This story is copyrighted to the author. Do not use, re-print, or copy without prior permission from the author. For entertainment purposes only. Special thank you to Miss Dani for her awesome  cover design!

Suzanne had been in the neighborhood doing community work for a local homeless shelter when she came across Ed Browns Garage. Her gas gauge was turning red and, knowing she would never make it back home with little gas she had left, she pulled in the garage and sounded her horn as requested at the sign near the entrance of the garage.

"Hello, I am in need of some gas."

Ed stood beside her car, wiped his hands and yelled for Chico.

"Chico, could you fill the tank for this young lady?"

Chico yelled from the back room. "Yeah hold on Miss I'll be right there. Sorry miss", Chico said, as he hurried over. "I didn't mean to make you wait." Suzanne looked up as he spoke to her. She saw his dear sweet eyes.

"Thank you, but I'm in no hurry. Go ahead and take your time." Chico mesmerized her with his black hair and brown eyes and what a cute smile. "M'm, m'm", she said quietly. "He's just too cute to be a mechanic."

Chico leaned over to wipe her windshield. "Pardon me Miss, did you say something?"

Chico caught her off guard. "You're a very good mechanic."

"Why thank you, miss," Chico said with a smile.

"Whew, that was close" Suzanne thought.

"My name is Chico Rodriguez. I'm Ed Brown's assistant. Nice to meet you."

Suzanne reached over and shook Chico's hand. "Nice to meet you too Chico, my name is Suzanne."

"Are you in town for business or vacation?" Chico asked as he checked under the hood.

"I'm here for business then I'll be taking a few days off to do some sight seeing around L.A."

"Really, huh? I'd be more than happy to show you around the area if you like?" Chico eagerly awaited her answer.

"That will be terrific Chico. I don't want you to get in trouble with your boss over the there."

Chico looked over by Ed. "Ed? Ed won't mind. I'm sure he'll be able to handle it. If it gets a little crazy, I'll have my friend Mando help him out."

Ed walked over to Chico. " Mando?" Ed yelled.

"Yeah Ed , you remember Mando , don't you?"

Ed shook his finger at Chico, "You mean that little Puerto Rican that told everyone I was unfair when you went on strike?"

Chico tossed a few rags on the bench. "Yeah Ed."

Ed raised his head in disbelief . "Just when you get rid of one another one shows up!"

"So Ed, is it ok that I can have a few days off?''

" Yeah, yeah Chico take a few days off. Take the whole week off I don't care."

Chico followed Ed to the office. "Listen Ed If you don't want me to just say so."

Ed thinks about it as he goes back to the car and shuts the hood. "Go ahead Chico, you and Suzanne have a great time!"

"Thanks Ed your the greatest" Chico said as he sat in the drivers seat.

"Thank you Mr. Brown, you're a very kind man." Suzanne said as Chico backed the car out of the garage.

Suzanne was thinking how cute Chico looked in his ratty jeans and tee shirt. As we drove through parts of L.A. and East L.A., Chico talked about what his plans were for the future. Suzanne did the same. "How about we stop here and pick up some Mexican food. I'd love to cook dinner for you, Suzanne."

"Ah Chico, that would be terrific but please let me help you with the cooking. I insist."

"No, no Suzanne, let me prepare it for you in honor of welcoming you here in East LA."

By the time we came back the lights were out. Ed had closed for the evening. "Ed and a good friend of ours, Louie, went out for the evening. So we'll pretty much be alone tonight." Chico said with a wink.

Chico, still being the gentleman, started preparing the dinner.

"Whose van is that Chico?"

Chico went to the van and opened the back doors. "It's my van, this is where I sleep. Here, let me help you in."

"Hey this nice," Suzanne said. "My compliments to the decorator."

Chico bowed to her. "Why, thank you, my dear".

Chico and Suzanne talked about life and relationships. She looked deep in Chico's eyes. "Chico I , I think I'm attracted to you. I mean, I think I'm falling in love with you."

