Seven

Hudson

I could see the worry in Jack's eyes, but I didn't want to tell him everything yet. I needed to speak to Dad and see if my idea was even a possibility. And I really needed to take a few minutes to consider if what I planned was actually something I wanted to do. I'd worked for a big box store for years as a district manager, but I'd never run my own business. Plus, I really did not know that much about how a small-town hardware store should be run.

Jack on the other hand knew exactly how it should be run, and what worked and what didn't. He might need to work on keeping things tidy, but he helped each person that walked in with personal interest and care. He knew every person and wanted to help them, and made sure he did everything he could for them.

"I should probably get going. I really need to speak to my parents." I took out my wallet and put enough on the counter to cover both our meals. "Thanks for everything," I said, and stood.

"Hey, you don't have to cover me," Jack said and reached for his own wallet.

"It's okay, kid, you can pay next time." He stared at me for a moment, and I waited for him to argue, but instead he put his wallet back in his pocket and smirked at me.

"Deal, and good luck with your parents."

I turned around at the door, and he was still watching me, so I waved and walked outside. "Now for the fun part," I said to myself and drew in a deep breath before walking back to my car.

The drive to my parents was short. Foggy Basin wasn't big enough for it to take longer than fifteen minutes, and right now that made me happy and slightly nervous. My mind was made up, but I wasn't sure what Dad would think of it or if they'd be willing to consider what I was about to offer. I was so deep in thought I was at their house and pulling up to the driveway before I realized I'd turned onto their street.

I reached to the back seat for my bag and hurried up to the door. This time it was unlocked, and I knocked as I opened the door. "Mom?"

"Back here," she answered from the kitchen.

"Hey, how was the movie?" I asked.

"It was good. Now I know for a fact you did not drive all this way to find out if we had a good date night," Mom said and took a seat at the table next to Dad. "What's going on?"

"Well, I've been thinking about the store since you called to say you were selling it. I hate the idea of us losing it, it's been in the family so long and Foggy Basin needs a hardware store."

"Whoa whoa whoa, you do realize there's a feed store not far away that carries a lot of the same things we do?" Dad asked.

"No, I didn't know that, but there's nothing else right in town."

"What are you saying, Hudson?" Dad asked.

"I want to buy the store." Saying it was easier than I expected, and the feeling of it being right washed over me.

"You haven't lived here for twenty years, why would you want to move back? You have a life in Sacramento," Mom said.

"You're right. I have a life, and I make good money, but I don't love it. I want to go to work and be happy to be there, not dread putting out another fire that is the same as the one before it. There's one issue after another and I'm the guy that has to fix them all," I admitted. They both shared a glance, but they still weren't convinced.

"I talked to that company I told you about; they're coming next week to see if they're interested. I'm sure they will be, if for nothing else than the property."

"Give me a month!" I nearly shouted. I wasn't sure why I felt so strongly about this, but I did, and the more I talked about it the more that tiny spark of interest grew.

Dad crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair while staring at me hard. This was part of the reason I was so good at my job, after growing up with his considerable intimidation techniques I was well trained in how to diffuse any situation. "What happens if you decide you don't want it after that?"

"I'll help you find a buyer. But someone who won't close it and sell it off."

"Why do you care so much now? You haven't had any interest in the store since you were a teenager," Mom asked.

"I know, but after living in the city and working for a large corporation I have a new appreciation for small businesses. Nuts and Bolts is worth saving." I looked between the two of them and I knew they were considering it. "We'll draw up a contract, so it'll all be legal. Give me one month to prove to you I can handle it and keep it going."

"What do you think?" Mom asked Dad who still had his taking no shit look on.

"I think I'd be proud to know my son was taking over the family business. But I don't want you to do something you'll regret. I don't want you to give up your job," Dad said.

"I have a ton of vacation time that they've been begging me to take. I'll use it until I know for sure."

"I want you to really think about what you're asking and what you'd be doing. You won't have a regular work week, if the store is open, you'll have to either be there or have Jack work. Will you keep him? He's been a great employee," Dad asked, his tone softening.

"I remember, and I don't mind. I work all the time now but this time it'll be for my business not someone else's. And there is nothing that would make me not keep Jack. He's a little bit of an asshole but he's a great worker, and everyone knows him. I don't want them to think I'm going in and changing everything."

They again looked at each other before my mom smiled and held her hand out. "Looks like you'll be using the spare room for a while longer than a week."

"Looks like," I said and shook her hand, and that was how this city transplant ended up back in the small town I'd grown up in. Little did I know that was just the beginning.