#car key programmer

[eobdtooluk-blog]

Lonsdor K518 PRO Add VAG MLB Key Guide

As we know, with Xhorse KYDZ MLB Tool, Lonsdor K518 Pro/ K518S/K518ISE series key programmers can add MLB key to Audi & VW & Porsche & Bentley & Lamborghini now (review here). Let’s see how to operate.

Main steps:

Step 1: Generate dealer key with KYDZ MLB tool

Xhorse MLB Tool is able to calculate data and generate dealer key. No need to get in the car to collect, you can use the original MLB key, which can be generated wirelessly and is easy to operate.

Step 2: Program key with Lonsdor K518 key programmer

Detailed operation guide:

Step 1: Generate dealer key with KYDZ MLB tool

1.Run MLB OBD App to read original key IDE

2.Place the original key or KYDZ key at the antenna location

The original uninitialized key can be used directly;

Those that have been initialized key by the original factory but are not locked can be used after processing;

The original factory uninitialized key with ID FF can be written to the original lost key IDE;

The locked key can replace the main control CPU.

Read data and then generate dealer key

3.Open the original key shell and remove the main control chip QFN64 package

Place the main control chip into the adapter or weld it on the adapter board

Click Calculate Data and the device will connect to server to calculate key data

Remember the service number for matching keys to third-party devices.

After generating dealer key, you can program key with K518 Pro/K518S/K518ISE.

Step 2: Program key with K518 PRO or other K518 key programmer

Menu Path:

i.e. Audi

Tap Immo & Remote>> Audi >> MLB>> Add key>> Program key

Follow the on-screen prompts to do step by step.

Done!

[bandbondemandlockandkeyloc]

Re key Service in lbuquerque NM

B and B On Demand Lock & Key Locksmithing specializes in Re key service in lbuquerque NM, delivering fast and reliable service. We handle car lockouts, re key services, and advanced smart key programming. Our experts install and service biometric keypad locks and digital key systems. Trusted for professional locksmith services wherever you are in Albuquerque.

[auto-max-tools]

Excited Ramadan Sale At Automax Tools Shop Now

Want to upgrade your garage or at the right place?

After rooming for various distributors around India you came to the right place where you get the original product for the vehicle.

Let me introduce you to Automax Tools an authorised distributor for Gscan and Topdon in India.

The Automax tools have various advanced products that upgrade your garage.

Automax tools also provide 24*7 support services to more than 10,000 happy customers all around India.

For us you are not a customer you all are family.

The list of products Automax tools sell are:-

V2200 plus :

The V2200Plus is a 2-in-1  jump pack and battery tester that takes on the unexpected. Offering up to 35 jumps on a full charge, smart clamps to protect against common safety hazards, and features a 300-lumen LED light. A built-in Bluetooth module supports 12V battery tests by pairing an app with Bluetooth. The V2200Plus is a 2-in-1  jump pack and battery tester that takes on the unexpected. Offering up to 35 jumps on a full charge, smart clamps to protect against common safety hazards, and features a 300-lumen LED light. A built-in Bluetooth module supports 12V battery tests by pairing an app with Bluetooth. 

JS3000 :

The JumpSurge3000 is a 3000 Peak Amp jumpstarting tool and power bank for vehicles on and off the road. This device supports vehicles with 12V batteries on up to 9L gas engines and 7L Diesel engines. Capable of 45 jump starts on a single charge, the JumpSurge3000 is a robust and powerful tool capable of bringing a battery “back to life” in only 1 second. It's multiple protection systems and fast charging capability keep you ready for anything, no matter where you go or what you drive.

GScan Zenith Z5:

Introducing our first automotive diagnostic scan tool in the Z series.

In combination with our vast diagnostics software and the world's best industrial tablet, Z5 will give you diagnostic confidence.

Tornado 90000:

The Tornado90000 is TOPDON's newest cutting-edge smart charger, made for professional and commercial users. This device is suitable for all types of 12V and 24V lead-acid and lithium batteries, with a wide battery capacity range from 5 to 90 amps.

Jaltest V9:

Jaltest V9 is the module of Jaltest Diagnostics multi-brand and multi-system diagnostics tool designed to meet the most demanding workshop needs. It enables carrying out the most advanced diagnostics tasks for the repair and maintenance of commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, trailers, light commercial vehicles, and pick-up trucks.

BT200:

TOPDON’s BT200 is an automotive battery tester perfect for new users, with easy plug-and-play operation, and an accurate display of test results. The tests will help users assess whether the battery needs to be replaced.

The tool is suitable for battery testing 12V with up to 2000 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), cranking testing, and charging testing 12V&24V batteries. It can test Regular Flooded, AGM, GEL, EFB, and VRLA batteries. Test results are based on CCA, DIN, JIS, EN, IEC, GB, SAE, MCA, BCI, and CA Standards.

BT300:

TOPDON®’s BT300P is our newest 12V lead-acid vehicle battery tester with a Built-in Printer. It can test 100 to 2000 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) batteries

BT600:

BT600 is TOPDON’s newest advanced battery tester for 12V vehicles. With a 3.5-inch color screen and a built-in thermal printer, this tool offers the ultimate solution for accurate, fast, and convenient testing. It allows you to easily view the battery's condition and print test reports in real time.  The BT600 adopts cutting-edge conductivity testing technology and includes reverse polarity protection to prevent improper connections. This multifunctional tool can measure the actual Cold Cranking Ampere capacity of the car’s battery, and its state of health, and quickly analyze the starter and charging systems.

TC001:

TOPDON’s TC001 is a portable camera that turns your Android smartphone/tablet or Windows laptop into a powerful thermal imager. Simply download the accompanying app, slot the TC001 in your device’s USB-C port, and unleash thermal technology that formally only belonged to special forces.

Perfect for home inspectors, HVAC technicians, electricians, automotive technicians, and even farmers looking to protect crops and livestock.

TB4000:

The Tornado4000’s smart technology matches the power output to the battery’s needs for safer repair and minimizes unnecessary energy consumption. With this, you can improve the performance and longevity of your batteries. With intelligent microprocessors, this product will charge two times faster than standard chargers, so you can offer timely and efficient services.

TB8000:

The Tornado4000’s smart technology matches the power output to the battery’s needs for safer repair and minimizes unnecessary energy consumption. With this, you can improve the performance and longevity of your batteries. With intelligent microprocessors, this product will charge two times faster than standard chargers, so you can offer timely and efficient services.

For any Queries contact the mentioned number and website:-

+91 92053 23885

+91 99580 57547

Watch Our Videos for More Details:

Automax Tools India YouTube

Topdon India YouTube

Available at Automax Tools India – Trusted by professionals nationwide!

For more details visit: www.automaxtools.co.in

[automaxtools]

G-SCAN ZENITH Z5

The Zenith Z5 is an advanced automotive diagnostic tool designed to meet the needs of modern mechanics and technicians. Renowned for its efficiency and reliability, the Zenith Z5 offers a comprehensive range of features that enable precise and efficient vehicle diagnostics.

Key Features of the Zenith Z5:

Extensive Vehicle Coverage: Compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks.

High-Performance Processor: Ensures quick and accurate diagnostics with minimal lag time.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design with a high-definition touchscreen display for easy navigation.