Chico was quiet for a few minutes. He brushed his head with his hand.

"Oh Chico, I'm sorry I startled you, I shouldn't said anything about you so soon."

Chico turned to her and held her hand. "No Suzanne, you didn't startle me. I was afraid to mention it to you too, thinking it was to soon also."

Suzanne reached over to hug Chico. " Oh Chico, I am so relieved to know we have the same feelings for each other." Chico and Suzanne embraced, hugging each other for quite a while.

Chico spoke to her in Puerto Rican, "Mera mami, linda, oyeee!" Chico took hold of her hand and led her to the other side of him. "I'm so glad we met" Chico whispered in her ear. From there on things inside the van got a little heated up. A while later Suzanne heard something rumbling.

"Oh no the garage door!" she said very quietly. Chico on the other hand was to busy to know that Ed and Louie had just come back.

Suddenly Louie shouted, smiling from ear to ear, "Hey, look Ed, there must be an earthquake happening in Chico's van, 'cause I never seen it rock like that before."

Ed freaked. "What earth quake!" Ed frantically climbed the stairs and opens the roof flap. "What are you doing in my van!"

Chico got up , sticking his head out of the roof. "It's my van now remember, I bought it off of you."

Ed scratched his head. "Oh yeah, Still what are you doing in there any way? Get outta my garage!"

Chico eagerly showed him a deck of cards. "We are playing cards Ed, see?"

"Looks like strip poker to me " Louie said with a grin.

Suzanne got out of the van and spoke to Ed. "He's been quite a gentleman to me this evening, Ed. Here, let's go into the office and let me pour you a drink." She gave Ed a shot of whiskey that was hidden in a mock set of books. "Please Ed, Chico has been very good to me since we've met. I know he would never harm me." After a couple more shots Ed seemed to settle down a bit. "Please don't fire Chico, he's a great person."

"Ok, Ok, I won't fire Chico " Ed said. "I want to apologize for scaring you in the van. I hadn't planned on catching you two in the act," Ed said blushing. "Please have a full tank of gas on the house."

Chico whacked Ed on the arm, "Ed, you owe her more than a free fill up." Chico had mentioned to her how Ed had been a father figure to him since he's worked with Ed. Suzanne gave Ed a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Ed began to blush.

"I'm going to miss you, Suzanne" Ed said sadly. Suzanne gave Chico her forwarding address and phone number. She hugged Chico and kissed him for a long time.

"Chico, I will get in touch with you as soon as I get back in town. Then I will be with you and never leave you." As Suzanne put the car in reverse and pulled out of the driveway, she said to him, "Adios, Mi Amante Boruica."

A cool breeze came through the skies. Suzanne arrived at the ramp heading to East Los Angeles. The days seemed long and empty without Chico.

"I miss him dearly, " she said as she flipped through the radio dial. Love songs playing on the radio made her miss him more then ever. "I wonder if he's working today?" She pulled over to the nearest payphone. "I just have to hear his voice again." It had been a long couple of months since she and Chico saw each other. Phones were wonderful but too expensive. Grabbing some change she came across a note Chico left her the day they last saw each other.

"I will love you forever, Chico!'

"Ah, I will be with you soon mi amante boricua" she whispered. She waited as the phone continued to ring. "God, I hope everything is ok. Something must be wrong." She pretty much floored it from there on, holding her breath she would not get pulled over by the cops.

As Suzanne got closer to town, it started to downpour. It got dark real fast as night approached. She pulled in by Ed's garage door. Ed was closed for the evening. She ran to the door, pounding hoping someone would hear her through the heavy rain.

"Suzanne," Mando shouted. "Come in, come in. Here dry off in the rest room."

"Where's Chico?" she wondered. "Mando, I haven't been the same since I left. Is Chico... ok?"

"Suzanne, please sit down." Mando had her sit in Ed's office.

"What's wrong? Mando? Please tell me." She had a bad feeling come upon her.

