While in a deep sleep, Cory finds excitement in a dream. Deep in his mind, Cory is far away and alone. His Celica is speeding alongside another dark sports car as the adrenaline pumps through his body. The sound of the turbocharged engine spooling and a death grip on the steering wheel makes Cory feel like he is there in the moment. There's no music, only tunnel vision fueling the dream until a bright light flashes, bringing Cory out of the dream.

"Hey, good morning, sunshine. Did I disturb a good dream?" Tara asks, then takes a seat at her desk.

"Um, yeah, it was a good dream, but you didn't ruin anything. I was dreaming that I was in this intense race. My car was barely in the lead with nothing else around us," Cory tells her with a smile as evidence.

A rather odd idea strikes Tara. She nearly says it out loud but catches herself at the last second.

"Is there anything on your mind?" Cory asks, seeing the confused expression.

"No. Something ran through my mind. I lost it, that's why I looked confused. Anyway, I need you to get CJ up while I make breakfast.

Cory stretches and then gets to his feet with Tara staring at his half-naked body. She noticed that his body has toned down compared to when he came home, "Are you ever going to start working out again?"

Tara's question catches Cory off guard, "I guess. It's hard to lift weights, run, or find a gym when I didn't have a place to stay. But, now that I've moved in here, I will find a gym, or maybe put some equipment in the garage. You're welcome to join me at a gym or work out with me here."

A moment of shock shows on Tara's face with her jaw dropped open, "Did you call me fat, or are you insinuating that I don't look good for being a mom?"

Realizing how he worded the request wrong, Cory hunches his shoulders up as he pulls his head down, nearly grinding his teeth, "No," Cory manages to say without moving his lips.

"You better not ever call me fat. I'll make you regret it!" Tara threatens in a playful tone.

Cory rushes upstairs to get CJ up and dressed for school. Tara sits there for a minute, rattling the idea from a few minutes ago bounce in her mind. As bad as she hates her idea, Tara realizes it might be therapeutic for Cory. The idea she has in mind is to convince Cory to take a road trip and unwind with no one else going with him. The idea doesn't send a cold sensation down her spine but makes her uncomfortable that Cory may not return.

"Calm down, Tara; he won't vanish a second time. Cory has a relationship with CJ, which means he won't pull the same stunt again. So shake it off; I need to shake it off and relax."

Able to shake away the sensation, Tara walks to the kitchen and makes French toast and scrambled eggs. When Cory and CJ sit at the table, Tara brings them a plate, and Cory pours syrup over CJ's food. Tara joins them and says a quick, silent prayer, then enjoys the cinnamon and vanilla tastes in her mouth with the sweetness of the syrup, "So good," Tara mentions with her eyes closed.

CJ smiles and rubs his stomach, "I love mommy's French toast!"

"It is some good eatin'," Cory taunts, mocking a southern accent as Tara shoots him a dirty look.

"Why did you talk like that, daddy?"

Tara is seen shaking her head with an evil smile, "Yeah, sweetheart, please tell us why you talk like that."

Feeling a bit out of place, Cory sinks in his chair, "Well, little man, your mom came here from a place where they talk slow and with an accent," he explains with his hands folded in his lap.

All CJ can do is giggle until he snorts, "That's funny the way you talked. Are there more people who talk like that?"

Now feeling annoyed, Tara puckers her lips with one eye semi-closed.

"Millions of people, 'talk like that, ya hear,' okay," Tara says using her Little Rock drawl.

Cory gets to his feet, taking the plates to the sink and rinsing them off. Tara gets up to guide CJ to the door, but she's taken by surprise when he asks for Cory to take him to school.

"Daddy! I want daddy to take me to school. He has a way more cooler car! It's fast!"

Instantly Tara feels her heart crinkle, crack, and start to fall apart as CJ wants more to do with his father than her, "Oh, okay, daddy can take you to school."

Heartbroken, Tara sulks away from the door, but Cory surprises her with what he offers.

"How about we do this instead; I'll drive mommy's car, and we both take you to school. How many kids can say they get to have both their parents take them to school?"

The gesture brings Tara around to smile again as CJ nods with delight, "Okay! I love you, mommy and daddy!"

CJ races out to the Sportage, and Tara hands over her keys before she slides into the passenger seat. She feels out of place sitting there as Cory feels odd driving an automatic transmission.

"Okay, I'm certainly not used to this. Unfortunately, automatics are not my friend," Cory says, feeling for the clutch pedal.