Comprehensive Diagnostics: Capable of performing full-system scans, reading and clearing trouble codes, and accessing live data streams.

Wireless Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for seamless updates and remote diagnostics.

Built-In Battery: Allows portable operation without the need for continuous power supply.

Durable Design: Built to withstand rugged workshop environments with a robust and ergonomic build.

Software Updates: Regular updates ensure the tool stays compatible with the latest vehicle models and systems.

Why Choose the Zenith Z5?

Reliability: Backed by cutting-edge technology and trusted by professionals.

Versatility: Suitable for both small workshops and large-scale automotive service centers.

Cost-Effective: Delivers premium diagnostic capabilities at a competitive price.

With the Zenith Z5, technicians can confidently diagnose and resolve vehicle issues faster, ensuring top-notch service for their customers.

For inquiries or to place an order, contact Automax Tools India, the official distributor of the Zenith Z5.

[transponderisland]

Car Key Programmer Tool | Transponderisland.com

Utilize the Car Key Programmer Tool, available from Transponderisland.com, to unleash your vehicle's maximum potential. Keys, remote controls, and key cutters are all available at low prices.

[wrightautolocksmith]

Can you reprogram your car key? Learn why reprogramming your car key can be tricky and what steps are involved. Wright Auto Locksmith offers expert advice on how an auto car key programmer can assist in the process. Discover the challenges and solutions for key reprogramming to ensure your vehicle’s security and convenience.

[iandilocksmith]

Unlocking the Secrets of Locksmith Olympia, WA's Transponder Key Programmer

Locks and keys may seem simple, but did you know there's a skilled expert called a "Transponder Key Programmer" in Olympia, WA? Let's explore the amazing services they offer to keep our cars safe and sound!

Transponder Car Key Replacement – You Won't Regret Calling Us Ever lost your car keys and felt a bit stuck? Don't worry! Transponder Key Programmer in Olympia, WA, is here to rescue you. We provide top-notch Transponder Car Key Replacement services that will have you back on the road in no time. Just one call, and you won't regret it!

Transponder Car Key Repair – Reliable Service

Sometimes, car keys might act a bit cranky. Instead of stressing out, call Transponder Key Programmer for a reliable Transponder Car Key Repair service. We'll fix those keys up, making them work like new. No need to worry about being stranded!

Car Lockout Services – We Won't Keep You Waiting

Picture this: you're in a rush, and, oops! You locked yourself out of your car. Don't panic! Locksmith Olympia WA, provides lightning-fast Car Lockout Services. We won't keep you waiting – we're here to rescue you and your keys!

Automotive Locksmith Services – Secure Your Car

Cars are like our trusty steeds, and we want them to be safe. Automotive Locksmith Services in Olympia, WA, ensure that your car stays secure. From fixing locks to providing expert advice on car security, we've got your back!

Car Key Repair and Replacement – You Can Call Us Any Time

Keys can be tricky, and they don't always cooperate when we want them to. That's why Transponder Key Programmer is available 24/7 for Car Key Repair and Replacement. Call us any time, and we'll be there to fix or replace your keys, ensuring you're never stranded. In Olympia, WA, Transponder Key Programmer is like a superhero for your car keys. Whether you need a replacement, repair, or you find yourself locked out, we've got the top-notch locksmith services you need. So, next time your keys need a little love, don't hesitate to give us a call – we're here to save the day!

[jameswilly98]

The various issues resolved by the locksmith:-

Locks are used for protecting our valuable assets, properties and vehicles. In this age, everyone prefers to install the latest locks that are very reliable. To read more: https://www.bestlocksmith.ae/blog/the-various-issues-resolved-by-the-locksmith.html

[xhorseshop]

VW 4th Immo Dealer Key 24C64 Made with VVDI2

I have successfully programmed a new dealer key for VW's 4th generation immo NEC24C64 using Xhorse VVDI2 and VAG OBD Helper cable.

With the VAG OBD cable, I can easily handle VW all key lost situations via OBD II.

Support A4L Q5 (all the card 754C/J type).

Can perform all keys lost or add a key for VW, Audi, Skoda 4th generation dashboard.

Capable of adding a key for MQB JOHNSON dashboard (please note that do not support all key lost scenarios).

Can handle new PASSATT MQB all key lost situations.

Support obtaining BCM2 immo data online for A6 A7 A8 Touareg 5th generation.

f)   The VAG OBD cable can be used with various programmers such as VVDI2, Lonsdor K518ISE, SMOK APPRO, and more.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of using Xhorse VVDI2 and the VAG OBD Helper:

Connect the VAG OBD Helper cable to the vehicle, reading immo data

Use the remote to operate the vehicle's immobilizer and select the VW immo type as IMMO4 - Magneti Marelli Motorola.

Choose the online key ID and perform online calculation to obtain the immo data. It's important to note that this immo data is not the full immo data, so it should not be written back to the car using other tools.

Save the immo data and be aware that you can prepare a new dealer key and learn key with this immo data using another immo device.

Press "OK" to automatically open the immo data folder.

Now, let's move on to VVDI2 VAG software:

Prepare a normal dealer key, but remember to manually select the car manufacturer before proceeding.

If you choose to make a dealer key with a normal key, please note that it does not support online change immobilizer.

I recommend selecting OEM instead. The OEM dealer key has the same ID as the original key and supports online operation.

Keep in mind that online operation cannot support certain units, including：

01 - engine

02 - gearbox

17 - instruments

19 - can gateway

28 - electrical steering column lock

Again, I advise selecting OEM for optimal results.

To create a VW normal dealer key, ensure that the brand is correctly selected.

Now, let's check a few details:

Do you have a working key to start the engine? If yes, we can proceed.

If you want to lock the key, please note the following steps: First, try preparing a dealer key with the UNLOCK option, and then perform the learning operation. If the unlocked key can be learned by the car, you can prepare that key again with the LOCK option (please note that the key cannot be used in other cars after it's locked).

Finally, insert the new key into Xhorse VVDI2, and prepare a dealer key successfully!

Congratulations! The job is done, and your new dealer key is ready to be used.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need assistance.

 Email: Sales@OBD2gate.com  WhatsApp: +86-18123844672  Phone: +86-18123844672  Bao'an District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong 518100, China

[peepshow321]

TaskRaccoon Premium: Chapter 1

Josh was at a dead end. For years he had put his entire focus and energy on his education and studies, above his social life, his health, and his finances. He came top of his class in History and Classics and so in his head all that hard l work had paid off, but now that he had graduated... what was next? His classmates had swanned off into internships and graduate programmes, but Josh found himself in the summer after graduating with no job, no prospects and, most importantly, no money.

Josh's parents had supported him throughout his further education, but now that he was back home they decided to treat Josh like an adult. And that meant rent. Josh balked at the suggestion, but his parents were adamant and so Josh found himself on the job hunt.

This proved trickier than Josh anticipated. Turns out the local libraries and bookshops didn't care about his top degree; they wanted experience. And as Josh lowered his sights to restaurants, cafes, even the bowling alley, he found himself receiving the same feedback.