Mando knelt beside her. "Chico hasn't been the same since you left. He became very sad and depressed. He knew someday sooner or later you two would see each other." Mando tried desperately to calm her down. "Chico left to be with his father in Puerto Rico. His father wanted him to work in his business."

She looked away. "So he isn't coming back?" She wept.

"Yes, Chico will be here at the end of the month!" Mando said with a smile.

"That will be in a few days!" we both said together.

"Suzanne, Chico was struggling so much he had been visiting Reverend Bemis regarding his sadness for losing you, and for him to at least keep his faith together."

She became more upset. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have left." Mando put his hand on hers.

"Believe me Suzanne, it's not your fault. Chico had been going through some rough times with his father. Chico felt he had to be there with him." Mando reached over and hugged and comforted her thinking " Hmm, what would make Chico want to leave because of Suzy? Just having her in my arms would please me."

Mando finally calmed her down. Suddenly Ed came from a pick up. Ed ran into the office when he heard her crying.

"Suzanne " Ed happily said. Suzanne got up and hugged Ed.

"Ed, I've missed everyone."

Ed took off his hat. "I'm so happy to see you again." The phone started to ring. "Excuse me, Suzanne. Ed's Garage."

Chico was on the line. "Hey Ed!"

"Chico?!" Suzanne looked on. Ed talked to Chico for a few minutes. "Hey Chico, Suzy's here. She's missing you and thought something bad had happen to you. Here, Suzanne. Chico would like to talk to you." Ed handed the phone to Suzanne and left the office.

"Chico," Suzanne cried with excitement.

"Suzanne, I have spoken to my father so much about you. He knows you are all I think about. Suz, I have something I wish to ask you, I can't wait to I get home."

"Chico, go on" Suzanne said.

"Suzanne, my father wishes to meet you. Suzanne, will you marry me?" Chico said with a hint of fear.

"Yes, oh yes Chico! I would be more then happy too."

"Suz, my father has given us his blessing and has accepted the fact that I enjoy working with Ed more than tending to his business."

"I can't wait till I arrive at the airport. I have something for you from my father."

"Oh Chico, everyone has been so kind to me. Mando has been quite the gentlemen lately." Suzanne seemed much happier after hearing Chico's voice.

"Really?" Chico said. "Is he still here?"

"Yes, hold on. I'll go get him."

Mando picked up the phone. "Hey Chico!" Mando sound excited.

"Hey Mando thanks for taking care of Suzy for me. She sounded like a wreck."

"Man, you have no idea". Mando said. "Hey, how about I make it up to you? Name it."

"Hey Chico bring me back a case of Madalia and we'll call it even."

"You got it !" said Chico.

The day arrived. Chico's flight was scheduled at 11:00am. Ed, Louie, Mando and Suzanne waited patiently for his plane to land.

"Look!" they all shouted as his plane pulled in the gate. Suddenly a flood of people started coming through the door. "Where's Chico? Has anyone seen Chico yet?" they all said one after the other.

"I see him!" Suzanne shouted. Suzanne ran to greet him.

They embraced one another. "I love you Suzanne!" Chico said with a smile.

Ed, Louie, and Mando hugged Chico and welcomed him back. "It's great to have you back." Ed said cheerfully.

"Yeah Chico, It hasn't been the same with out you! Welcome back!" Louie said as he tugged on Chico's shoulder.

"Hey Amigo! Cervaesa, Cervaesa!" Mando cheered with excitement.

"Yeah Mando. I haven't forgotten. It's in my suit case" Chico whispered. They were happy Chico was back for good.

"Mando," Chico said quietly, "Thank you so much for your understanding of my leaving and taking care of Suzy for me. I hope she wasn't too much trouble when she realized I left."

Mando held his shoulder and said. "She's a very sweet girl. Chico, if it came to the point of you never returning back. I'm sure I would have had her by now. I'd have to admit Chico, her sadness had an effect on me." Chico looked at Mando with a smile and concern. "We both missed you Chico, you've been like a brother to me. Suz became very vulnerable and almost had me. Suzanne realized how much she loved you, Chico, to go that far. You've got to understand Chico, your absence was hard on everyone."