All Tara can do is snicker to herself, watching Cory struggle with adjusting to driving a car that does all the work for the driver. Then, finally, he growls in a low tone going for the clutch again and finding nothing but the floor. CJ doesn't pay attention to how his parents act since he's preoccupied with looking out the window and singing to the radio. Cory is more than ready to swap spots with Tara by the time they reach the dropoff lane.

"Hey, when we stop to let CJ out, you can drive. I can't do this automatic stuff, not yet anyway," Cory whispers, ready to grind his teeth.

"Sounds good to me; I feel weird sitting on this side of my car."

It doesn't take them long to switch spots. Cory puts the Sportage in Park and runs around the car, and Tara crawls over the center console, then waits for Cory to buckle the seatbelt before she pulls away. Tara courageously discusses her idea with Cory on the way back to the house.

"Okay. I did have an idea that came to me this morning that I wanted to tell you. But, I wasn't sure how to bring it up, so I am going to blurt it out," Tara begins as her palms begin to sweat. "You should take a trip by yourself. Don't tell anyone where you go or what you do. Just go and enjoy it. But, don't sleep with anyone else; that pleasure is reserved for me! I think that dream is a way for your mind to tell you that's one way for you to release this stress."

Cory doesn't say anything or move in a brief state of shock.

"Say something," Tara says, feeling impatient.

The only sound Cory makes is a low groaning noise until the Sportage drives over a dip in the road, "I uh, I don't know what to say. Oddly, it sounds like a polite way to kick me out. You're still not pissed over the fights I've been in, are you?"

"Not at all! I want you in our lives. However, it would be best if you cleared your head. You've done nothing but bounce around from my house to Rick's, Lloyd's, and your mother's house. You've gone to the VA and got yourself treated, and now you're on medication. All of us except for Rick have made it out of RiverCreek. But, you never had the chance to enjoy that time. So, please, take the time to enjoy one last hoorah before we make things solid between us. Don't do this for me; do it for yourself."

Still uncertain at the sudden idea of taking off, Cory sits there trying to piece everything together. The morning sun sinks into his skin as he fumbles to put his next statement into words. When Cory and Tara reach the house, the Sportage sits in the driveway, turned off. The other isn't sure what to do or say.

"I know this is sudden, but maybe if you don't want to go alone, ask Rick to tag along. I think his parole time is finished, but I can't remember," Tara says and places her right hand over Cory's.

"Can I have a day, or two, to think it over? If I go, I don't want a repeat of how it went down back in high school," Cory replies.

After a drawn-out breath, Tara gives a gentle squeeze, "Take the time you need to make a decision. Whatever happens, there won't be a repeat of those days. I'm giving you permission to go and have fun."

Tara turns to look at Cory, and when their eyes meet, he replies, "I'm going to take my time to think it over. I'll let you know in a day, two at max. Come on, let's head inside."

Partially satisfied, Tara takes her hand to reach for the door. Cory follows behind as they walk into the house. They split apart as Cory walks out to the garage, listening to music while he details the inside of the Celica. On the other hand, Tara makes her way to her office to screen for potential new hires.

The day goes on, but while Cory is busy cleaning and shampooing the dark blue and black cloth material, he exchanges texts with Rick.

So, do you think I should take the trip? – Hard Core

Hell yes! – Slick Rick

Would you want to go with me? – Hard Core

Bruh, I would if I could. I have a few weeks left until I am a fully free man. – Slick Rick

I can wait to go. – Hard Core

Notta chance in Hell! Anywho, I need to get back at it – Slick Rick

Cool man, I'll stop by before I skip town and say hey and see ya – Hard Core

Finally finished working on his car, Cory shuts the door and places the cleaning supplies back in the kitchen. On the other side of the kitchen, Tara is preparing two homemade pizzas with the smell of the dough, sauce, and combination of toppings sitting between two layers of mozzarella cheese. Cory takes in a deep whiff.

"That smells so good, and it's not in the oven yet," he says.

"It's all about the power of fresh ingredients sitting over a warming oven. The oven is almost preheated, and for us, I'm making the perfect meat-lovers: diced and deli-sliced pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and thinly sliced meatballs. Of course, CJ is getting his favorite, pepperoni with extra pepperoni," Tara mentions with her back still turned toward Cory.

