Page 2 of Winner Takes All

“You know I can’t come into town and not head straight here,” I tell him, feeling instantly at peace being with my father again. I don’t regret my adventures around the world, but this is where I belong. This is home.

My chest is heavy knowing I have to talk to my father about so much. I’ve kept too much from him, something I’ve never done before. The weight of what I haven’t told him will pull me under if I don’t get it off my chest. After we lost Mom when I was still in high school, all we had was each other. He became my rock to talk to. At first it wasn’t easy, but over time, I realized he must’ve listened to Mom all of the years they had together because he’sgiven me some wise advice that usually comes from a mother. I can’t imagine not having my dad. I refuse to think of the day that might become a reality.

“Well, come on inside,” he demands. As soon as we move through the doors, the smell of motor oil and metal fills my nostrils. It’s like stepping back in time. I do love it here even if I don’t want it to be my career.

“It looks great, Dad,” I tell him. He beams at me.

“I keep busy, that’s for sure. I had to hire Jenkins last summer since you were gone, but he’s done a mighty fine job. That boy has tools for fingers.”

“That’s great, Dad. I hate that people have mechanical issues, but with you around at least they don’t have to worry about the job getting done right.”

Dad laughs. “Your mother always complained that I had a bleeding heart and needed to charge more. I don’t want to price-gouge my neighbors though, and we’ve always made a comfortable living.”

This is one more thing I love about my dad. He’s a positive man and as honest as they come. Sure, he could be living a lot better, but he wouldn’t be happy. He loves what he does, has enough to pay his bills, and even a bit extra to buy some fun things. One of his biggest hobbies is the RC plane club where he builds and flies various planes. He absolutely loves it. You’d never expect that from my hard-working dad, but once that remote control is in his hand he becomes a little kid again.

“Are you ready to get to work?” Dad asks. “You know I’m not getting any younger.”

“You’ve been saying this to me since I was five,” I tell him with a laugh. It’s a bit forced though because he’s not going to love this conversation, or at least I don’t think he’s going to love it.

“Well that’s because every day I get a bit older. Having you for a son aged me even faster,” he says as he claps me on the shoulder.

I hesitate, which isn’t something I often do. I’ve always been full of confidence from the time I was a young tot, but I’ve also loved pleasing my father. It isn’t easy for me to do something I know he won’t be thrilled about. I need to get this over with though.

“Dad, I know this place means the world to you, but life has a way of changing a person,” I begin. His grin fades a bit, but he looks at me as he raises his brows. He knows to let me get all of my words out before interrupting. Sometimes it’s very difficult to say what we need to say.

“I really enjoyed the summer festival last year,” I begin.

“You did exceptionally well. I was disappointed when you had to leave again not long after it was over. You’re home again, though, so that’s all that matters.”

I smile. “You’ve always been so encouraging with everything I’ve done. It’s what’s made me into the man I am today.”

“I love your independence and passion for life,” he says.

“Which is why I want to do something with my life I’m passionate about,” I tell him.

He lets out a sigh. “I’m taking it that mechanics isn’t your passion,” he says as if he already knows.

Dang, my heart’s lodged in my throat. “I want to open a restaurant. I love cooking. I know it’s strange, and not your dream for me, but it’s what I’ve wanted to do for the past ten years. I just haven’t been sure how to tell you about it.”

For a seemingly endless moment silence greets my words. But then he gives me a smile as he shakes his head with bemusement in his eyes.

“I can’t say I’m all that surprised,” he tells me. “I saw the passion in you last year as you were cooking. You looked like youwere in your element. I was hoping it was a hobby like my love of RC planes because I’ve always wanted to pass this shop to you, but I’ve gotten to do the job I love my entire life, and I want you to do the same. I want you to smile when you wake up because you get to go to the job you love. My dreams don’t have to be yours to make me proud of you.”

I’m shocked at his words but don’t understand why. This is who my dad is. He’s always supported me. I most likely could’ve saved myself a hell of a lot of worry and a few wrinkles had I simply talked to him sooner. Sometimes I don’t know why I make the decisions I do.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I kept finding myself navigating to the kitchen, and discovered I have a natural ability to take subpar food and make it great. The men in my unit loved when I cooked, and I found that I liked grilling a hell of a lot more than firing my gun. I don’t know why, but it feels like a calling.”

“Well then you need to do what you love. I’ll make sure this shop stays open for our community. Don’t worry about it at all. I expect you to come help once in a while though. You can trade olive oil for motor oil,” he says with a laugh.

“You’ve always found yourself quite funny,” I tell him as I laugh.

“That’s because I tell the best dad jokes of them all,” he assures me.

“You sure do.”

“Life really is too short to not follow your dreams, son. I’m looking forward to watching you shine.”

“This year’s cooking competition is going national. The Food Network is offering a twenty-five thousand dollar prize. On top of that, maybe they’re looking for talent. Who knows what could happen? This could be what gets me my restaurant,” I tell himand pause. “I’ve saved a lot and can get my restaurant going, but everything helps.”

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