Needing to save making cash quick, a sympathetic interviewer told Josh to pick up the odd job on TaskRaccoon - an app where Josh could choose to help people with tasks like moving furniture, watering plants, doing shopping in exchange for a small fee. It wasn't perfect, especially as Josh didn't really have the build or inclination for manual jobs, and Josh often found himself doing jobs he never expected while at school. But over time Josh felt an unexpected satisfaction with earning a buck and paying his parents. So much so that Josh had bigger aspirations - moving out of his parents place.

That, of course, required money. And while Josh worked hard with the TaskRaccoon jobs he was given, he needed something more.

On a random Tuesday afternoon, a solution seemed to land out of nowhere on Josh's TaskRaccoon app: TaskRaccoon Premium. Out of nowhere, Josh's app pop-up with a link to a Premium version of the app. It was an additional service where workers such as Josh would get a boosted fee for the same types of tasks plus, according to the app, receive "all the skills and know-how to complete the task to perfection." Josh figured that last bit was maybe the app providing how-to guides on how to complete the more common tasks, which he took as a nice freebie.

To lure users in, there was even an offer - sign-up to TaskRaccoon Premium, perform a randomly assigned task, and receive double the boosted fee. Josh had done his fair share of the most common tasks on the app already (walk my dog, assemble my shelves, do my groceries) so figured it was well worth his while to take the gamble. And so Josh bit the bullet, sign up for a Premium account, and waited to be given his first random task.

Without any pause and without any fanfare, Josh's first random task appeared: "I need someone to clean my pool". Josh groaned; it wasn't the first time he had seen a pool cleaning request but it was one he always chose to ignore because he felt he didn't have any of the right equipment and would have no idea where to start. And while this new Premium version had offered access to "skills and know-how", there only thing on the app was an address. Josh couldn't even see an option to cancel.

Josh wavered, but as he saw the blue sky outside and remembered the promise of a doubled fee, he decided to go for it. He could rake some leaves out of a pool easily enough. The address was only a 15 minute drive away, so Josh grabbed the keys to his mum's sedan and got going.

It felt good to be outside and Josh enjoyed the sunny drive. So much so that he didn't notice his mum's humble car begin to change. The front section became blockier and more basic, her touchscreen sat nav becoming an older model. The seats and interior decor became faded, and Josh had to readjust his seating position as the car seemed to somehow lift off the ground. The steering wheel grew in size and, to match it, bizarrely, so did Josh's hands. Without warning, Josh's pale hands began to darken in complexion and as they grasped the now-rough wheel Josh didn't notice the veins that ran down with now lean and well-rounded hands.

Josh pulled up to a red light, momentarily confused about how he seemed to sit above the surrounding cars. He also felt cramped in the car and realised that his seat was pushed up way too far. He, a bit embarrassingly, was the same height as his mum so he never normally had to adjust the seat, but as he pushed the seat back he realised just how much he needed to stretch out his legs. As the light turned to green, he was oblivious to his jeans riding up and becoming a loose pair of swimming shorts, revealing his now lengthy and toned legs, feathered with dark hair.

Josh pulled up at the designated address shortly after, a sizeable house in a nice neighbourhood. As he got of the car, he was for a moment confused by his need to climb out of the car and then felt off balance when he landed on the tarmac. Before he could interrogate any further though, he looked in surprise at the pick-up truck boot filled with pool cleaning gear. A voice in the back of Josh's mind told him to panic - why the hell did he suddenly have all this gear - but remembering that he had a job to do Josh collected the gear and approached the house. Josh stopped en route to take his jumper off to enjoy the warm sun, not noticing the way his new well-fitted tank top which hung closely to his chest and showed off his slightly more toned arms or the darker shade of his skin...

Josh carried the gear with surprising ease to the front door, and was warmly welcomed by a middle-aged women who introduced herself as Beth. Beth showed Josh to her garden where a medium-sized pool sat, clearly long overdue a clean. Josh thanked Beth, pausing a little at the vague lilt coming out of his month. Was it just him, or just his voice sound deeper...

Josh got to work. The pool needed much more than just some leaves removed but with every task, Josh found himself instinctively knowing what to do. Which pump to use, when to apply chemicals, how to get the pH levels perfect, it all just flooded into Josh's mind. And he was surprised at how flexible he was at reaching all the right places - Josh didn't love manual jobs but he almost felt like his reach had gotten better. It was hot work though and Josh removed his baseball hat and towelled his brow and face, briefly feeling unfamiliar stubble on his face and thick short locks of hair on his scalp.

It wasn't long before Josh has completed his job, a sense of pride sweeping over him as he stared into the now pristine waters. That pride however quickly morphed into confusion as he gazed at the reflection in the shimmering water. Maybe it was distorted, but there was no way that that tall, dark reflection could be him. He was shirt, slender, pale, wasn't he?

He dropped his net and stared at his hands. His suddenly thick, dark hands. Josh began to breath sharply as he noticed just how high up he was, that he was in an outfit that he had never bought, and that his short, pale self had seemingly been replaced with a tanned, lean body.

As Josh was clutching at his newly stubbled face and grasping at the space where his small paunch should be, Beth came out with a pitcher of cool lemonade. Josh spun around in panic, and before Beth could say anything he muttered "lo siento" and ran back to his car.

Josh stopped sharply outside as he stared at the beaten up pick up truck outside Beth's drive, a truck that sat where he thought his mum's sedan should be. A truck that keys in his pocket unlocked. Breathing deeply, and trying his best not to panic, he clampered into the car and pulled down the mirror, staring at the unfamiliar dark eyes that stared back at him. Dark eyes amongst a handsome face, with a strong chin covered in thick but trimmed stubble and framed by dark, tightly curled locks. "What the fuck" Josh uttered, eyes widening at the accented deep voice that emerged.

Josh explored his tightly muscled body now covered in a light sweat when his phone pinged. He unlocked it - the phone recognised his face even if Josh didn't - and the TaskRaccoon app popped up, showing a task completed and $500 dollars deposited in his account.

But what kept Josh's eye though were the other task options appearing. There were more pool cleaning jobs, but also other tasks ranging from moving furniture, plumbing, and even covering people's work shifts. Josh noted that there was an option to cancel his "Premium" membership, but some of the fees weren't to be sniffed at. His breathing calmed down and Josh sat into his car seat, and pondered his options.

Chapter 2

****

Hi all!

Some of you may have seen this story on other sites, but I'm bringing it to Tumblr for the first time and with pics! There will also be some small tweaks as I post over the next few weeks.

As always, welcome any feedback or chats!

[eobdtooluk-blog]

Lonsdor K518 PRO FCV vs K518 Pro

Lonsdor K518 Pro FCV and K518 Pro are the second generation products of Lonsdor K518.

What’s the difference between them?

The hardware and language supported are the same. The main difference is that K518 Pro is a full version which supports all car brands and free licenses (Toyota, Nissan, Volvo, JLR lifetime free license) and 2 years free update, and K518 Pro-FCV is a free combination version which supports 10 brands software free use forever (5 default+ 5 optional brands).

