CHAPTER TEN
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! The low fuel alarm sounded through the speakers, and I jumped in my seat, my eyes refocusing on the road in front of me.
I glanced at the odometer and saw I was three hundred miles from the city and hadn’t even noticed the sun had set.
Anxious and clueless to where I was, I spotted a road sign that led me to a gas station a few miles later.
Pumping gas in a daze, my heart pounded with the beat of distant memories while I stared at the digital tick of the gas prompt.
I made quick work of relieving myself in the dingy bathroom and decided to entertain the ache in my stomach.
Down the grocery aisle of the small convenience store, I picked up various crap off the shelves as the online radio filtered through the store.
“Of course,” I scoffed before I hung my head, filtering the lyrics that rocked my chest. “And the hits just keep coming. What is it with you, life?” I mumbled as I pulled my phone out of my backpack and scrolled through the messages, looking for only one.
I’m so fucking proud of you. Hurry up. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. See you in a few.
Despite my lack of equilibrium, I smiled. My chest ached as I started to text back. And then the guilt struck. The kind that lets you know you’re acting insane. With an arm full of junk, I readjusted my backpack and chose my words carefully.
I’m driving home. I missed my plane and decided to take a victory lap. I’ll be home tomorrow.
What the hell, babe? Couldn’t catch another? That’s a long drive.
I want to drive. I’ll be home tomorrow.
What’s going on?
Nothing.
Call me right fucking now.
Just let me have this time. Just let me drive.
The dots started working and then disappeared. He was pissed and I knew it, but I couldn’t talk to him. I didn’t want to feel the accusation in his voice. He knew me too well. More angry dots. Finally, he settled on simple, because that was his style unless we were face to face.
Careful. I love you.
He was hurt. I felt it across the miles.
The whole thing was ridiculous. I could drop the car off at the nearest airport and be in his arms in a few hours.
I still had time. I paced the gas station with Smart Pop, a sour pickle, beef jerky, and my essential bag of donuts.
At times, I had no shame when it came to eating my feelings, and ignored the intrusive eyes of the clerk who made a production of bagging all my crap.
Back in the car, I shot off a quick text.
I love you too. Don’t worry.
I plugged in my phone and resumed directions before I flipped through my playlist and hit play.