Chico looked very sorry and almost wanted to cry. "Mando, I am so sorry I put everyone in so much hell" said Chico.

"Hey Chico, It's over, we are very happy you returned. We love you. Now where's my cervaesa! Man I could use a cold one."

"Ok, ok when we get home and unpack we'll get together and drink, just us guys," Chico said.

Everyone got Chico's bags unpacked. Chico said good night to Ed and Louie. " Good night, Chico," Suzanne said. "Good night, my sweet heart," Chico said as he kissed her.

Later that night Chico and Mando caught up on what had happened with them while they were apart. "I'm so sorry I've caused so much pain with everyone here."

"Chico, it was a rough time since you've been gone. Suzanne was insisting it was her fault things happened the way they did. She looked sad and pitiful," Mando said sadly. "I mean it was hard not to make a move on her," Mando said fearfully. "I hugged her and comforted her when she was crying all the time. Chico I came very close to seducing her." Mando hid his face thinking Chico was going to slug him. " Chico," Mando said

"I am over her now."

"Oh God, what have I done." Chico cried. His tears swelling in his eyes. "Mando, just for the record I'm not in any means disappointed in you," Chico said as he cried. "She had every right to except your invitation of sexual desire. I was a fool for leaving her and everyone who loved me."

The morning came, and Chico rose from a restless night. He had tossed and turned thinking about Suzanne and everyone who loved him. "I've got to call Reverend Bemis and speak to him," he said quietly. Chico went to the office and dialed Reverend Bemis." Reverend Bemis, this Chico Rodriguez."

"Chico, my son, God has answered my prayers!" Reverend Bemis said with great joy.

Chico spoke quietly," Reverend Bemis, I have had a wonderful time since I returned. Yet I feel a sense of deep sadness." Chico tried to hide his feelings.

"Chico, my son, please ask God for forgiveness. HE will grant you peace. He will lift up your burden." Chico wiped the tears from his eyes. "Yes, I will ask God forgiveness. Then I will see Ed, Louie, Mando, and Suzanne. I will ask for their forgiveness also."

Chico called everyone and asked them to meet at the garage around 5:00pm. Everyone showed up as Chico requested. "Everyone please sit down." Chico paced the floor. "Please, I have something I must say. It has given me heartache regarding my sudden absence. I am so sorry I caused everyone so much pain." Chico was shaking as tears came down his face.

Suzanne came to hug him. "God has reasons for his actions," Suzanne whispered in his ear. "He will never leave us."

As the weeks came and went, everyone became closer and spent more time with each other. Ed helped Chico turn the tire room into an apartment for Chico and Suzanne. Ed respected their privacy and was happy that they were still near enough to be together while he and Chico worked together.

Everything seemed to be going well. Ed's business was thriving. Chico and Suzanne were happier then ever. Chico's best bud Mando offered to help him out more at the garage. Ed couldn't have been happier.

"Hey Chico", Mando whispered to him. "What's up with Ed? He's normally not this happy when there's so many Beaners around?"

Chico got hold of his arm and took him aside. "Ever since I came back he's a whole new person."

"Really," said Mando. "Not that gringo!"

"Really Mando, it's true!" Chico said seriously. "Hey listen Mando can you cover for me. I have to go across town and pick up Suzy at the Hope House."

"Hey Chico, I know where that is. How about if I pick her up for you? I have to go to that side of town anyway."

"Well", said Chico, "I do have to finish up here. I had promised her I'd pick her up before dark."

Mando put his arm around Chico " I don't have a problem with it Chico. I'd be more than happy to spare you some time." Chico then gave Mando directions to the Hope House, a local homeless shelter where Suzanne worked.

Suzanne had just finished her rounds when she heard what she thought sounded like Mando's low rider. Suzanne looked out her window. "Hey, sure enough," she thought. "Chico and Mando got here just in time!"

