Chapter Six
Chapter Six
Victor
The rhythmic clanking of metal tools and the hum of machinery fills the shop as my dad and I work side by side on an old truck that has most certainly seen better days. While it might have some rust on it, this truck will outlast most of the new vehicles made today. It’s also a hell of a lot sturdier and can certainly take a hit. It’s made with metal instead of cheap plastic. I really do enjoy working on vehicles even if I don’t want to do it for a living. I love it because it’s time with my father, time that someday I’ll miss more than anything else on this planet.
I love the familiarity of this scene, love seeing him under the hood with me handing him tools while I work on my own things. The smell of grease and oil mixed with the familiar scent of rubber tires and grinding metal is a combination that brings back memories of the amazing summers and weekends of my youth. Of course, back then I was far more interested in playing in the shop than helping, but I love this place because my dad made it fun, and he was always so patient with me, never minded showing me the ropes again and again until I found a love of it and realized I had the skills.
“Pass me a socket wrench,” Dad says, breaking through my thoughts.
I reach into the toolbox then bring it to him, watching as he expertly maneuvers it around a particularly stubborn bolt.
“I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than fixing an old engine that you know will purr when we’re done,” he says as he leans back and wipes sweat from his brow. “These engines can go and go; they simply need some love applied and they’ll keep on giving.”
“I have to agree,” I say. I look at the engine before leaning back. “I think my love of mechanics also gave me a love of cooking. It’s great to bring something fresh to the table, to take something and make it better.”
He glances at me, a proud smile tugging the corners of his mouth. “I love how you shine when you’re talking about cooking. I’d love to hear more about this restaurant you plan to open.”
I grab a rag and wipe some of the grease from my hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot about it, Dad. I have a vision of what I want. It has to be a place where our neighbors can come and enjoy great food while being served by those they love. I want it to be like eating at home, but not having to do the dishes after.”
Dad laughs at this. “It’s always nice not to have to do dishes.” He adjusts his wrench as he continues to talk. He could practically do this job with his eyes closed. “I might never cook for myself again after you open. As your dad I should get a meal a day,” he tells me.
I laugh. “You can have three meals a day. That’s what I had for eighteen years.”
“Even as a child you had a way of bringing people together. You don’t need food to do that.”
I chuckle as I think about my time in the military. I did love all the guys coming together after a hard day’s work. “I loved cooking in high school, but really got into it while serving my country.”
“Your mother loved when you’d come home from school and make her something you learned in culinary class.” We both smile, though it always makes us a little sad when talking about Mom. She died far too young. When in the hell are they going to come up with a cure for cancer? Maybe never since they make so much money off it. I can’t go down this path or I’ll explode.
Instead I take a rag and wipe down a particularly dirty section of the engine block. “There were months when we’d be stuck at the base, working all day, then doing nothing at night. The kitchen became my refuge. I kept getting drawn back to it. The men loved my cooking and soon I spent more time in there than anywhere else. I always added to the meals, making them better. No one likes MREs.”
Dad finishes tightening a bolt then straightens up and stretches his back. “I have to agree with you on that. Those things were nasty. When you’re hungry enough though, anything tastes wonderful.”
“That’s for sure. There were a few times in the field those things tasted like gourmet meals.” I pause for a moment. Although Dad and I have always been able to talk about everything, we haven’t been the touchy, feely type of family since we lost Mom. I let out a breath and continue. “I can’t believe I was so afraid you’d think I was settling with this.”
He pats my shoulder. “Son, I’m thrilled you’re following your dreams. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“This really is my dream.”
“Speaking of dreams, I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors around town.”
I immediately know where this is going. There are no secrets in Seaville. I still play dumb. “What sort of rumors?”
He laughs. “Rumors about you and Nikki Sands. I’ve always loved that girl. She has spirit. The word is that you two have been having some intense run-ins all around town, stirring up more than sauces.”
I laugh. My dad trying to be coy is quite amusing. “You know how small-town gossip is, Dad. People love to spread rumors here. I’ll admit there’s something between Nikki and me, but that’s one stubborn woman.”
Dad watches me work for a moment before he grabs another tool from the bench. “Stubborn, huh? That shouldn’t bother you, being a Marine and all. Marines don’t give up.”
I grin, more determined than ever before. I tighten the last bolt on my section. “I have zero intentions of giving up on her or us. Winning her over is a whole other story though.”
He claps me on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes. “That’s the spirit, son. She’s a good woman and the man who gets her is a winner indeed. Make sure you stay on your toes, though, or you won’t know what hit you until you’re lying in the street bleeding.”
This makes me laugh hard. “I fully agree. I haven’t gotten too serious with anyone. I think it’s all because of Nikki. I did consider asking a woman to marry me once, but that was more because I thought it was time than because I was in love. I think it’s always been Nikki, and always will be.”
Dad nods. “What comes next then?” He shifts back to practical as he begins installing a new filter.
I lean back and think on this for a minute as I start cleaning up my area. “The competition is my main focus right now. I’m gonna get the girl, but not sure how long that will take. Other than that I’ve been scouting potential locations for the restaurant.”
“This town’s lucky to have you here,” Dad says. He tightens the final screws on the filter. “I have to admit I’m ready to be a gramps.”
I hold up my hands. “I’m not ready to be a dad yet. Let’s take some baby steps here,” I say with a laugh.
“Well, you don’t want to wait too long. I need to have energy to play with my grandchild,” he says.
“Kids are in the future. Don’t you worry.”
“We didn’t start so late in my generation. Your generation is all about work, work, work. Don’t get me wrong, I love work, but without a family to come home to at the end of the day, it just isn’t worth it. I want a full table on Christmas morning.”
“You always have one because our home has always been open. I loved our hodgepodge holidays with community members. Mom started that and I was thrilled when you continued it.”
“There’s nothing sadder to me than a table for one or two on the holidays. When we stop celebrating we forget what we’re living for.”
“I hated the times I couldn’t come home when I was in the service, but I was never alone. I’d make the holiday meals as special as possible for the men,” I tell him. “That’s because of you.”
We stand in a comfortable silence for a moment. This kind of peace can only be achieved when you’re with people you truly love.
“What are your plans for winning Nikki?”
I laugh, shaking my head as I put my tools back in their proper places. “I’m still figuring it out. She shot me down for a date, but I won’t give up.”
“That’s good. When you have your heart set on something you go after it with everything you’ve got. You’re a catch, and I’m not saying that because I’m your dad, but because I know your character, and any woman would be lucky to have you.”
“That’s because of the way you raised me,” I tell him.
Dad moves into the driver’s seat and turns the key. The engine roars to life, and his grin widens. He gives me a thumbs-up. We finish up in the shop, still chatting, giving us a perfect ending to a wonderful day.
There’s a lot ahead for me, a lot of plans to make, and a lot of dreams to fulfill, but I’m not alone in it. I have my dad and my community, and I will get the girl. It’s all going to work out. I simply need to have patience.