Lonely Road to You (Class of '85)

by Jannine Gallant

  “If you weren’t madly in love, why did you marry him in the first place?”

  “Because he offered me the one thing I wanted most: a stable life. I spent my childhood moving from town to town, feeling like I never fit in. Ben’s parents and his sisters still live in Seattle near his childhood home. He’s the salt of the earth, and I craved that.”

  “Me, I was just the opposite. All I wanted to do was escape from Summerville, pursue music, chase excitement.” He snorted. “Sometimes we get what we want, but it’s not what we need after all.”

  “That’s a lesson you can only learn from your mistakes.”

  “I suppose so.” His fingers twined with hers, sending a shiver through her. “Why’d you move around so much growing up?”

  Kate sighed. “My dad 'fixed' companies. Executives hired him to come in and turn around their failing corporations. He was good at it, so after a year or two we’d move on to the next project. He’s retired now, but Dad and Mom still have the travel bug. They own a house in Florida, but they’re rarely there.”

  “My mom cleaned houses. She worked twelve hour days just to keep food on the table. I thank God every day I can take care of her now the way she deserves. She didn’t have an easy life.”

  “What happened to your dad?”

  “He left us a few months after I was born. Mom said he was too young to handle the responsibility of being a father. They only got married because she was pregnant with me.”

  “Where is he now?”

  “I have no idea.”

  They didn’t say anything more, and her eyes began to droop. Still holding his hand, she fell asleep.

  ****

  Dirty paw prints the size of dinner plates covered the windows and doors of her car. Kate stood with her hands on her hips, surveying the damage. “At least he didn’t rip the top off.”

  “Just a few scratches.” Tyler used the sleeve of his sweatshirt and rubbed vigorously. “Most of them may buff out with a little effort.”

  “I’m not going to worry about that right now. We can drive through a car wash the next time we see one and call it good.”

  “Yep, he was a pretty thoughtful bear.”

  Kate looked at him then glanced away. She couldn’t quite bring herself to meet his eyes this morning. They drank coffee and ate leftover bagels, and she felt awkward with him for the first time since they’d met. She hoped the feeling would go away. In silence they packed the tent and sleeping bags into the car. Tyler whistled for Lucy who came running.

  “Traitor.”

  His brows shot up, and his hand stilled with the key in the ignition. “Excuse me?”

  She smiled and relaxed slightly. “Not you. Lucy. She never listens when I call her.”

  “Oh.” He started the engine and eased over the rutted track back to the main road. “Women have called me an idiot, asshole, pig, creep.” He glanced her way and grinned. She caught her breath, heat surging through her. “The list goes on and on, but traitor is a new one for me.”

  She squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. “You couldn’t possibly have been that bad.”

  “I improved over time.”

  “If your memories of high school are so horrible, why did you decide to go back to the reunion?”

  “I’m not really sure. I did have a few friends. Do you remember Mike Stephenson?”

  Kate wracked her brain. “Tall with dark hair?”

  “That’s right.”

  “I do remember Michael. We were always placed next to each other when anything was alphabetical. Stephenson then Stevens. He seemed like a nice guy.”

  “One of the few I hung around with. I started wondering what he did with his life, Mike and a couple of others. Then there are the girls.”

  She looked at him, and her heart plunged into her stomach. “You want to see your old girlfriends?”

  “I want to apologize to the ones I hurt. Maybe it’s too little too late, but it’s better than nothing.”

  “It tells me how far you’ve come, how much you’ve changed. I’m only going because my one good friend, Chelsea, asked me to. She went out of her way to befriend me in high school, so attending the reunion was the least I could do for her.”

  Tyler glanced over, and she saw his eyes widen. “I don’t believe it.”

  “What?” She whipped her head around, and her eyes narrowed. “It’s that same camper. This is getting really creepy.”

  He slowed the car as they approached the battered pickup parked in a turnout along the road. There was no sign of the driver. Beyond the overlook spread spectacular views of the Absaroka Mountains.

