“Riley.” It was the first time he hadn’t called me “Princess” in a while. “Really, what’s going on?”
“I want to go see my dad. He lives in California. I want you to take me there.” I swallowed as I stood, pulled a bag from my closet, and started packing.
“I don’t think,” he started, but I cut him off.
“If you don’t take me, I’ll find another way. I’m going with or without you. I thought you cared about me?” My voice climbed as I tossed a few shirts in my bag. I knew I was acting crazy, but I couldn’t help it. Anger made you do crazy things at times.
“I do. This isn’t about that, and what do you mean ‘your dad lives in California’?”
“Wes McKay isn’t my dad, Alexander Bishop is.” I started crying all over again.
“Riley, are you sure?” Caleb paused and then sighed. “I mean, I’ve known your dad since we were babies. He’s always acted like your dad.”
“It’s on my birth certificate. I need to find him and talk to him. I’m not going to get answers here. Now, are you going to help me or not?” I tossed shorts into my bag.
Caleb paused, I could hear the bed squeak as he moved, and then more noises that sounded like clothes being tossed around. “I’ll be there at midnight. Your dad is going to go postal when he realizes what you’ve done. You better leave your phone behind. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a tracker on it.”
“Good point.” I closed the laptop. “See you at midnight.” I disconnected the call, powered my phone down, and tossed it on the night table. After grabbing the last few items I needed, I flopped across my bed, and waited. Midnight was going to take forever to get here.
ooooooooo
I almost fell asleep waiting. When midnight rolled around, Caleb took it upon himself to go old school. I was lifting my bag off the floor when I heard a small ‘ting’ sound. I glanced around, and then saw it when it happened again. I rushed to my window, only to find Caleb getting ready to hurl another small rock at it. I lifted the sash and stuck my head out. “What are you doing?” I whisper shouted.
“You turned your phone off.” He shrugged.
I shook my head at him as I ducked back inside, pulling the window closed behind me. I looked around one last time to make sure I didn’t forget anything, and then quietly slipped out the door.
The house was dark, and I almost fell going down the stairs. After grabbing my purse from where I had left it on the island, I carefully opened the front door. I felt slightly bad about what I was doing, but there was also a little voice reminding me that my parents have been lying to me my whole life. What if my real father had known about me? How different would my life be? Would I have been spending the holidays and summers in California?
I closed the door behind me, and briskly walked to the end of the driveway where Caleb was waiting. “Are you sure about this?” He rocked back on his heels. His dark clothes made it hard to see him at first.
I nodded as I pinched my lips together. I didn’t want to start crying. I’d done enough of that today. “Let’s just go.” I reached for the door of his truck as he took my bag from my hand.
“I just think we should talk to your parents again once you’ve calmed down.” He sighed as he tossed my bag in the back. I closed the door without answering him.
When he got in and started the engine, I turned to face him. “I am calm.” The words were clipped and held warning. I wasn’t sure why I was short with him, and in that moment of frustration, I didn’t care. “Can we go now?” I tipped my head toward the road.
“Yeah Princess, we can go.” He put the truck in drive and pulled away, leaving the only family I’ve ever known in the darkness behind us.
Chapter 14
Caleb
You know that little voice in your head that tells you when something is a bad idea? Well, it’s been screaming at me since I answered her call. When you care about someone, you do stupid things; things you know are wrong but you want to help that person, and that’s what I kept telling myself as I drove along. We’d been on the road for about six hours now, and the sun was slowly rising in the distance behind us. I’m still trying to rationalize this trip, but Riley isn’t. In her mind, I think she thinks this is the only way. I’m still trying to understand it all. I asked my mom after Riley hung up about all of this. I figured Riley’s mom is her best friend. If anybody knew anything about any of this, it would be my mom. She gave me a sheepish smile, but didn’t answer me. I knew then that what Riley had said was the truth.
Mom came in my room, and saw me packing. She didn’t have to ask, I told her what was going on but made her promise not to tell Riley’s parents until we got out of the state. I needed Riley to think we were doing this on our own, but I would never be so reckless. My mom did stupid stuff when she was younger. I was one of those things. My mom always wanted me and I’ve never felt anything but love from her, but I know I wasn’t planned. She’s taught me over the years to be responsible, and even though I did the normal teenage things, I’ve stayed pretty straight for most of my life so far.
“Can we get breakfast soon?” Riley yawned from where she’d been napping against the passenger window.
“Next town, I promise.” I glanced at her and then back at the road. I was trying to keep up the ruse that we were on the run. I promised my mom I’d text her several times each day to check. I’m sure she was telling Angela everything she knew as soon as she knew it. I didn’t want to think about how Wes would react when we came back home. If we came back home. Throughout the night, Riley started talking about these grand plans for spending the rest of the summer with her dad in California. She’s never met him, and yet she’s decided he’s the most perfect man in the world.