Mando knocked on Suzanne's door. "Hey Suzy, ready to go?" Mando said with a big smile.

"Yes Mando, very much so. Where's Chico? He had planned on picking me up."

Mando opened the passenger to his car. "Chico got behind on his schedule. I offered to pick you up that way he would be able to finish tonight."

"Well Mando that was really sweet of you," I said as I kissed him on the cheek.

"Ah Suz, anything to help out a good friend."

"Hey Mando you souped up your low rider. I love it!"

Mando started the car and pulled out. "It sure is a nice evening tonight." Mando said with a big grin.

Yes, it sure is," Suzanne said as she rolled her window down. The cool night air felt good on her face as Mando cruised towards East Los Angeles.

Mando took a good look at Suzanne as she leaned against the half open window. Mando scoped every inch of her seductively. "Suzy, remember when you were so upset and I offered my shoulder to cry on?"

Suzanne leaned over closer to Mando. "Yes Mando, I remember very well."

"Suz, every time you came to me for comfort, I really enjoyed having you in my arms. I mean it really felt good."

Suzanne turned to Mando and put her hand on his. "Mando, you been very supportive during my sadness when Chico left. Thank you."

Mando got irritated. "Suz, I don't think you understand. I am having strong feelings for you. I know you love Chico and he loves you dearly. Damn it!" Mando said as he slammed his hand against the steering wheel. "Suz, I am falling in love with you."

Suzanne looked shocked. "Mando, I admit when I was sad and worried about Chico, I really enjoyed your company."

Mando stormed out of the car and started to pace back an forth. "Suzy, please don't tell Chico I told you about how I feel about you." He leaned over to Suzanne and kissed her passionately. Suzanne was so confused she started to cry. "You know Suz, I did tell Chico that if he had never came back I would have already had you." Mando was hysterical.

"Oh my God. Mando, I almost felt the same way. Yet I had some hope that Chico would return."

Mando jogged over to Suzanne's side of the car. "Damn it, Suzanne, there's more to your life than Chico and I want to be a part of it." Mando hopped back on the car and kissed Suzanne passionately again, this time fondling her. He couldn't get enough of her.

"I was afraid of this," Suzanne cried.

Mando leaned over to her and hugged her. "Suzy, I'm so sorry."

Suzanne finally settled down. "Mando, I think we better get going," Suzanne said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Chico is probably worried sick about me now. Seeing as we are running late."

Mando started his car and took off back to the garage.

Mando and Suzanne had finally arrived at Ed's garage. It was past midnight. The light was still on. "Oh please get me through this," Suzanne said to herself as Mando into the garage.

"Hey, is everything ok?" Chico asked. Suzanne just couldn't face what was going to happen. "Suzanne," Chico hugged her, "you look tired." Chico said with concern.

"You don't know the half of it," Suzanne said sadly. "Chico, we need to talk."

Chico led Suzanne into the van. They sat in the passenger seat. "Chico, there's something I think you should know."

Chico sat silently, his eyes fixed on Suzanne. "Yes, Suzanne? What is it?"

Suzanne leaned over closer to him. "Chico when you left, I became very vulnerable. Mando was there for my comfort when you were gone. I had no where else to turn."

"I know, Suzy. Mando told me the night I returned back for Puerto Rico."

Suzanne had a sense of fear come upon her. " Chico, did he tell you that we almost had..."

"Yes, Suzanne, he told me everything." Chico opened the van door and let himself and Suzy out as Mando was entering the storeroom.

"Chico there's something you need to know why I was late tonight."

Chico was cleaning some tools. "I was wondering what had happen to you guys. Why, what's wrong?"

Suzanne started to cry. "Mando took a different way home and pulled over by the Hills. He stopped the car and got emotional with me."

Chico stopped what he was doing and looked at her. "Go on," Chico said.

Suzanne went on about how Mando was feeling about her when Chico went to Puerto Rico, and how emotional she got. Chico looked at her with concern. "Chico, he told me he loved me and when I came to him for comfort during your absence, he enjoyed it."