*Multi-language supported: English, Turkish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian, German, Swedish, Hebrew, Khmer and Burmese

Lonsdor K518 Pro- FCV 5+5 CAR Series Free Use:

Free 5 Permanent Licenses:

1.Land Rover/Jaguar

2.Toyota/Lexus/Scion

3.Nissan/Vemucia/Infiniti/Datsun

4.Hyundai/Kia/Genesis

5.Honda/Acura

Optional Free 5 Licenses can be selected to use forever:

BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce

VW/Audi/Skoda/Porsche/Bentley/Lamborghini

Volvo

Citroen/DS/Peugeot

Land Rover/Jaguar Maserati/Fiat/Ferrari/Alfa Romeo/Lancia/Abarth

Renault/Dacia

Benz/Smart

Borgward

SAAB

LDV

LADA

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury

Hummer/Buick/cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC/Oldsmobile/Pontiac/Saturn

Opel

Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep

Toyota/Lexus/Scion SSANG YONG

Mazda

Nissan/Vemucia/Infiniti/Datsun Suzuki

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Mitsubishi

Honda/Acura Subaru

Isuzu

Mitsuoka

Daewoo

Daihatsu

WUlING

MG

Chery

JAC

BYD

Great Wall

Perodua

Geely

Porton

TATA

Mahindra

Maruti

Holden

Other differences in price and package aspects:

1.Price Comparison

K518 Pro-FCV: €754

K518 Pro: €1,131

2.Package List Comparison

Lonsdor K518 Pro-FCV package includes:

1pc x K518 Pro-FCV main host

1pc x Power adapter

1pc x Acquisition Antenna

1pc x Type-C cable

3pcs x extra connectors

1pc x OBD2 test cable

1pc x Certificate & user manual card

1pc x Main unit packing bag

2pcs x LT20 smart key (gift)

1pc x Toyota FP30 cable (gift)

1pc x Nissan-40BCM cable (gift)

1pc x JLR cable (gift)

1pc x JCD 2-in-1 cable (gift)

1pc x ADP-15 adapter (gift)

Lonsdor K518Pro Full Version package includes:

1pc x K518 Pro main host

1pc x Power adapter

1pc x Acquisition Antenna

1pc x Type-C cable

1pc x KIA/HYUNDAI connector

1pc x HONDA connector

1pc x KIA connector

1pc x OBD2 test cable

1pc x Certificate & user manual card

1pc x Main unit packing bag

1pc x Toyota FP27 cable (gift)

1pc x Toyota FP24 cable (gift)

2pcs x LT20 Smart Key PCB

1pc x Toyota FP30 Cable

1pc x Nissan 40PIN-BCM Cable

1pc x L-JCD 12+8 FCA Cable

1pc x JLR 2015-2021 Connector

1pc x Super ADP 8A/4A Adapter

Learn more:

Lonsdor K518ISE VS K518PRO-FCV (Accessories)

Lonsdor K518 Pro vs. Lonsdor K518ISE/K518S:

Lonsdor K518 Pro vs. K518ISE (Function, System, Software License, Accessories):

Lonsdor K518 Pro FCV Free Combination Version can be pre-ordered, and it will be delivered on January 2024. K518 Pro Full Version is available now, you can order it directly.

[gguk-n]

Chapter 1- The Proposal

A+ in Pretend Love (Lando Norris x Reader)

Series Masterlist

Summary- The sponsor's say they'll pull out if Lando doesn't fix his ways. So, Zak stages an intervention. Y/N can't get approved for visa, no matter how hard she tries. Zak offers to help. An honest and mutually beneficial relationship is formed.

The scene is set. The MTC is almost empty to the wandering eye, but in reality, every one was sat in the huge conference hall Zak had constructed for other reason not pertaining to the one they had gathered for. "So, we're gathered here today" Zak began only to be interrupted by Oscar, "I still don't get why I'm here when this is about Lando." Zak sighed, "This is about me?" Lando asked surprised. Oscar looks at him with a raised eyebrow and then the other people at the table like in the Office. "Oscar, this is a team problem and we must deal with it as a team." Zak spoke while pinching the bridge of his nose. "Now where was I? Before I was rudely interrupted" Zak paused; "The sponsors aren't happy and want to pull away because of Lando's antics" Zak finished. "What? Why me? What about Oscar?" Lando pointed out like a child caught in trouble. "As far as I know, Oscar is extremely sponsor friendly with his long term girlfriend and polite demeanour" Zak said looking pointedly at Lando.

The table erupted in whispers, "What have I do?" Lando piped in. "The partying, the girls, the drinking. Might I continue?" Zak asked. Lando sighed, "So, what do you want me to do? Live like a monk" he asked. "No, we just need to polish up your image, make it more sponsor friendly." Zak said. "I have an idea" someone on the table suggested. "Go on" Zak prompted. "What if we say that Lando's been in a long term healthy relationship and is about to get married?" they suggested. Everyone seemed to hum in agreement. "What no? Ask me first, I'm the one involved. This is nonsense. Ask the sponsors to leave" Lando almost shouted. "Lando, you do know those sponsors are the reason you can drive in Formula One, so that we can make cars for you to race" Zak asked pointedly. Lando's shoulder's slumped, he looked at Oscar for support but he just shrugged at Lando; "Fine" Lando sighed. "So, which model is it?" he asked. "No, we need someone low- key. Out of the public eye to make this believable" someone else piped in. "But which girl will want to agree to that" someone else argued. Lando was currently a by-stander in his own life.

Finally after much deliberation, it was decided that to help Lando clear up his image; he would fake date someone who lived a normal life. And Zak would pay them to keep their mouth shut.

Y/N Y/L/N was in her last semester at University of Monaco of her Master's programme. She been living there since the start of the programme while working as a teaching assistant to gain experience towards her final goal of becoming a Professor. The university was great; culturally diverse and the job paid decently well; in her opinion. Right now, the biggest dilemma she faced was the stupid visa that for some reason wouldn't get renewed no matter how much she tried. She was sat in an almost empty cafe in the street's of Monaco, tucked away from the public. "You must understand. I'll have the job as soon as I graduate. Please extend my visa" she almost begged. "We can't Miss Y/L/N. Those are the rules. You will have to leave the country at the end of your visa" the voice replied sternly. Y/N sighed exasperated while running her hand through her hair for the hundredth time today as the call cut.

Some one else had entered the cafe during this whole ordeal, he walked up to Y/N, "Is this seat taken?" Zak asked. Y/N just nodded without looking up. "I'm sorry for eves dropping but it seems like you're having visa issues?" Zak asked. Y/N looked up, he pushed his business card forward. "I'm Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren" he introduced himself. "Y/N Y/L/N" she shook his hand. "I could help you if you'd like" he suggested. "What do you get in return?" she asked skeptically. "Well, I will have to discuss this with the person who might help you and let you know" he said. "Maybe you can forward me your CV. I can see what I can do" he spoke slowly. Y/N bit her lip before thinking, fuck it. What's the worst that could happen? and forwarded her CV to Zak. "I'll contact you as soon as possible" Zak said smiling while he walked away. "Arrange a meeting in the MTC, I have the woman for the job" Zak called his assistant.

Back at the MTC, when everyone had gathered; "So, I met this girl, around Lando's age. She is in need of help with her visa renewal" Zak said. "If she needs a visa for Monaco, wouldn't she be better off marrying Charles" Oscar interrupted. Zak sighed loudly, "Can you stop interrupting me?" he asked. "Can you stop having me attend meeting that have nothing to do with me?" Oscar retorted. "Touche" Zak relented. "So, we help her with her visa and she helps us with Lando" Zak suggested. Everyone seemed to agree unanimously. Lando was quite the whole time, he felt like he had lost any credibility since they were in trouble with the sponsors because of him. He quietly agreed to the arrangement. "Let's meet up with her. I'll arrange for a meeting. Just the three of us" he told Lando already on the phone with Y/N before Lando could even say anything.