The amora overpowers Cory. Before he realizes it, Cory strolls toward Tara wrapping his arms around her with instinct kicking in as Tara turns, kissing him with her hands dropping over Cory's. The passion between them swells to the line of no return, but the door swings open with CJ stomping through the living room.

"Mommy! I'm home!"

The kiss comes to an end, and Cory meets CJ at the edge of the kitchen, "How was school?" Cory asks, leading him back to the couch.

Tara huffs, feeling her body begin to ease from the pent-up sexual tension. Cory spends time with his son talking about the day at school, and Tara gets the pizzas into the oven and then finds herself eavesdropping at the corner until the food is done.

"Boys, dinner is ready. CJ, I'll get your fruit punch in a moment. Cory, what would you like to drink?"

"I'm fine with tea or water, thank you, Tara."

She smiles and gets their drinks before cutting up the pizzas, serving a couple of slices to Cory and CJ before she gets hers. The best compliment Tara hears is Cory moaning during the first couple of bites. All Tara can do is try to hide a smirk watching Cory and CJ enjoy every bite, going back for seconds.

"So, I take it you're enjoying the pizzas?" Tara asks after she gets a drink.

"Uh-huh, it's very good, mommy!"

"It's delicious, babe—one of the best pizzas I've ever had. I'm going to definitely need a home gym with meals like the ones you make," Cory teases while patting his stomach with CJ mimicking her dad's action.

All she can do is smile as she continues to eat. Finally, Cory gets up to rinse the dishes, and CJ offers to help dry off the plates, "Daddy, may I help you?"

"Yes. While I wash, you can use this towel and dry off everything."

With the biggest smile, CJ blurts out, "okay!"

Tara sits there watching them, feeling her heart skip a beat when she thinks about trying to seduce Cory again. Her mind raced at the thought of what had all happened lately. Deep in her mind, Tara goes back through everything and wonders how she can sit there watching Cory with their son and feel the way she does at the moment. Happiness surges through her body to the point that Tara excuses herself silently to make her way back to her bedroom, where she draws herself a hot bubble bath.

It doesn't take Cory long to notice that Tara is missing. Using the time with CJ, Cory takes him outside to play in the backyard until the sun begins to set. They're covered in dirt and drenched in sweat. Cory and CJ head inside, and CJ takes a bath. Cory heads back to the main bedroom for a shower and sees Tara lying in bed with a book and a glass of wine.

"You look cozy," he mentions with clean clothes in his hands.

Tara removed her reading glasses and put the book down to open her black silk robe, "I could use some company after you get cleaned up and put CJ to bed."

The urge strikes Cory, and he walks into the bathroom to get a shower. Under the water, he stands there, feeling his muscles beginning to ache. The time out romping with CJ, Cory feels his wounds when he begins to wash his upper body, then trembles for a few seconds.

"You're home; you're not there anymore," he says in a low tone, "Tara's right. I need to take this trip."

The shower comes to an end, but on the bed, Cory sees Tara's attention is deep into her cousin's newest smut romance. Seeing she's not paying attention, Cory spends time with CJ until bedtime. Tara stands and listens from the doorway as Cory tucks their son into bed. He approaches her as the tension consumes Cory and Tara when they lock eyes. She leaps onto his body, and Cory takes them over to the bed as they continue to kiss while undressing each other. Barely able to get under the covers, Tara pulls Cory down to continue to kiss after he pushes inside her. Cory goes until he can't hold his weight any longer, then collapses on Tara.

"So much for going slow or taking our time," Cory whispers, rolling off Tara's body, and playing with her hair.

"I know I said slow and that we shouldn't do this, but after reading Maddie's new book about two long-lost lovers who find each other after they're forced to be apart when one of them moves across the country. The sex scenes are explicit and oh so hot that I couldn't hold back. Damn you, Maddie!" Tara says, playfully shaking her fist in the air.

Soon after, Tara falls asleep on Cory's shoulder. After that, they don't move until the alarm goes off to get CJ up for school. Then, Tara gets dressed, leaving Cory in bed until he hears the front door shut. Finally able to make his way out to the living room, Cory notices a light blinking on his phone. With the screen unlocked, there's a missed call and a voice message waiting for him.

After Cory dials his voicemail, the message begins to play, "Hello Mr. Dubois, this is Leena Adkins from the VA Employment office. We have a Sterile Technician position opening within the next thirty days. If you are interested in applying for this position, please call me back at 651-555-0101, my extension is 304, and my hours are 9 am to 5 pm."

