Page 3 of Driven to Love

“Oh yeah, Laney and I went to Wisconsin last weekend. I spent half my paycheck on fireworks. She thinks I went a little overboard.” He grinned. “What can I say? I love to see things explode.”

“I think you were in the wrong designation. You have explosives tech written all over you.”

Cade’s eyes twinkled. “Naw. I’m much better with a long-range fifty cal.”

Nash knew many former soldiers didn’t like fireworks, but Cade and Nash loved them. They were respectful of the others by only shooting them off on the Fourth and not too late into the evening.

“Are you bringing Davey?”

“No, Beth has him this weekend, but I’m going up to watch his game on Saturday.” Even with the couple-hour drive, Nash never missed his son’s baseball games.

His phone buzzed on the workbench. He glanced at the screen. “I have to take this.”

He stepped outside. The sun beat down from high in the sky, causing sweat to run down his face. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

“Hi, honey. What time should your father and I be ready on Saturday?”

“I’ll be there at nine in the morning.” Nash made it a habit of bringing his parents to a few of Davey’s games a year. His father didn’t drive anymore, not after his eye surgery last year, and his mother only drove to church and the store.

“Perfect. I’ll pack snacks.”

“Sounds good. I have to get back to work. I’ll see you this weekend.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.” Nash ended the call.

Back in the shop, he stood in front of the fan. “Why didn’t I become an accountant? Then I’d be in an air-conditioned office.”

“You suck at math, and you love cars.” Cade handed him another bottle of water.

“True. Thanks.” Nash chugged down half of the water in one gulp and poured the rest over his head.

“Cade. Got a minute?” Eric McBride hollered from the office.

“Yeah.” Cade set his tools on the bench and wiped off his hands. “Ever since Becca decided not to come back after her maternity leave, I’ve been getting a crash course in the books. We need to fill her position soon. Dad’s stress level is directly related to the amount of paperwork he has to do.”

“Yours too.”

“No kidding.”

Nash watched his friend cross the shop. Office work… no thank you. He’d live with the heat.

Sitting in a booth at Rumors Café, Addison started to question her idea to tell her mom about her job in such a public place. The restaurant got its name for a reason.

“Good afternoon, ladies. The usual?” Betty, the main reason behind the restaurant’s name, handed them menus.

“Sounds good.” Julie smiled and handed the menu back.

“The number four and a Diet Coke. Thank you.” Addison glanced over her shoulder to make sure Betty was out of earshot before turning back to her mom. “I was let go today.”

Julie reached across the laminate table to clasp her daughter’s hand. “I’m sorry, baby. I can always use your help at the salon until you find a new job.”

“Thanks, Mom. But I should be fine. I just don’t get why.” Addison picked up her water. She stared at it blankly before taking a sip.

“Well, do you think it has anything to do with the fact that you slept with your boss?”

Water flew from Addison’s mouth. She stared at her mom as she mopped up the water with her napkin. “What?”