  “This can’t be a coincidence. I think it’s time we asked the old geezer why he’s following us.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” She lifted her hands. “We haven’t seen another car all morning. What if he’s armed? He could dump our bodies in the middle of the wilderness, and no one would ever find us.”

  “He didn’t look much like a serial killer to me.”

  Kate stared at him. “What exactly does a serial killer look like?”

  Tyler pressed down on the accelerator, and they left the camper behind. “Fine, but if I see his truck again, I’m confronting him.”

  “As long as it’s in a spot with a lot of witnesses, I’m all for solving the mystery.”

  He grinned. “You must watch way too many police dramas.”

  “Hey, they’re educational. In my next life I want to be a forensic scientist.”

  “In this one you’re an artist, so let me know if you want to stop to draw pictures.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You make me sound like a four-year-old with a box of crayons.”

  They drove steadily for several hours, stopping once to photograph a bald eagle perched on its nest in a dead tree and another time to view the falls in Shell Canyon. Leaving the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, they picked up burgers for lunch in Sheridan and ate them outside of town. Lucy ran wild in an open field, her nose to the ground, hunting prairie dogs.

  “We should reach the Black Hills by late this afternoon,” Tyler said, dipping fries into a pool of ketchup.

  She studied the road map spread out on the ground in front of them. “Do you want to camp or get hotel rooms?”

  “I’m easy.”

  She looked up and smiled. “That goes without saying, but if you don’t care, I’d kill for a shower.”

  “Then we’ll find rooms someplace.” He pointed to the map. “Maybe in Spearfish. It’s just across the border into South Dakota. Then we can go to Mount Rushmore or wherever you like tomorrow.”

  “That’s fine with me. You’re a pleasure to travel with.”

  He leaned back in the grass and closed his eyes. “Why do you say that?”

  “Ben always had to have every detail of our vacations planned out. I’m enjoying winging it, as Josh would say.”

  “Have you talked to your son recently?”

  “I tried, but I had to leave a message. They’re probably somewhere without cell service.”

  “So they don’t know we hooked up?”

  She lay down beside him and shielded her eyes with her hand. The sun beat down, warm and sleep inducing. “We haven’t exactly hooked up, Tyler.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  She sighed. “They would just worry.”

  “My mom would be thrilled.”

  Kate turned to look at him, but his expression behind his dark glasses was unreadable. “Why?”

  “She’s always after me to find a nice woman and settle down. I’m pretty sure you’d meet her qualifications.”

  “You’re not settled?”

  His fast grin made her catch her breath. “Not until I have a ring on my finger.” He sat up. “Look at your crazy dog.”

  Lucy had her head buried halfway down a prairie dog hole. Behind her, the furry occupant stood upright in the back entrance, staring at Lucy’s waving tail. The dog yipped excitedly, dancing in circles.

&n
bsp; Kate reached for her drawing pad.

  ****

  They sat at a table on the back terrace overlooking garden paths lined with twinkling lights. Kate took a bite of her salmon, enjoying the delicate flavors. “This is a lovely spot.”

  Tyler looked up from his steak. “I agree.”

  “Too bad they don’t allow pets in the lodge. I guess we’ll have to try the motel down the street.”

  His expression changed, and he cleared his throat. “Uh, I talked to the manager while you were in the ladies’ room. He said they’d make an exception. We can check in at the front desk after we finish our dinner.”

  Kate smiled. “That’s terrific, but why did they bend the rules?” She slapped her forehead. “I’m an idiot. Someone recognized you. Don’t look so guilty, Tyler. I’m thrilled we can stay here tonight.”

  “You looked tired, and I didn’t feel like hunting for another place to stay.” He stopped speaking as two women approached their table. They were in their thirties, pretty, and in Kate’s opinion, predatory. She’d noticed them sitting at the bar when she’d gone to the restroom earlier.

  “Evening ladies,” Tyler said when they stopped next to his chair.

