Once Upon a Road Trip

By Diane M. Pratt

Joy is excited to learn she and her BFF, Fiona, have been asked to drive from Massachusetts through eleven states to pick up their boss' 85-year-old mother, then bring her back to Massachusetts. Being paid to take a road trip? And being away for two weeks from Joy's nemesis, her colleague, Nash? What's not to be excited about?

 

Until there's a last minute substitution and Joy hears the bad news. Fiona won't be coming with her. Then Joy hears the even worse news. Nash is Fiona's replacement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diane M. Pratt
• Release date: Feb 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201572648

Diane M. Pratt

Diane M. Pratt lives on Cape Cod where she avoids the summer traffic by hiding at home with her trusty laptop, long-suffering husband, and all the chocolate she can find. Escaping from reality in a romance novel, the ultimate goal a happy ending, is her idea of a good read.  

Book preview

Chapter 1

Joy Elliot hadn’t planned to make a trip out to the machine shop when she chose her outfit that morning, and probably wouldn’t have gone with the stilettos if she had. The shoes were new, the highest heels she’d ever owned, and she’d wanted to break them in the easy way while she spent the majority of her day at her desk, with occasional walks across the department to the copier to test her balancing skills. The heels coordinated really well with her new black and white dress, they were gorgeous, and she felt invincible in them.

Except for the part about them pinching her toes and straining her arches. But as she marched herself out to the shop supervisor’s office, she knew she would never again make the mistake of wearing them to work. Shopping with them would also be a bad idea. As would going anywhere she expected to be walking more than a few steps here and there. Maybe weddings would work, but maybe not.

If it isn’t Henkman Engineering’s very own bundle of joy.

Joy heard his voice behind her shortly after she entered the noisy shop, raised so she would hear him above the racket of the machinery around them, and she stopped in the middle of the concrete shop floor, knowing the only way to get rid of the man was to face him and get their confrontation over with.

Nash Warren watched Joy turn a slow 180 in shoes he’d never seen her wear before, the look on her face what he’d expected to see, and he felt his smile widen. Might you be here about the Clausen order?

Because they want to change it? Joy asked.

Yes. I’ll handle it. You can go back to your desk and do your nails, or whatever you spend your days doing.

Joy had worked with Nash Warren for too long to let his comments irritate her. Much. As long as she was able to give him one of her own she felt as if their score was even. I’m astonished you were able to tear yourself away from your gaming to walk all the way down here to do your job. What’s your favorite one this week? Candy Crush?

Having trouble with that one. Maybe you could give me some pointers.

Good luck telling Flavio about the order change. Maybe you should have brought him something. Maybe donuts would work. If she hadn’t been so distracted by her stilettos she would have remembered her own secret weapon offering but by the time she remembered as she crossed the lobby, she knew she wasn’t going to turn back to retrace all those painful steps.

Nash glanced at Joy’s hands. I don’t see you with any donuts. What were you planning to do? Break out your smile for a change to catch him off guard, then hit him with the news and run? Not that you’d be able to get up any speed in those high heels.

The fact Nash was staring at those high heels wasn’t lost on her, and rather than wait to hear another of his comments and have to come up with one of her own, she circled around him, her eyes on the door. If he did speak now, she wouldn’t be able to hear him, which was just the way she wanted it.

Nash watched Joy until she disappeared through the door to the lobby, deciding that had gone well. As well as any of their interactions ever went. As much as he wanted to let his mind wander through his collection of memories of Joy, he had other things to think about now, like wondering how Flavio was going to take the news.

What? No, I don’t think so, Flavio said after Nash summarized Clausen’s request.

Nash watched Flavio shake his head, not just once, but repeatedly, similar to a metronome, and he remembered a time when that would have convinced him the behavior indicated refusal. Nash had learned over time and from discussions with the other sales staff, once Flavio had fully processed the request or demand or however Flavio viewed it, he would nod his head once, grudgingly. Nash could get into Clausen’s specifics now, but he knew it was better to wait until the metronome stopped. He wondered how Joy would have handled Flavio, and if he should have let her deal with the change. He also wondered how they’d both been tasked with the job, but there would be time to investigate that later.

What changes? Flavio asked after Nash guessed two minutes had passed. Maybe two and a half.

They need the shaft half an inch shorter. I’ll change the work order and email it to you.

I need it in the next ten minutes.

You got it, buddy. Thanks. Nash didn’t wait for a response, knowing if there was one it wouldn’t be flattering to either him or the customer and he didn’t imagine it would improve the quality of his day to hear it. Not anywhere near the way the anticipated convo with Joy Elliot was about to. The way her eyes glittered and stormed when he goaded her... Always worth the price of admission and a look he could never get his fill of. Grinning, he headed back upstairs to the sales department.

WHEN JOY RETURNED TO her desk, she opened the email from Clausen’s to double check her memory. Yes, she was the only recipient. So why had Nash Warren been on his way to Flavio? Both of them chasing it down was a waste of Henkman’s personnel time. And specifically her time. It was Nash’s order, Nash was getting the commission, and Nash should be doing the legwork.

This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, and each time it made her even more annoyed. She knew she had the option of calling Nash every time she had a request from one of his customers but that would mean having to speak to the man. She’d been so happy to get this job a couple of years ago, little knowing who she’d be working with, but she’d realized pretty quickly she’d drawn the short straw when it came to her assigned sales staff. She couldn’t have gotten Tom or Rena or Jake or Dominic or any of the others. Course not. She’d been gifted with Nash Warren.

