Page 22 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 8

“It was her. I know it,” Cade said while pulling away from the fast-food drive-thru the next day at lunch.

“I believe you, but she wasn’t there after the game.” Nash took a bite of his burger.

“It’s a sign. I have to find her.” Cade shoved a fry in his mouth.

“Maybe. But have you ever thought it’s not that kind of sign? I mean, you lost her number and then she takes off during the game. Maybe the universe is telling you she’s not the one for you?”

Cade scowled. He didn’t like Nash’s negativity. Seeing Laney again solidified his decision to find her. “Fuck the universe.”

“Whoa, man. I’m not into all the woo-woo stuff, but isn’t that blasphemy? Like swearing in church or something?”

“I don’t know. There’s something about her.”

“What about Jamilee? She seemed very receptive to you two hooking up.”

“Yeah, no. Not going to happen.” He’d been down that road and learned his lesson. Jamilee was trouble, and Cade had had enough trouble to last him two lifetimes.

Back at the shop, Cade entered the office and set a bag of food on the receptionist’s desk. “Hey, Becca. I got you a chicken sandwich and fries.”

“Thanks, Cade. You’re a sweetheart. This little bugger has been craving fries all month.” She rubbed her large belly. Three more months. Cade couldn’t imagine how big this baby would be by the time she delivered. He would swear she could pop at any minute.

“Cade, come in here,” Eric called from his office.

“What’s up, Dad?” He pulled a burger from his bag and handed it to his father.

“Becca is leaving early today, and your mother needs me to meet her at the church. Something about a spring dinner planning meeting.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how I get roped into these things. Anyway, I need you to take the deposit to the bank before they close today.”

“Sure. Will do.”

“Thanks. And here’s the work order for that Ford out front.”

“On it.” Cade slipped out of his father’s office before Eric started beating the college drum again.

At his stall, he set his alarm on his phone so he wouldn’t forget to run to the bank, then grabbed the keys to the Explorer. His body went through the motions of working, but his mind circled back to Laney and her expression last night.

She’d been surprised. No, surprised and pissed when she saw him. Fuck. He needed to find her, tell her about his phone.

It would work out. Sure, it would. They could laugh about Jimmy dropping his phone in the toilet and then he could get her number… again.

He groaned, then sent up a silent prayer that’s how it would go. Only one thing stood in his way. He had to find her first.

“What’s with the incognito look you have going on?” Addison asked when Laney got into her car.

“What are you talking about? I’m going to the work out after here. See?” She slid down her oversized sunglasses and held out her black duffle bag.

Addison’s gaze roamed from the top of Laney’s hoodie down to her gray sweats and her athletic shoes. “Huh. I would have chosen a different look to confront my ex’s side piece.”

“I have a yoga class at the community center.” Laney looked down at herself. “Maybe I should go home and change first. Or better yet, I can do this another time.”

“No, you’re fine. This might be better, understated, not trying too hard.” Addison put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb.

“I don’t know if I can do this. I almost threw up twice this morning just thinking about it.” An acidic taste still lingered in her mouth.

“Why did you think I insisted on driving you? You got this. Just remember to breathe.” A few minutes later, Addison parked in front of the Gray Duck Grove National Bank.

Laney stared at the limestone building. The knot in her stomach twisted. “I don’t think I can do this.”