They had decided to meet at a cafe in Monaco. The cafe was quite, with barely any customers in site. When Zak and Lando entered, they found a woman sat at one of the tables placed at the back, nursing a cup of coffee. As soon as she saw Zak, she greeted him with a smile. Lando was looking at her the whole time. Zak cleared his throat, "This is Lando Norris" he introduced Lando to her. She smiled at him, introducing herself and the three sat down when Zak began talking. "So, here's the thing, I need help" She nodded along, "If it's not money related I think I can help" she suggested. "It isn't. I need someone to help with damage control." Zak drawled. "Lando here is a Formula One driver, he drives for my team" Zak explained, watching the confusion on Y/N's face. She nodded along. "The sponsors are creating an issue, all baseless I might add. But I do want to please them and I believe, you would be of great help" Zak said. "How can I help?" she asked. "I would like it if you two would date. Maybe like a fake relationship, just for like a year or so." Zak said quickly. "I don't...this is crazy." she expressed. "I understand this is crazy, but please help me. Being with a millionaire helps" he pleaded. "He's a millionaire" Y/N asked looking at Lando now. "I might not look the part but they pay well" Lando laughed gesturing towards Zak. "This will help, they wouldn't want to cause issues for a public figure." Zak further elaborated. "Like a mutually beneficial relationship" Zak finished. "I need to think about this. All of this is too much for me" she said quickly grabbing her things to leave. Before the two men could stop her she was out of the cafe. "Told you this was a bad idea" Lando said shaking his heading, getting up to leave.

Back home, Y/N was in turmoil. She ended up googling Lando and whatever they said was true. This wasn't some MLM or cult they were trying to indoctrinate her into. And from all the news article, it seemed that Lando had bit of a reputation of partying and sleeping around. She could see why having a girlfriend would help him. She couldn't see why she could help him though. Wouldn't he do better with a model or someone famous?

A few days of her mind being plagued with thoughts of that weird meeting with Lando and Zak; the visa officer called. "Please ma'am you have to understand, I can't do anything. I can't renew your visa" he stressed. Y/N was annoyed, "Please, you can't do this" she cried. "It's out of my control" he expressed. "Please stop calling us" he warned and cut the call. Maybe, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Y/N called up Zak, "Hi, This is Y/N" she spoke slowly. "Hi, Y/N. How are you?" Zak chirped. "I'm good. I'm up for the offer. I'll date...I mean fake date Lando" she stated. "Wonderful. That's what I would've liked to hear" he gloated. "Let's meet at the same place this weekend. And please answer a few questions my assistant will email you before we meet" Zak said before cutting the call. Zak had to make a few more calls like to Lando and his assistant.

Y/N and Lando both received emails asking them questions most couples would know about each other. Y/N wasn't sure if she should fake a personality but decided against it and answered it as truly as possible.

The weekend rolled around rather quickly and the both of them were getting dressed to meet. The cafe seemed empty yet again, a strange occurrence in their eyes. The three of them greeted each other before receiving files from Zak. "These contain information about each other learn it. And this contains how you two met, fell in love and are now happily engaged" Zak said, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. He placed the box in front of Y/N which housed a beautiful ring, "It's fake, so don't worry about losing it" Zak said looking at the pair. "I think this will turn out great. Now, Y/N, Lando's home race is soon. So, two of you will make your debut then." he explained. Y/N looked at Lando, the two of their eyes locked together as Zak explained everything.

"Here's the contract and an NDA" Zak said pulling out more papers. "How long will the contract be valid for?" she asked beginning to read it. "For a year" Zak stated. "Don't you have any questions?" Y/N asked Lando. "No" he said shaking his head and proceeded to sign the contract while Y/N took her time to read through it, not wanting to be tied by anything she couldn't be able to repay. Y/N finally signed the paper after a few more minutes of going through the contract. "Welcome to the McLaren family. Don't worry about the expenses, they will be covered by us" Zak said quickly putting the contracts away. "Pleasure doing business with you" Zak remarked. "I hope we get along well" Y/N told Lando, directing her attention to him. "Hope so. My number is in my details. I'll contact you before the weekend. See you on the Thursday after this" Lando stated. "The weekend is on the Saturday or Sunday" Y/N quizzed. "Not in Formula One" Lando said, "I'll text you the details soon" he said leaving before anyone. Y/N watched both Lando and Zak leave, confused at what she had just gotten herself into.

She reached home, kicked off her shoes and plopped down on the sofa before calling her best friend. "Guess what I just did" she said as her best friend answered the call.

Tag list- @gamesetmatch-me @seonghwaexile @yootvi @hadesnumber1daughter @khaylin27 @abq654

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[leashybebes]

this isn't quite a fix-it, but it opens the door to fix it. also i have had a real shitty week for a whole host of reasons and i'm getting out my sads. sorry!

Tommy drives away from Evan's - Buck's - the loft - for the last time feeling like he's been gutted. Liked he's gutting himself. He has to pull over at one point just to breathe, just so that if he's not driving he can't pull a highly illegal u-turn in the middle of the road and go back. 

The first voicemail is on his phone by the time he gets home. For a long, wavering moment, he thinks he isn't going to listen to it, but it never really feels like an option. In the cab of his truck, Tommy hits play. The message is thirteen seconds of silence, an inhale, and the dial tone. Tommy listens to it three times, turns the volume all the way up, blocks his other ear. 

It's just silence.

Everything is just silence.

—

The second message comes three days later, sometime during his shift, when he'd voluntarily benched himself for the first time in years, spent the day doing maintenance, his phone tucked away in his locker so he can stop feeling stupid for reflexively checking it every five minutes. Two weeks from now, he won't know Evan's schedule, but right now he knows he's on shift and part of him can't help anticipating those regular little updates. He knows they won't come - in his head he knows it, but his stupid, cowardly, aching heart is taking a minute to get with the programme.

That same stupid heart leaps when he sees the notification at the end of his shift. It plummets again quick enough, because he knows - he blew it all up so severely there's no way the message can be anything other than anger or practicalities, so he waits until he gets home to listen to it. It's not much longer than the silent one from the other day, but it's so much worse.

"I'm gonna send Eddie over with your stuff. Can you give him my things, please."

It sounds flat, rehearsed, awful. Tommy tells himself he doesn't have the right to feel sad, lets his eyes slide away from the bottle of scotch in the cupboard and goes for a late night drive instead.

When he gets home, he gathers the stuff Evan had left around over the course of the last six months - clothes, a phone charger, aftershave. He packs them into a box with his key to the loft, thinking about how he never used it unless he got there before Evan, thinking about all the lines he drew without even realising it. He tucks his heating pad in between two of Evan's shirts - Tommy doesn't get much use out of it anyway, and Evan always loved it on days when his leg flared up. Hopefully they can write it off as an oversight on his part, but he wants Evan to have it.