Sandra Glenn, Henkman Engineering’s president, was impressively approachable, and along with the HR director, had interviewed Joy for the customer service position, and since that fateful day, Joy had given some thought to the idea of suggesting Sandra change up the sales and customer service assignments to keep things interesting before she realized what Sandra would think of her for making the suggestion, and decided to keep her thoughts to herself. But she always kept her ears attuned to any hints than any of the reps might be leaving, so she could swoop in and take over the vacancy, leaving Nash Warren to fend for himself. Today would be absolutely fantastic. Looking up from her monitor, Joy saw Nash stride by her office, apparently having survived giving Flavio the news. How wonderful for him.

Nash slid the chair closer to his desk, tapping the keyboard to update the Clausen order, wondering why Flavio blew a fuse over every little modification. Couldn’t be good for the guy’s blood pressure. Flavio was probably only in his 40s, but he acted like somebody’s crotchety old grandfather. Maybe being department head for the shop carried a load of stressors Nash had no concept of. Finishing the order and clicking Send, he hoped the change wouldn’t mean an increase in the shop guys’ workload, but if the customer didn’t get what they wanted, none of them were going to get paid for the order. Pushing back his chair, he headed for the office next door. 

Not that you aren’t always a joy to behold, but what brought you out to Flavio’s domain this morning? Nash leaned against the doorjamb, crossing his arms.

Just what Joy wanted. Another encounter with her nemesis. Clausen’s sent me an email and I responded. The surprising thing is, you weren’t on that email.

Nash hadn’t seen Joy’s name on the email he’d received, either. Can you forward your email to me?

Did you get an email?

Yes.

Then I’d like to see that. This shouldn’t be happening.

For a change, he agreed with Joy Elliot. Maybe he should write that on his calendar.

Chapter 2

I n the interests of saving time, why don’t I look at your screen? You have the email pulled up?

Joy watched Nash walk around her desk as he spoke, not even considering she didn’t want to share the cramped space of her office with him. In an instant she was trapped between him and the wall and she stood, backing away from her chair and gesturing. Help yourself, Mister Time Saver.

Nash stood as he scanned the email. It looked identical to his, with the exception of the addressee. It’s not a big deal. Walking around Joy’s desk so she no longer had to plaster herself against the wall in her attempt to keep her distance from him, he said, I’ll take care of it.

I want to see your email. Will you send it to me?

Come with me.

She watched him stride out of her office knowing he wasn’t going to forward it to her, as a normal human being would, and if she wanted to see it she was forced to go with him. Irritated about the further waste of time, she followed him into his far larger office, the size of which she never truly appreciated until today. Nash gestured to his monitor, just as she had, only he wasn’t standing behind his desk so there would be no crowding. Bending to see the screen, she checked the email to see if Nash had been blind copied, but he had not. Who is this ‘ADADE’ person who sent this and doesn’t even bother to sign their name? And why did they send it to both of us?

Probably just covering all the bases.

They need to know I’m in the outfield, not on a base.

If you get anymore emails from our friend, ADADE, check with me to see if I’ve received the same email.

Yay. More contact with Nash. She thought about the email she might send to him, possibly laden with sarcasm, then she thought about instances where it would actually be better if they both received the notifications, such as when Nash was out of the office on a sales call and time was of the essence. The way it always seemed to be. Walking around Nash’s desk, she reached the doorway before she turned. Fine. Returning to her own office, she dropped into her chair and thought about all the time that had been wasted over this bit of nonsense. Then she wished lunch time would hurry up so she and Fiona could get out of there and enjoy the beautiful June day.

WALKING THROUGH THE lobby after she’d picked up Fiona in Engineering, Joy said, Where do we feel like going?

How about for a joy ride?

Joy didn’t have to look behind her to know who was again sticking his nose in where it wasn’t wanted. Around Nash Warren, without fail, she felt as if she were still in middle school. Glancing at Fiona, who was not reacting to Nash’s oh-so-helpful suggestion, she said, Your choice today.

I’m thinking a burger, Nash said, stepping around Joy and Fiona to open the door for them. Afternoon, Fiona.

Hello, Fiona said. Thank you.

My pleasure, he said.

Your chivalry is impressive. Joy walked by Nash, hoping he hadn’t parked near her in the lot.

You women deserve nothing less.

Joy watched Nash head in the direction she’d hoped he would take, then waved a hand. I’m over to the left.

He’s still doing that thing with your name? Fiona asked.

No more than three or four times a day.

Kind of like Kenny Graham in seventh grade.

"Exactly. Because Nash acts like he is in seventh grade."

Kenny had a crush on you, and you know I think Nash–

Don’t say it again. Please. He does not have a crush on me. He’s just a horrible, mean person who picks on me, forcing me to pick on him, too.

Well, it keeps your mind sharp.

Joy gave Fiona an elbow when they reached Joy’s car. My mind would be sharp without having to keep up with Nash Warren. I’d probably even do my job better without the distractions. He’s like a swarm of mosquitos.

"Yes. Like an annoying kid brother."

Right. One I would have convinced to run away from home. I would have even packed a bag for him.

You are always the helpful one. Now for our lunch destination... How about salads?

Perfect. Joy rolled down the car windows. Feel that air. I love this weather.

Too bad we can’t go on a joy ride. This is a perfect day for a road trip, isn’t it?

Joy rolled her eyes. Not you, too.

Come on. You can’t tell me you’ve never said ‘joy ride’ before. Everyone says it.

Fine. And you’re right. It would be great to go on a nice road trip.

Maybe we should think about planning one. For someday, Fiona said.

When we’re old and gray?

Or next year. Either one.

If Nash doesn’t stop being such a pain in my patootie I may be old and gray by next year.

Fiona laughed. By the way, love the shoes.

"Do you? I may