Free Return to Love by Lynn Hubbard Page B

was addictive. She just wanted to climb into his arms and burry her face in his neck. Maybe this would not be as easy as she first thought. It was going to require A LOT of concentration. As instructed, she placed her foot on the brake pedal and turned the key in the ignition. The engine rumbled to life on the first try.
    “Ok, we first have to back out.” Eric said motioning to the brick wall of the restaurant parked in front of them. Joanie looked at him in a panic.
    “Can’t you back out and then I can just do the forward part?” She asked hopefully.
    “Nope, unfortunately, I won’t be with you all the time, so you have to learn how to do it yourself.” Eric had her adjust her mirrors, so she could see the road behind her. She turned her head and looked behind her glad to see there was no traffic on the road.
    She grasped the gear shift on the steering wheel like Eric showed her and put it into R for reverse. She looked in her mirrors again and then lightened the pressure on the brake pedal as instructed. The car slowly began to move backward. Eric told her to take her foot off the brake and gently hit the gas and turn the wheel all at the same time.
    Nervously Joanie did as she was told barely applying any pressure on the gas pedal. She was sure that snails would have been passing her, if it was the season for snails. But the car was moving backward, and he helped her turn the wheel, so the car was moving to face the correct way. Joanie thanked God, that she wasn’t parked next to any cars, and there were no pedestrians in sight.
    “Put your foot on the brake.” Eric told her softly as she complied. “Okay now open your eyes.”
    Joanie’s eyes popped open and she looked at Eric startled, she had not realized that she had closed them. She chastised herself for being stupid and was glad that Eric made no further comments. They were horizontal with the brick wall now, and they were still in the Diner’s parking lot.
    “I’m so sorry!” Joanie whispered, “I was praying.”
    Eric nodded, and she could have sworn she heard him say, so was he, to himself.
    “Okay, keep your eyes open and move the gear shift into D for drive. Check for cars and pull out onto the road and turn right.”
    Joanie took a deep breath, and before she knew it she was on the main road driving! She was going about ten miles per hour, but she was driving! Eric made her speed up a little and instructed her on the stop signs and traffic signals (even though she already knew about those!). She turned off into a park, and the tree lined street was breathtaking. She wished she could look around more, but she had to watch the road.
    “You’re a very good teacher.” Joanie said breaking the tranquility.
    Eric laughed, and he was so close to her she could feel his chest moving. “Because you are a quick learner. I had to teach Chad how to drive.” He shuddered, and it was Joanie’s turn to laugh. Joanie drove around the circuit through the park, getting more confident each time. It began to snow and Joanie marveled at the beauty. This isn’t too bad! Joanie thought at first, but after a while, the roads became wet and slippery. Her knuckles turned white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.
    Sensing her nervousness. Eric directed her to pull into the visitor center which was deserted at this time of the year. By that time, the snow was coming down much harder.
    “I can’t do this.” Joanie said apologetically.
    Eric turned her to face him. “I think you did great, we can practice again another day when the weather is better.”
    “Maybe in the spring?” Joanie asked hopefully remembering how bad the winters got in Ohio.
    “We could move to Florida.” Eric suggested smiling. Joanie picked up on the “we” part and blushed.
    “Well I guess we need to switch spots.” Joanie said reluctantly not wanting to get out of the warm car. Eric sensing her thoughts picked her up and set her down on his lap. She looked up at him in