Mr. Alvarez actually laughed. “Now that’s a bold-faced lie, son. I’ve never seen anyone dote on their pet the way you do. Besides, you didn’t forget. You texted me the first night and asked me to take care of him. I knew that meant until you got back.”

They reached the backyard, and Mr. Alvarez looked at Zack askance. “Though I must say, this is a first for you. It must’ve been one hell of a date.”

His cheeks pinked. “How’d you know it was a date?”

“Because I know that look on your face. I had it plenty when I was your age. Wasn’t until I met Pilar that it stuck around permanently.”

Zack shifted from foot to foot. He hadn’t bothered to come out to the Alvarezes. Since his love life was nonexistent, he’d figured it would never come up. He knew in his heart that he had nothing to worry about, but they were an older couple. There was no telling how they’d react.

He was considering changing the subject when Mr. Alvarez said, “So, who’s the lucky fellow?”

Zack’s jaw dropped. Mr. Alvarez laughed so hard he clutched his belly with both hands. He was still tripping over his own tongue when Mr. Alvarez wiped tears from his eyes and said, “Son, I may be old, but I’ve been around the block a few times. I’ve worked on more cars than I can count, and do you know what men talk about over a hot engine? Women. Except for you, that is.”

Zack started to protest, but Mr. Alvarez raised a hand. “There’s no way a handsome boy like you wouldn’t have brought a girl home by now. Except for those lady friends of yours, of course, and I know you’re not wooing one of them. Matter of fact, I saw them leave together one morning looking awfully cozy, if you catch my meaning.”

“Well, you’ve got me there. I guess there’s no denying it.”

“There’s nothing to deny,” Mr. Alvarez said. “Mind you, I don’t want to hear any details, but I’ve lived too long and seen too much to not know people are who they are.”

Mr. Alvarez wandered over to Marilyn and uncovered her. Zack helped him, revealing her gleaming red body. “You should bring your new boyfriend over for dinner sometime. I know the missus would love to see you with somebody.” Mr. Alvarez popped Marilyn’s hood.

Zack glanced at the engine and then did a double take. “Oh hey, you changed the serpentine belt. Thanks.” He looked closer. “Was it about to snap?”

“It did snap,” Mr. Alvarez said, looking down at the engine. “Luckily, I had one lying around.”