The conversation with Eddie is painfully awkward. Tommy doesn't dare to ask how Evan is doing, and Eddie doesn't need to ask Tommy how he is; it's written all over his face. He hasn't been sleeping, hasn't been working out. He hasn't been drinking either, but only because his self-imposed rules about when he's allowed to drink forbid it.

"Don't be a stranger," Eddie says as he's leaving. 

Tommy knows he will be. Enough time, enough distance, and he'll be a stranger to them all all over again. He'll be a memory for Evan for a while, but give it long enough, and he'll be a memory he doesn't remember. It'll be okay. It'll all be okay.

—

The third message comes a few weeks later. Tommy's out on another aimless drive - he doesn't love spending time at home anymore. He knows it'll get better, but for now, he's spending pretty much all his waking hours in his car, at the gym, and at work. Like the very first message, he stays in the cab of the truck when he listens to this one. He's glad he managed to put off listening until he got home because this - this is the one that devastates him.

"Hey, Tommy. It's Evan. Well, Buck, I guess."

Evan's drunk, and Tommy should stop listening to the message right now, for his own sanity, and for Evan's dignity come the morning. But his voice…

"I'm real glad I didn't break your heart, Tommy." It sounds mean, sharp, so un-Evan, but it's followed by a silence, and then, "I am. I actually am." There's another silence, a sniffle. "Wish you didn't break mine, but… whatever. Be safe, Tommy."

In the cab of his truck, clasping his phone so hard he's distantly a little worried he might crack the screen, Tommy cries for the first time.

—

There's a month and a half of silence after that, and he hopes that means Evan is moving on. Tommy gets back home from a failed attempt to visit an old hook-up spot and get out of his head for the night. He's had a few drinks because it didn't break the rules (it wasn't a bad shift, he wasn't alone and okay, yes, he's sad, but if he sticks religiously to that rule he might never know the simple pleasure of a cold beer ever again), but he's not drunk enough for it to cushion the blow when he flops down on his cold bed and hits play.

"Hey, uh. Happy birthday, Tommy. I hope you had a good day."

He didn't.

—

A month later.

"I went on a date tonight. It was with a woman though, so I'm gonna guess I'm still not queer the right way for you, huh? Fuck you, Tommy. My date fucking sucked."

Tommy feels about two feet tall, and like that's exactly how he deserves to feel. His thumb hovers over the block button for less than a second - he owes Evan the outlet, and that awful, scared little masochist that lives in the heart of him won't turn down the opportunity to let Evan's voice claw at him every chance he gets.

—

He tells himself he's not going to listen to the next message that comes through, but he's briefly very glad he does.

"Hey, Tommy. I wanted you to know - Maddie and Chim are having another baby. It's past three months so they're telling people now. I, uh - I just wanted you to know. Um." Abruptly, Evan sounds on the verge of tears. "I miss you, you dick. I wanted that with you. Fuck."

And then he's back to feeling crushed. It wouldn't have worked out. It wouldn't have. But he's sorry that Evan's still hurting. His own hurt is - it's just the baseline of his existence turned up a little louder than usual. It'll pass.

He tells himself that every day, every hour, every minute. It'll pass, it'll pass, it'll pass.

Howie texts him the same news later that day. Tommy thinks the message he sends back is perfectly normal, but Howie shows up at his door that night with a six pack of beer and that annoyingly perceptive air about him that makes Tommy feel seen and unsafe in the exact same way it has since the day they met.

The first beer, they talk about the pregnancy in light ways. Howie's excited. Maddie's perfect. Jee's ecstatic. Tommy's happy for them.

The second beer, Howie talks about how scared he is. How they have set ground rules and they're sticking to them, but he's walking through the world with a little core of fear inside him. Tommy almost cries.

The third beer, Howie asks how he's doing. Tommy does cry. Just a little, and he turns his face away quick enough that Howie doesn't see. He still knows, though.

"He leaves me these voicemails," Tommy says, and he sounds wrecked even to his own ears. "I know I don't - I don't have the right to miss him, but it - "

"Tommy."

"It hurts, Howie."

"I know, bud," Howie says, his hand on the back of Tommy's neck, a rough squeeze.. "I know."

—

The next message is the beginning of the end of it all. Tommy's actually had a - not terrible day. He flew four times, the sky was perfect, the calls went well. They had really good tacos for lunch at the station. 

The message is waiting for him when he gets home. Evan sounds - subdued.

"Hey, Tommy. Listen, I'm gonna - I'm gonna stop calling. I'm - you hurt me. You really, really hurt me. But I think I might be hurting you too, still, and I hate that, even if I'm mad at you. I'm really mad at you, and I think - I think I'm just gonna stay mad at you unless something changes. So I'd - I'd like to see you. Talk. Say - some things. Say goodbye. It's okay if you don't want to. But I'd like to. Let me know if you wanna. And if not, then, I don't know. Bye, I guess."

Bye, I guess. 

Tommy hesitates for less time than he'd like to admit. Maybe he can just ignore this one like he has all the others (is ignore the right word if they have become the constant background soundtrack to his waking hours and woven themselves into his dreams?) and Evan will be as good as his word - stop calling, stay mad, hate Tommy, but move on from him.

But it's Evan, and he's asking for something from Tommy, and the one and only time Tommy turned him down for something he really wanted, he hurt them both so bad. The least he owes Evan - the very least - is closure. And if it drives the shards of heartbreak deeper into Tommy then, hey, whatever, he's pretty sure those shards are a feature not a bug, by this point.

He navigates to their message thread, carefully doesn't look at the most recent communications - a silly joke, a heart, a can't wait to see you - and tries to find the words to reply.

—

It's not somewhere they've ever been before, and Tommy feels like that was probably deliberate on Evan's part. Still, the scene is so familiar it makes Tommy's steps falter. Evan, at a table in the sunshine, two coffee cups in front of him. He looks beautiful. He looks nervous. He looks tired. He's chosen a table away from any of the other patrons.

Part of Tommy wants to run. The rest of him knows he owes Evan the bravery he couldn't give him all those months ago, and he approaches the table, hands in his pockets.

Evan looks up, smiles like it's a reflex, but it falls away from his face like he's remembered he's mad at Tommy.

"Thanks for coming."

Tommy shrugs. "Of course."

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Giamaro Katla, 2025. A new Italian hypercar powered by a quad-turbo V12 that produces up to 2,127 hp. Giamaro Automobili, a start-up based in Modena (home of Ferrari), will supply the car with three keys. A white keyprovides a “calm and confident” programmable power range between 395 and 789bhp. The black key, unleashes 1647bhp, before the final red key takes you up the full 2127bhp. It is built around an ultra-stiff carbon monocoque with electronically-controlled dampers. There's no information yet about price or availability. The Katia takes its model name from an Icelandic volcano

[lillaydee]

Shhh!!!

Celebrity!Joel Miller / F Reader

A reluctant celebrity contractor who has closed his heart for love meets a celebrity-hating Cafe on Wheels owner...

She HATES him. Thing is, he couldn't get enough of the coffee she makes...

Tag List:

@kirsteng42 @peelieblue @harriedandharassed @joelalorian @vickie5446 @inept-the-magnificent @maried01 @brittmb115 @peedrow

Let me know if you would like to be added/removed from the tag list.