  The shorter one giggled nervously, but the tall redhead smiled and bent to hand Tyler a piece of notebook paper and a pen, showing a tanned expanse of cleavage. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I was afraid you’d leave before we got a chance to ask you for your autograph. I’m your biggest fan, Tyler. You broke my heart when you stopped touring.”

  He signed his name with a flourish. “I’m always happy to meet someone who enjoys my work.” He smiled his trademark grin; the woman sucked in a breath, her chest expanding. Her long red nails trailed over his hand as she retrieved the pen and paper.

  “Thank you. I can’t tell you what a privilege this is.” As they turned to leave, Kate watched the redhead drop a folded square of paper into his lap. Her friend tugged on her arm, and the two retreated across the terrace.

  Tyler pushed back his empty plate. “Sorry about that.”

  “I didn’t mind,” she lied, jealousy nearly choking her. She poked at her rice pilaf with her fork, but she’d lost her appetite. She laid her napkin across her plate. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  He drained his glass of mineral water and pulled out his wallet. “Let’s go then. I’m looking forward to a nice soft bed tonight.” Leaving a twenty dollar tip on the table, he slipped his wallet and the folded paper into his pocket. Standing, he took her arm, his hand warm on her bare skin.

  She was quiet as they crossed the dining room to the front lobby. Tyler smiled at the young girl behind the desk and laid his credit card on the counter. “I believe the manager arranged a room for us. Could you add our dinner bill to the tab?”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  “We’ll need two rooms,” Kate said, placing her Visa on the counter next to his.

  He frowned, his lips a tight line as the girl handed them their keys. Leaving the lobby, they crossed the parking lot to the car. Lucy greeted them with enthusiastic barks of joy.

  “Sharing a room would have been no different than sharing the tent,” he said with a jerk on the duffel bag.

  She retrieved her suitcase from the trunk. “Maybe we both could use a break.” She slammed the trunk with a little more force than necessary. “I wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”

  He stopped her with a hand on her arm. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “The note you stuck in your pocket. I’m sure it has that pushy redhead’s room number on it.”

  He stared at her, his frown curving into a smile. “Are you jealous?”

  She hunched her shoulders. “Why would I be jealous?”

  He tugged her closer, so close she saw the stubble on his jaw. He hadn’t shaved that morning. Neither of them had showered. Next to the redhead with the low cut tank top and tight skirt, she felt like a grubby, middle-aged frump.

  “Maybe you care, just a little.” His tone was teasing.

  She sighed. “What would be the point?”

  “I care about you.” He squeezed her hand before releasing her. “For the record, I was going to throw out the note. I’m not interested in the redhead or her friend. I gave up women like that years ago.”

  Taking their bags, they returned to the lodge with Lucy leading the way. In the hallway, they stopped in front of their respective rooms. Kate unlocked her door and held it with her foot, turning to give him a tremulous smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  His eyes cooled. “Goodnight, Kate.”

  She shut the door and leaned against it, closing her eyes. A single tear seeped out and rolled down her cheek. Angrily, she wiped it away. She was falling for Tyler. She’d known it would happen when she’d agreed to this ridiculous road trip, and now she was doomed to having her heart broken. Worse, in trying to put some space between them so she could shore up her defenses, she’d made him angry.

  She dropped her suitcase and stepped over Lucy who lay sprawled across the rug. Tiredly she pushed her hair out of her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror over the sink. Wearing a white cotton top smudged with dirt and a pair of tan walking shorts, she looked like a forty-two-year old woman without a sexy bone in her body. Tyler was used to nubile young beauties throwing themselves at him. Kate wasn’t much in comparison.

  As she headed for the shower, she couldn’t help wondering if he would really dispose of the note. If he didn’t, she had no one but herself to blame.

  ****

  They stood with dozens of other people, looking up at the faces of four American presidents. Tyler yawned. He’d sat up until two in the morning working on the song he’d been composing off an on for the past few months. Finally words had come to fit the melody.

  “Which one is boring you, George or Abe?”

