..."FUCK!!! Mmmmmmmm FUCK that hurts!"

"Got a brain freeze?! Idiot..."I was laughing uncontrollably at this point, while she just clenched her head tightly with her hands and flailing her feet around on the floor board.

"Ugggghhhhhh shut up. I hate yoooouuu." I knew she was in pain but I could see the smile creeping on her face as she cursed me.

"Fine. I'll never buy you anything ever again." I said trying to sound smug.

"Oh fuck that. You can't resist my charm." She said winking at me.

"Oh whatever!" I laughed.

It was true though. Chloe did have a way with me that no one else really did. All throughout growing up and still now, she had a knack for essentially keeping me wrapped around her finger...not that I would ever admit that to her. She'd never let it go, and probably ridicule me for it, until the end of time.

As she started calming down from the frozen tundra she plagued her brain cells with, we fell into a comfortable silence as we drove to Rachel's house. We enjoyed each other's company, exchanging a subtle smile here and there.

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We finally drove up to Rachel's neighborhood. And parked on the side of the road before the main entrance.

"Okay so I'm thinking we park a couple streets away just so she won't hear the truck pull up. I think it'd be great to surprise her. Cool with that?" I said looking at Chloe.

"Hey I'm right here with ya, let's get to it!" She was so eager, it was adorable. "I just can't wait to see the look on her face when you flash that ring at her!"

I chuckled. "Yeah. My heart is starting to race, I'm not gonna lie." I started getting really nervous. I was actually going to make this woman, the love of my life, my wife forever. It was almost too much. I started sweating a bit.

"Heeeeey big guy, it's okay. No need to get all worked up. She's going to jump all over you when she realizes what's happening. She loves you to death." Chloe had her hands clutching my cheeks and turning me to look down in her eyes.

"Holy fuck, Chloe. I'm REALLY nervous all of a sudden. What if she says no?!" I couldn't stop my hands from shaking.

She gripped my face harder. "Adam." She smiled so sweetly at me. "Adam, my amazing, loving, caring, doting big brother. I love you so much. I'd never let anything bad happen to you. And if she cares about you with at least a tiny, puny fraction of the amount that I do, then there's no way she wouldn't jump at the chance to be yours forever."