Dividers by the awesome @saradika

WARNINGS: Grumpy Joel (The Last of Us), Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Good Parent Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Alternate Universe - No Cordyceps Outbreak (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Celebrity Joel Miller, Fluff and Angst, Eventual Smut, I'm Bad At Tagging, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Tags May Change, Hurt Joel (The Last of Us), Jealousy.

SERIES MASTER LIST

“Come on Joel! It’s not that big a deal! I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m 16!”

“No!”

“Why not? It’s not like I’m asking to get married or anything like that… Ew… even the thought makes me want to puke.”

“You’re still in school. I don’t want you to lose focus. You don’t need a job.”

“I just want to get some experience. And I wanna save up for a car.”

“I’ll buy you a car.”

“Yeah, good luck with that. What did Sarah do when you bought her one instead of letting her work for one?”

Joel sighed. He downed the rest of his coffee. Grimaced at the now cold coffee and went to get a refill – but the pot was cold now, too. “Damn it,” he grumbled. The fucking coffee maker was broken. Again.

“You know, you might be the richest man I know who still drinks coffee from a 20 year old machine you got as a birthday present. You know you can buy a new one for less than 100 bucks? You give me more weekly.”

Joel rolled his eyes. “It’s fine. I’ll just rewire it. Again.”

Ellie banged her head on the breakfast counter. “Quit being such a cheapskate, old man. How are you okay to buy me a car if you won’t spend less than 100 bucks on yourself?”

Ellie regretted her words before she could draw breath after that. She knew he was not a cheapskate, exactly. It wasn’t about the money. It was the coffee maker. What it symbolized.

His late wife had given it to him as a birthday present when Sarah was about one. She died in a car crash a week later. He was suddenly a widowed single father at 22.

He refused to replace that coffee maker, even though the coffee now came out burnt and ridiculously bitter. It had been rewired and fixed so many times neither Ellie nor Sarah wanted to touch the damned thing, worried they’d get shocked by it. Ellie swore she saw the lights flicker when Joel turned it on that morning.

But he didn’t react, just rolled his eyes at her, again, before picking up his keys and pushing her out the door, nowhere near fulfilled, coffee-wise.

Ellie wanted to shake the man who had been taking care of her since she turned 12. She had been Sarah’s mentee at the rec centre, and when her mother disappeared, Joel took her in, no questions asked. Her life took a 180 that day. He made sure she had everything she needed, got her into school, took interest in her progress, listened to her when she needed advice, even listened to her rants, albeit with a grumpy face.

She felt bad for him, he worked ‘til midnight yesterday. Shoot ran long. Ellie was sure he didn’t get home ‘til 2am. And now he’s already up to drive her to her summer art programme. She didn’t want to tell him about the programme at first, knowing it would take time out of his day to drive her back and forth. His schedule was bonkers to begin with. He’d done enough. So she got the bright idea of having a summer job. If she could buy a car, she could drive herself. There would be no need to trouble Joel anymore. Sarah drove her sometimes, but she wouldn’t be back from school for a couple more weeks.

Ellie and Sarah would talk sometimes, worried about Joel. He worked too hard. No social life to speak of, at least, not that they knew about. His life was the two of them, his brother Tommy and his work. They asked each other the last time they remembered him going out on a date, or even a vacation, for that matter, and neither could recall for sure. For a while, they thought he and Angela, his manager slash agent was a thing. But Tommy vehemently denied it, saying they were just business acquaintances. He changed the day his wife died, Tommy said. He became hardened. Stoic. Grumpy. To everyone save for Sarah, and now, Ellie. Not to worry, Tommy had told them, your father had people he could call if he felt… lonely, he said. Neither girls wanted to ask Tommy about their father’s social life, or lack thereof again after that.

Not that they were denying what Tommy suggested. It wasn’t as if he was short of interested parties. Being on a show as big as his and Tommy’s, he didn’t want for screaming ladies, something he was never interested in. He and Tommy started as contractors, renovating houses, their small company doing okay to support their small family, even in an expensive town like LA. They renovated a producer’s kitchen one day, and he offered them a contract as set builders for a show he was producing, and then the next, and then the next, and before they knew it, they had a show of their own, beginning with basic DIY stuff for a morning show, expanding to full on house renovations and builds. Tommy was the handsome, friendly, bubbly face of the show, and Joel the grumpy, reluctant contractor in the background. ‘Build with the Millers’ was a huge hit, and Joel Miller was the grumpy contractor that ladies and men alike swooned over.

Why exactly, neither Ellie nor Sarah understood. He was the same, scruffy man in his 40s that he was at home, just as he was on TV. No make up or overly styled hair for him. Apparently, after an incident involving a broken, aforementioned coffee machine and a late night taking care of a feverish Sarah, no make-up artist on set wanted to go near him again, lest they lose a few fingers trying. So he was on TV, face oily, scruff unkempt, hair unruly and all, dressed in whatever comfy shirt or flannel he managed to grab from his dresser that morning, and still the ladies swooned over him.

Fans approached him all the time, asking for pictures, often ignored. It became a thing at one point, people posting about their disappointing encounters with Joel Miller. He just walked past, hands around Sarah, shielding her face in case people took photos of her. He had relaxed a bit nowadays, but still wouldn’t entertain requests for photos, and still kept his arms around his girls when he noticed people whipping their phones out to take a picture. He left the glamourous part of the job to Tommy, much to Angela’s chagrin. He could make so much more, she had coaxed at one point. He didn’t need any more money than he already had, he said. So he left all the money making dalliances to Tommy.

Sarah once told Ellie that they lived in their old house for quite a while after the show took off, Joel only investing in a bigger place with a yard, only so that he could make sure Sarah’s privacy and safety was under control. He had woken up to a strange woman in his kitchen making breakfast for him and Sarah once and had to get a restraining order against her. He contacted a real estate agent that very day, and he slept better at night knowing that his daughters were safer behind the tall fences and a top notch security system.

Even though he himself was a simple man, he made sure his daughters want for nothing, as long as they remained humble. No designer anything for them. He still drove his beat up truck, so no Ferraris for the girls. He himself didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, so his girls were going, no matter what. That was why he was so against them having a job, he wanted them to focus. But what he didn’t realize was the girls looked up to him and lived by his example, wanting to work hard to enjoy their earnings more. When he bought Sarah a car instead of letting her get a job, she sold the brand new Prius he got her and gave the money to the rec centre she volunteered at, where she met Ellie. She got a job and got a second hand Mini instead.

And Ellie was determined to do the same.

She took out her phone and texted someone, glancing at her yawning adopted father as she did so. “So, can I get a job or not?”

“No.”

“Come on!!! Just for the summer. Not like I have school.”

“You have this class. This art thing. You begged me to get this tutor to teach you for the summer. Focus on that. I thought you wanted to go to art school.”

“Yeah, but we finish at noon. And they are prioritizing those going to colleges for volunteer work right now, so that’s out. What the hell am I supposed to do ‘til the next day? And I have to wait around for you to pick me up and you are not always on time, and you wouldn’t let me take an Uber.”

“So let me buy you a car.”

Ellie gave him the typical Miller girls’ combo of a side-eye and eye roll. “I guess the rec centre could use the money I will get from selling it.”

Joel stopped the truck at the rec centre, taking a deep, deep breath of frustration. He wanted to persist, but he could see he was fighting a losing battle. “Where exactly is this job you’re planning to get?”

