Page 67 of Full Throttle

“For sure.”

I had to turn so he didn’t see my expression. I wanted to shout in excitement over his easy acceptance. His desire to be around.

“I need to tighten this,” I said, indicating a part. “What do I need?”

“A socket.”

“Size?”

He looked at the part, then my tools. “This one.”

“Right.” I handed him the tool. “You want to try?”

He took the wrench from my hand and did it perfectly.

“Great job, son. You’re a natural.”

“Mom says I have to be a businessman.”

I shrugged. “I think you can make up your own mind when you’re older.”

“Are blue-collar workers really less important?”

I laughed, knowing where he’d gotten that idea. “Blue-collar workers are honest, hardworking people. And these days, they make as much, if not more, as some CEOs do. Make up your own mind about your future. Love what you do. That’s the best advice I can give you.”

“Do you love it?”

“Yeah, I do.”

He looked around. “I think I already know, but I’ll wait to tell Mom.”

“Good plan.”

Cherry strolled into the garage. “Lunch is ready.”

Josh grinned. “I’m starving.”

She ruffled his hair. “Good. Because between Rosa, Mary, Charly, and me, there’s a feast at the house. And Hannah just got here.”

“Your daughter? The cop?”

“That’s her.”

“Awesome!” He looked between us. “She’s like the closest thing I would have to a sister, you know?”

And he was gone.

“Wash your hands before you eat!” Cherry called, then laughed. “I don’t think he was listening. Too excited.”

I stared at Cherry, who smiled. “I think he is settling in pretty fast.”

“He is. Roxanne is gonna hate it.”

Cherry shrugged. “Too bad. Let’s go watch our kids bond.”

I followed her eagerly, looking forward to seeing that.

Josh stuck close to Cherry, like a shadow. It made me laugh since he was taller than her, and hiding behind her did nothing. But I did love that he relied on her already. He sat next to her, staring at Hannah.