  His gaze dropped from the rock monolith to Kate’s questioning stare. Slowly his lips curved in a smile. “I’m not bored, just a little tired.”

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, and he could almost see the suspicions forming. They were not in a relationship, had made no commitment to each other. But he felt her disappointment, saw the light fade from her eyes. Kate had been withdrawn over breakfast, but she’d pushed whatever was bothering her away while they explored Custer State Park, walking for miles through the prairie grasses. They’d seen elk, mule deer, and a coyote, and her joy had been contagious. Now she was eying him the way she’d looked at Lucy after the dog rolled in a pile of bison dung.

  “I stayed up late playing my guitar, Kate, not partying. I wish you’d have a little more faith in me.”

  He watched the color creep up her face. Slowly she reached out and took his hand. “I’m sorry.”

  He squeezed her fingers. “Have you had enough of our founding fathers?” When she nodded, he continued, “Then let’s hit the road. These crowds are making me claustrophobic.”

  She stiffened, then raised one arm. “Look, there he is again.”

  He whipped around to see where she was pointing. “Who?”

  “The old man we saw in Yellowstone with the camper.”

  Tyler caught a flash of plaid shirt, saw a long gray ponytail. “Wait here. I’m going to find out what he wants if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Chapter Seven

  Tyler slammed his hand down on the dashboard. Lucy yipped. Kate jumped, jerking the steering wheel. Thankfully there wasn’t another vehicle in sight.

  “It’s not the end of the world, Tyler. You may as well stop obsessing over it.”

  “I can’t believe that old fart got away. I swear he just disappeared.”

  “Do you think he knew you were trying to catch up to him?”

  “He must have. He turned once and saw me before he vanished into a crowd of Japanese tourists. If he’s been following us for three days, you’d think he’d want to tell us why.”

  “It’s possible he’s just a huge fan, thrilled with the oppor
tunity to see his idol.”

  Tyler snorted. “I doubt that. Your serial killer theory seems more likely.”

  “I wonder how he keeps tracking us down. Maybe he’s some sort of government agent.”

  “Hey, I pay my taxes. What about you?”

  “I’ve never even cheated on entertainment deductions; my accountant assures me everyone does.”

  “I’m not privy to any government secrets, so I think we can scratch the spy theory. Who knows, maybe we’ll lose him this time.”

  “Maybe we’ll lose us.” Kate frowned. “Are you sure we’re going the right way?”

  “Positive. The ranger said to stay on Highway 44 until we get to 590. The campground should be less than an hour from here.”

  “It certainly is desolate, nothing but grass as far as the eye can see. I feel like a pioneer.”

  “You’ll feel more like one when we set up camp. We’ll be roughing it tonight.”

  “Pit toilets, yuck! I guess it’s called the Badlands for a reason.”

  He grinned. “You’re a good sport. Most women would run screaming from the idea of a pit toilet.”

  “It doesn’t exactly thrill me, but it’s only for one night. My fingers are itching to draw those amazing rock formations. I’ve never been to the Badlands before.”

  “I’ve had a few firsts on this trip, and I’m looking forward to a few more.” He gave her a look that made her skin tingle.

  They were quiet for the rest of the drive. At the rustic campground they worked together, setting up the tent and quickly assembling chicken fajitas on the camp stove. It was nearly dark when Kate washed the last plate and handed it to him to dry.

  “I’ll miss having a campfire tonight.”

  He nodded. “I will, too, but I can see why they aren’t allowed. One spark would set the whole prairie on fire.”

  “Do you want to play cards? I have a deck in the glove box. It’s still a little early to go to bed.”

  He loaded the remainder of their food into the trunk of the car and turned to face her. “Do you want to know what I’d really like to do?”

  Kate swallowed. “Maybe not.”

  He stepped closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. With his free hand he tilted her chin and looked straight into her eyes. “I want to take you into the tent and make love to you. I want to pull off your clothes and kiss every inch of your gorgeous body.”