Chico sat down. "Are you sure he wasn't being polite about it?" Chico tried to find any excuse not to blame Mando of anything.

"Chico, he kissed me and touched me at the Hills on the way home! He's very much in love with me," cried Suzanne.

Chico looked confused. "Please Suzanne stay here, I want to go find Mando and straighten this whole thing out!"Chico went on a manhunt for Mando after finding out he had kissed and touched Suzanne. Chico cornered Louie. "Louie, Louie!" he shouted, "Have you seen Mando? I need to find him."

Louie put the can down he was dumping.

"Mando has been after Suzanne. I need to find him," Chico said while pacing back forth.

Chico found Ed. "Ed, have you seen Mando?"

"He's on a run. He should be back short back shortly."

Chico sat at the workbench emotionally drained from what had been happening to him. "Ed, I'm going to the van to think for a while. Please, if Mando comes back, I would like to talk to him".

Ed turned to him and put his hand on Chico's shoulder. "I'll let him know Chico. You go rest for a bit".

Silently, the door slowly crept open. Mando silently eased his way in the garage. Mando kept walking backward, trying not to wake anyone up. When Mando turned around there was Chico standing there, arms folded. Waiting for him with fire in his eyes.

"Oh my god!"

Chico got right up in his face. "You pendajo!" shouted Chico.

"What are you talking about, Chico?" Mando said with fear.

"You know what you did to Suzy. You kissed her! You, you touched her and told her you loved her!"

"Chico, let me explain" pleaded Mando. " I'm sorry I took advantage of her during her sadness. I thought, we all thought you were not coming back!" Mando said. "I felt I had to comfort her when you split to Puerto Rico!"

Chico kept gripping his belt to keep him from slugging Mando. "Mando, you know I still love her. She is all I think about."

Suzanne arrived at the garage, running to hug Chico. Mando looked on.

"Chico, I missed you please hold me," Suzanne said. Chico was hugging her and whispered "I love you" in her ear. Mando came in between and pulled them apart.

"What are you doing Mando?" said Chico.

"Please Suzanne, I must be with you. You are all I think about," Mando pleaded with her. Chico looked at him like he'd seen a ghost. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"What? Mando, get over it!"

Mando tugged on Suzanne. "I can't, I won't.

"Mando we have known each for so long, I don't want to ruin our friendship." Chico took Mando aside and told him how much Suzanne has been good to him and how he would be lost with out her. Ed stopped Mando and told him how Chico had changed since Chico and Suzanne first met.

"Mando you're a good employee and a decent person," Ed looked very serious at Mando. "Chico has shown more respect to all since their relationship first blossomed, Mando. Please, I hate to see what would happen to Chico if he lost her."

Mando waved his finger at Ed. "Listen Ed, I know if I try harder she will come to me instead of Chico. When she was hurting, I enjoyed having her in my arms. She held me for quite a while. I know she has feelings for me, but won't admit it. Suzanne!" Mando yelled.

"Leave her out of this, Mando" Chico screamed. Suzanne hung out by the garage door.

"Suzanne, who do you love more ME or Chico?"

Suzanne went between them. "Listen, you two are fighting because of me. You two have been friends for a very long time. Please, please." she pleaded. "Don't ruin your friendship because of me." Suzanne went to Ed. "Ed, I have been thinking, I think I should just get out of here and never return. I have caused so much strain on everyone since I've been here."

"Suzanne," Ed replied. "Please don't go we'll miss you. I'll miss you. Please if you want I'll have a heart to heart talk with Mando and Chico. Something is bound to change after that. I really think Mando knows how much you and Chico mean to each other. I just hope nothing tragic happens because of it."

Chico and Mando had an understanding about each of their relationships concerning Suzanne. Chico and Suzanne's love grew stronger as they were together more. Ed was feeling much better now that Chico and Suzanne's relationship was back to normal, or so he thought.

"Amigo, amigo," yelled Mando as he arrived for work early today.