Her face lit up, opening the door and jumping out, yelling at him to wait. She disappeared around the corner to the side of the building, coming back out not five minutes later, a massive cup of coffee in her hands. She presented it to him with both hands, complete with a curtsey, head bowed. “Coffee from my new work place, Your Majesty,” she said.

Joel rolled his eyes. If there was one thing he hated more than anything else in the world, it was pretentious fancy coffee, robbing people of their money. He didn’t take it.

“Come on, old man. You know you need this. Go on, I promise you it will be better than the ones you burn every morning.”

“How would you know that? You don’t even like coffee.”

“There’s a long line every day. Must be good. Plus, I need to help my new boss sell coffee now, don’t I?” she smirked.

Joel took yet another deep, impatient breath, took the coffee and had a sip.

Ellie watched as for a split second, his entire body relaxed, eyes closed, and breathing calmed. Just as quickly, though, he opened his eyes and sulked, placed the coffee in his cup holder and passed Ellie her back pack. “Pick you up around the usual time.” Ellie stepped back and waved Joel goodbye.

Huh. The man who swore coffee that didn’t come from his ancient coffee machine or the craft service of his show was crap just had a good reaction to that cup of coffee. Coffee that he would classify as ‘a modern fucking robbery’ just because they took some time to craft and cost more than a dollar. She walked back to the truck she had gotten the coffee from, taking the slotted tray with another cup of coffee and an iced tea placed on the sill.

“I guess I’ll see you after class then, Boss!” she semi shouted.

You dipped your head low to see her from your perch, winking at her, “Counting on it!” you called back, handing your next customer her usual cappuccino.

That first day, you made Ellie watch for an hour. She would mainly be taking the orders for you, handling the payments and cleaning the small fold out tables outside. You made sure she flipped through the booklet to make the teas and other drinks, the easier stuff. When she could stand to stay in the truck for longer than an hour without getting a headache from the smell of coffee, then maybe, just maybe, she could help you clean the machine.

You had taken over the truck from your stepmom Jenny, the woman you called Mom a couple of years before that. The woman had had enough of the glamorous city and decided to leave for her hometown, longing for a quieter life. The two of you started the moving café after your father passed a few years back, moving from one spot to another, going wherever the customers might be. Your father had owned a chain of cafés and sold them all when he decided to retire. You respected his wish to sell, but part of the reason you decided to open a moving café with Jenny was to have a connection with him. You worked for him most of your life, and making coffee made you feel closer to him. Apparently, he gave you a hollow ball with coffee beans inside as a rattle. His nickname for you was coffee related. This was what you loved doing.

Jenny did invite you to move with her, maybe start a business with her there, but you were in love then. So you stayed. Of course, the man you were so besotted with, the one who begged you to stay in LA with him rather than move with the woman who raised you decided that an opportunity to be with his dream actress was too good to pass up. He broke up with you over voicemail when she approached him at a party, drunk off his ass, all excited that she would even look at him. Last you heard, he lost his job as the manager at one of your Dad's old cafes for missing too much work to be with her on set and had become her personal assistant instead.

You went about your life, driving your little café around before deciding you couldn’t be bothered to do that anymore, and paid for a spot at the rec centre food truck centre. On your very first day there, two girls came running to your truck, the older one, Sarah, ordering the biggest iced latte you could offer, the younger one, Ellie, an iced tea, nose all scrunched up from the smell of coffee, which she apparently hated. And now she’s decided she was going to work for you. Go figure.

You didn’t really know much about her per se. You knew that Sarah’s father had adopted her, that he was a contractor, that she spent her evenings after school volunteering at the rec centre, just as Sarah did, and that she was taking personal tutoring from one of the art professors who volunteered at the centre during the summer. She spent her evenings at your truck while waiting for her dad, whom she only ever referred to as the old man to pick her up, yammering in your ears as you cleaned for the day, often running off with a quick see you tomorrow Lil over her shoulder when he called to let her know he had arrived.

You loved her company. To be frank, after Dave dumped you, your life consisted of work and sleeping, having to wake up super early to get the truck ready for business. You even open on the weekends, only taking every other Sundays off to spend some time with your Uncle Bill, Jenny’s only brother. That was it. You open and close at six every day, clean up, wash your truck on your way home, have a quick dinner, do some chores, read, and sleep. You tried to watch some TV at one point after Dave left, but his girlfriend Cleo’s face graced the homepage of your Netflix account, so you cancelled your subscription. You stopped your social media involvement, with the exception of the Insta page for your truck. Everything else would put you at risk seeing your ex with his glamourous sweetheart.

Ellie provided you entertainment, so to speak. She told you about the books she read, the movies she watched, the classes she took, and you found her excitement infectious, even if you had read and watched the movies she was talking about. She had a hard life before, not having the opportunity to enjoy the books and movies most people have at home, so her excitement in learning all these new things was something to celebrate. She started complaining about wanting a car, that her old man had offered to buy her one. But she wanted to get one on her own, just like her big sister. You suggested she get a job, just like you did back when you wanted one for yourself. Yeah, she had groaned, her old man wouldn’t let her get one. But she was going to talk at him until he gave in.

And gave in he did, apparently.

She was a hard worker, very friendly with the customers, cleaning as she went. But at the end of the day, she was exhausted, telling you she was going to sleep well that night. She helped you clean up before running off to use the bathroom.

Her phone started buzzing. ‘Old Man’ blinking on the screen. It went dark. And then buzzed again. After a few missed calls, a tired looking man in flannels came storming around the corner, panic written all over his face, eyes searching for someone amongst the parked trucks and the buzz of the people cleaning the area before dialling and placing the phone on his ear. Ellie’s phone buzzed again. It went dark as soon as the man took his phone away from his ears, dialling one more time.

Okay, it’s possible this was Ellie’s old man.

You walked up to him, the man walking in circles frantically looking for someone. You tapped him on his shoulder.

“Excuse me, sir, are you…”

He turned to look at you, an exasperated look on his face, “Look, lady, I’m in the middle of something, I don’t have time to take pictures right now, okay?”

Huh?

He saw your confusion, took a deep breath, “I’m looking for someone, so no, now is not a good time for pictures, okay?”

You stood there, still confused. The fuck was he talking about? What pictures?

“What?” he barked at you, annoyed that you couldn’t understand a few simple sentences.

Okay, you’re angry now.

“Well?”

“I was just going to ask, sir, if you are looking for Ellie,” you spat out. Slowly. Deliberately.

His expression changed. His stance shifted, his body language got softer. “Uh, yeah.”

“She’s in the bathroom,” you snarked, going to your truck to get her backpack and phone, shoving them both into his chest.

He finally saw the name on the truck. Wheely Coffee. That name was on his cup this morning. He closed his eyes, regret clear across his features. “Look, I’m sor…”

You slammed the door of your truck in his face, the door actually hitting his shoulder so hard he staggered backwards. You got in the driver’s seat and drove off, leaving him standing in the street, Ellie running out to meet him, confused as to what had just happened.

He looked at her, snapped out of his shock, handing her the back pack and phone.

Ellie didn’t take them, her arms crossed on her chest, staring at him with laser eyes.

“What the fuck did you do, Joel? What the fuck did you say to my boss?”

Part 2