The Driving Force to Love (MXM) ✔

Chapter 7

Antonio Angel Hernandez Sanchez

I buttoned up my black shirt, made sure my name tag was on straight and moved that one piece of hair back in place. It was going to be a good day because after waiting two weeks to not seem desperate, I was going to call Dean. I wasn't sure when today, but some time today I was going to call him and tell him more jokes and hear his laugh that warmed my heart. I smiled at the thought of it.

The fresh smell of coffee led me to the kitchen when I got downstairs. Liz sat looking polished and sharp at the table. "Want some coffee?" she asked me.

"Yes. Thank you." I poured some coffee into my thermal travel mug. "Where's Sarah?"

"She stayed at her apartment yesterday. I had a late meeting with some of my clients and she has an early meeting today at work."

"I see," I said.

"Why do you look so happy today?" she asked.

A smile spread across my face. I couldn't help it. "I'm going to call Dean today."

She smiled. "Sarah says you should stop telling him those lame jokes - her words not mine - and start trying to be suave."

I shrugged. "He seems to like my jokes. And I like his laugh. I don't know why, but it makes me feel important, needed even."

"I personally like your jokes. Good luck."

"Thanks. I'll see you later."

I left her in the kitchen and went to my car. I stopped and got an assortment of bagels for everyone. The store was open by the time I got there. "Morning, Millie."

"Good morning, boss," she said.

"I brought bagels. I'll put them in the back."

"Has anyone told you are the greatest boss?"

"You're the first today," I said with a smile.

I put the bagels in the break room. I got an Asiago bagel and spread an over generous amount of cream cheese on it. My office was empty when I got there. I turned on the computer and ate the bagel while I waited for everything to load up.

"Thanks for the bagels," Jeff said as he poked his head.

"No problem," I said. "Make sure everyone in the service department gets one."

He nodded and left. I pulled up the list of motorcycles the service department was working on. I had hoped we would have more. I sent all the used ones we bought to Dean first.

"Thanks, Tio," Felipe said as he came bouncing into my office with two bagels wrapped in a napkin and a large energy drink.

"You're welcome," I said.

He sat in one of the seats in front of my desk and immediately started to eat one of the bagels.

"Where's your dad?"

"He's coming," Felipe said. "He's just getting some coffee."

"How's it going with your girlfriend?"

He had just taken a large bite of the blueberry bagel. He didn't answer until he swallowed. I took another bite of my bagel. "Good," he said. "Except I think she wants to move in together and I'm way too young for that."

"Twenty isn't too young," Jose said choosing that moment to walk in. He had an onion bagel and a paper cup of coffee. He sat in the other seat as Felipe frowned at him. "I want grandkids," Jose said.