"Good morning Mando," Ed said as he slammed down a shot of whiskey. "Chico , I need you to come and check some paper work," Ed said eagerly.

"Ok, ok Ed. I'll be right there." Chico went into the office and double-checked the papers. "Ed, thanks for being there for me and letting me stay here still after what we all went through lately." Ed sat down on his desk and took hold of Chico's arm.

"You know Chico, I remember when you rode your bike here. A young chubby Chicano. Now you've grown into a responsible young adult." Ed scratched his mustache. "If only I can say that about Mando."

"Why Ed?' asked Chico.

"Well, Chico, I think he's troubled about something. He seems very distant. Chico, are you sure he's over Suzanne?" Chico stopped repairing.

"Yes, Ed. Mando gave me his word."

"Ok, ok Chico. Still I'd keep my eye my on him," Ed said seriously.

"Ed, he told me himself he has changed. If it means that much to you, I'll keep an eye on him". Chico reassured Ed.

The thunderous sound of Mando's low rider entered the garage. " Hey Muchacho!" yells Mando.

Chico walked over to Mando. "Hey, hey, your back early that's great!"

"Thanks Chico I had a good run."

Ed yelled out from his office. "Hey, Chico, someone called about a delivery guy's truck breaking down. He can't make it over here. Can you go across town and pick up those mufflers for me? "

"Ok Ed, I'll leave in a few," Chico said anxiously.

Mando and Ed worked on some inventory till way after closing time. A horn sounded coming in from the driveway. "Hello everyone," Suzanne said happily.

"Hello Suzy" Chico said. "I'm feeling good about us. I love you and will always cherish you forever," he whispered in her ear.

Suzanne leaned by his ear and said "I will always love you Chico. Chico, I've had a rough few days. Do you mind if I turn in early?"

Chico hugged her tightly. "Not at all Suzy. You look tired. Please go rest. I will see you later". Chico kissed Suzanne's forehead and wished her goodnight. Chico tucked her in bed then left for the mufflers.

"Mando", Ed said with a yawn, " I'm going to hit the hay myself."

"Ok, Ed, have a good night." Mando kept himself busy by cleaning up the garage. Later in the evening the phone rang. "Ed Browns Garage" Mando said tiredly.

"Mando , that guy never showed up with the mufflers."

" Damn" said Mando. "The guy just called and said he'd be there in a few hours."

Chico didn't know it but Mando had this all planned so he could finally be alone with Suzanne. "Ah," said Mando with a curious grin. "Knowing Chico, he won't be home for hours. He'll get tired and pull over and nap for a few hours. I think I'll visit Suzy!" Mando quietly opened the door creeping inside so he wouldn't wake her. Looking into the bedroom, he saw Suzanne sleeping soundly. "Ah, this is my chance to really have my Suzanne," Mando whispered. Mando carefully undressed leaving only the hair on his back. He carefully eased his way in bed. "Oh my god!" Mando said quietly. "We are together at last!"

"Suzanne," Mando whispers.

Suzanne, still exhausted, said, "Chico, you're back."

Mando put his finger over her mouth. "Shhh" whispered Mando. He started to kiss her and caress her.

"Chico, I have missed you!" Suzanne barely said.

"Shhh", whispers Mando. He started to seduce her without her knowing it was Mando instead of Chico.

"Oh Chico, Oh Chico!"

Mando was enjoying this. "Yes, I have finally got her," he said in his mind.

Chico finally arrived back from the long drive back. He walked by the bedroom and heard noise coming from there. Suddenly the bedroom door slammed open.

"OH MY GOD !" Chico screamed.

"What? What the ....... Mando! Get off me!" Suzanne yelled. Suzanne pulled away and fell to the ground crying thinking she was with Mando instead of Chico.

"I could hear Suzanne yell my name while you tried to have sex with her. You had her thinking it was me!" Chico was furious.

"Chico, I called your name and he never said it wasn't you. I was exhausted. I had no idea it was Mando."

Chico paced the floor and grabbed Mando. "Mando, your a dead man!" Chico said.