Cory's excited to text Tara about the opportunity.

You're not going to believe it, but I have an opportunity with the VA – Hard Core

Instead of texting back, Tara calls with her phone on speaker, "Hey! Did you get a job with the VA hospital? That's awesome if you did. Congratulations!"

"I haven't called the lady back yet. I'm excited for her to be back in her office. I guess that means the road trip is off."

The realization hits Tara like a stack of bricks, "No! You're going to take that trip. Even if it's short, you need to be away. Talk to them about a delayed start date. I want you to see something that isn't my place or RiverCreek."

After a few seconds of silence, Cory tries to find the words to respond, "That's not something I considered or even knew was an option. I've never heard of a delayed start date."

"I didn't either until I started at Rocco's. I needed to settle some things before I started after graduating college, and they worked with me. If they want you bad enough, then explain that you have plans."

"You have a point. When I get in touch with Lenna, I'll let you know what she says. I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you when I get home from work."

The call ends, leaving Cory waiting as time slowly ticks away until he has the opportunity to call. Feeling nervous, Cory dials the number and sits his phone on the coffee table, waiting for someone to answer.

"Thank you for calling the VA Medical Center. If you know your party's extension, please dial it now. If you're not sure of the extension you need, please press zero now. All emergencies need to dial 9-1-1 for immediate medical emergencies."

Cory dials the extension, and Leena answers on the fourth ring, "Good morning, Leena Adkins speaking."

"Yes, good morning Ms. Adkins. This is Cory Dubois returning your call from yesterday. Sorry I didn't get your call. I was spending the afternoon with my son."

Leena plays it off with a snicker, "Mr. Dubois, that is no problem at all. Hearing veterans adapting back to life and being happy does my heart well. Unfortunately, I lost my husband about two years ago."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Cory replies when she pauses.

"No worries, our kids are grown and off at college. Anyway, yes, Mr. Dubois, I have an opening coming for a Sterile Technician job. One of our employees will transfer to another facility, and we would like to offer you the chance to begin your career here."

Cory doesn't hesitate to ask questions, "I am interested, although I am taking my nursing exam in a few days. Would I be able to move up after I pass? Also, I have a trip planned; would that interfere with taking the job?"

It doesn't take long for Leena to reply, "Not at all, Mr. Dubois. We want you to feel comfortable here as your career grows. I'll make a notation in your file that you are about to take the state nursing exam for future openings within the VA system. The person you are replacing is here for another thirty days, and that is when we would bring you in for training with our lead technician. You'll need to come in for a drug test and consultation with me to go over responsibilities and schedules. Right now, it'll be a per diem probational period."

"That sounds fair, and I will come in today. So, after we hang up, I will get in my car and be there shortly. Thank you for the call and opportunity. I will see you soon," Cory says, waiting for Leena to respond.

"I will see you shortly, have a good day, Mr. Dubois."

The call ends, and Cory gets ready to drive to the VA for consultation with the drug test. While he's there discussing aspects of the job, such as pay and paid days off, Cory's day is one of his better days. After the drug test, Cory stops to say hello to his therapist with the news about the job and trip.

"Hey, Dr. Clark, I wanted to say hello. I guess you'll be seeing me here more often soon. I applied for the Sterile Tech job."

Dr. Clark looks up from his desk, "Well, that's a big step in the right direction. I wish you the best. What about nursing?"

"That's still an option after I take the test in a few days. The results should take about six weeks to get back, and then I'll go from there. I mean, something is better than nothing, right?"

"Without a doubt! You're making terrific progress, so feel proud of your steps to cease control of your life as a civilian. Is there anything you need before our next group session?"

Cory shakes his no before he answers, "I won't be in the next group session. I'm taking a trip to relax and unwind before I start my job here. Tara gave me the idea, and I think it could do some good."

"Just stay on your medication. If you need assistance with anything, then check-in at any local VA and get checked out. Other than that, be safe and have fun."

Cory dips his head and closes the door to head back to Tara's. He sits and waits to share the news with Tara and CJ during dinner when he arrives. With the news that Cory is taking the job days before his exam, Tara is happy to see him getting back to normal. However, that night she brings Cory back to the bedroom again to continue having her way with him.

Over the next few days, Cory gathers ideas for the trip and studies online for the impending test. Cory can't keep his hands off Tara during his last few nights as they continue being intimate until the morning he leaves after dropping CJ off at school. Where Cory is going, only he knows.