"Shut up, shut up Chico. I was able to screw Suzy without you knowing it ! I am very happy to admit she enjoyed herself!"

Chico looked like he was going to kill Mando. " Get outta here before I kill you!" Chico slugged Mando in the jaw. "You Bendajo!"

Mando grabbed his clothes and took off running. "Suzy, my God are you ok?" Chico hugged her to comfort her.

"I have never been so scared in my life. I had no idea Mando planned this. I had no clue he was after me again, honest."

Chico held her close. "I know Suzy we all thought he would change. Still Suzanne" Chico had her sit down in the van. "I need to know something." Chico looked straight in her eyes. "Do you have feelings for Mando?"

"Chico, I'm..."

" Suzanne, tell me please. Do you?"

" No, Chico, I almost fell in love with him while you were gone. His warmth and comforting as he hugged me made me feel safer at one time."

Chico held her chin. Listen Suzanne, I love you, but I think I'm going to have to do something about Mando."

As the morning approached, Mando drove by the back end of the garage so no one knew he was around.

"Ed, I'll be back in a bit. I'm getting us some breakfast."

"That will be great Chico, thanks. Hurry back."

"I better get going! " Chico bent down to get the morning paper. As he got up he felt something cold against his back. "My money is in my back pocket man."

"I don't want your money!"

Chico turned slowly. "Mando?"

Mando waved the gun in his face. "Why did you have to ruin it for me and Suzanne? She hates me now because you interrupted our love making! Man, Chico that was suppose to be our moment together."

"You're sick, Mando. Suzanne and I are in love! When are you going to realize that?" Mando got up in Chico's face. "There's only one person for her and it's me! I will see about that!"

"Now, how are you going to do that?"

"I'm going to kill you."

"Mando, you can't be serious! Killing me isn't your answer!"

" Shut up! Shut up!" Mando shouted.

Chico tried to calm Mando down. "Hey I knew you were loco but not that loco!"

"Hey, what's all the commotion about?" Suzanne as she headed in Chico's direction.

"Mando, what are you doing? Put that gun down! Let's talk this over."

"NO, I won't. I'm going to kill Chico so you and I can be together."

"Mando, please don't," Suzanne cried. "Please I love Chico!"

Chico went from behind Mando and grabbed him. They both wrestled to get the gun off each other's hands.

" Chico, Oh my god! Look out!"

"Gimme that gun Mando" Chico tried desperately to remove it from him.

"Not on your life Chico!" Mando struggled.

* Smack* Chico slugged Mando. Mando turned over. His gun went off. Chico lay still from the force of the gunshot. Mando rolled off Chico.

"Crap that pendajo is still alive!" Mando said angrily.

Chico turned over looked at Mando then Suzanne. "What the..... Suzanne! Suzanne was lying in a pool of blood. "Suzanne!" Chico cried as he ran to her. "Mando, how could you do this! OH MY GOD!"

"Suzy, please don't die. God, don't let her die!" they both shouted.

Mando leaned over Suzanne. "Oh damn, I never meant it to happen this way."

"You killed her Mando!" Chico cried.

"Wait Chico, she's still breathing!" Mando said. Mando held his head in his hands. "I never meant to hurt her, the gun accidentally went off!"

Soon the sounds of sirens were coming closer and louder. Ed ran out to see what the commotion was all about.

"Oh dear God" Ed said tearfully. The paramedics carried Suzanne into the ambulance. Chico followed them inside. Suzanne drifted in and out of consciousness. Suzanne struggled to talk. "Mi Amante Burouca."

Chico leaned over and kissed her. "Shhhh. you need to keep your strength." Chico grabbed her hand and stroked it slightly. "Suzanne, I love you. We will be together forever! Mando is going to jail for attempted murder."

"Chico, I love you dearly. Please tell Ed I love him too." Suzanne closed her eyes and tilted her head.

Chico cried and kissed her good bye. "Good bye my sweet Suzanne. You will always be in my heart."