I’ve been trying to keep her in reality. I grew up with two dads. I know what it’s like when they get along, and even that’s hard. I can’t imagine a man who knows nothing about her suddenly wanting to be a full-time dad.
“I’m hungry.” She yawned again. “Let’s find a diner somewhere. I want to make this trip an adventure for us.” She smiled as her head lolled in my direction. The sun made her natural highlights sparkle, and her eyes held a bit of mischief.
“A diner huh? I was thinking something quick so we could cover more ground today.” I shrugged as I changed lanes. There was a sign up ahead announcing several food and gas options at the next exit.
“We’ve been driving forever. I need to get out and walk a bit.” She turned sideways and stretched her leg. My eyes went right for the tanned skin, and I swallowed as I looked away. Being this close was killing me, and we were going to be in a hotel tonight.
“It’s only been about six hours.” I laughed. “We’ve got twice this before we stop tonight, and then four more days just like it.”
“That’s why this should be an adventure.” She bounced in her seat. “Come on. We can take whatever pace we want. Nobody’s telling us what to do. It’s freedom. Finally!” She threw her hands in the air, and tossed her head back. I’d rolled the windows down hours ago. I was sleepy, and having the cool air blow on my face helped me stay awake. She looked beautiful with the wind whipping her hair around, sleepy eyes, and a smile of pure joy in her face. Part of me was excited that I put that look on her face, but the other part was worried about how she’d react if she knew I’d gone behind her back.
“We’re gonna stop right up here. Get your shoes on.” I shot her a wink as I pulled into the exit lane. Clancey’s diner was listed on the info sign, and I hoped it was as good as she thought it was.
ooooooooo
Riley
I was tired, and cold. Caleb had put the windows down at some point, and even though it was summertime, it was cold at night. I slipped my shoes on just as we were pulling into the parking lot of a restaurant. I looked up at the sign to see a woman with white hair and an apron. She was holding a stack of pancakes, and I all but jumped out of the truck.
We shuffled inside, and were seated at a small table
by a window. I stared outside at the landscape. We were just outside of New York. It was going to be a long week. It felt like we’d been driving forever. “This place is great.” I bounced as I scanned the paper menu sitting in front of me.
“I’m glad you like it.” Caleb yawned. “I need coffee, or I’m never gonna make it ‘til tonight. I haven’t slept yet,” he reminded me.
Our sever came shortly after that, and took our order. When she left, I noticed Caleb tapping away on his phone. “What are you doing? I thought you said no phones.”
“I said not to bring your phone. I need to know where I’m going, and I’m looking for sites to stop at, Miss I Want to Take an Adventure.” His mouth curved up on one side as he tipped his head.
“Oh.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say. It was sweet that he was looking for things, but the idea of my parents finding us and making me go back was always lingering in the back of my mind.
Within a few minutes, our food arrived. Caleb’s plate looked like it could feed a family of five while mine looked like something off the kiddie menu. “Are you really going to eat all that?” I stared wide eyed at the pile of food.
“Yes.” He looked confused when he said it. “I’ve been working out with your dad for weeks. I always eat like this.” He sprinkled some salt and pepper on his eggs and then grabbed a fork full. “Mmm.” His eyes closed as he slowly chewed them. I watched with rapt attention as his tongue poked out to swipe his lips. The grin that followed told me I was in for a crazy couple of days. The more I was around him, the more I questioned why we hated each other for so long. He seemed so different now and my body was certainly noticing more about him.
We ate in mostly silence with a few comments here and there about how long we should drive, where we should stay and such. When I’d sufficiently stuffed myself, I leaned back in my chair and patted my stomach. “I feel like I ate a cow.” I groaned.
“How can you be full? You didn’t eat much.” Caleb kept eyeing the eggs and toast left on my plate.
“I don’t eat a lot.” I shrugged as I wiped my mouth on my napkin.
“So, you’re not going to finish that?” Caleb pointed to the food on my plate.
“No,” I laughed. “Here.” I shoved the plate toward him. “Have at it.” I groaned as I watched him shovel the last bit into his mouth. I don’t know where he was planning on putting all of this. I mean, the guy has abs of steel, and not an inch of fat on him.
“Ready?” Caleb tossed some bills on the table as he stood up.
“Yep.” I smiled as we started for the door.
“I was thinking we could drive about eight more hours, and then stop for the night.” He held the door for me as we went outside.
“Sure.” I went to the passenger side of the truck. “I can drive some, ya know,” I offered. “That is, if you want to nap a little.”
“No one drives my truck.” Caleb’s face went to stone.
“Not even your mom?” I turned in disbelief as he climbed in and cranked the engine.
“No one.” He patted the dashboard. “She’s been with me since I was sixteen. Right, girl?” He smiled affectionately as if he was talking about a person.
“Girl? Your truck is a girl?” I giggled.
Yeah, and she’s perfect.” He scowled. “Don’t listen to her, baby.” He patted the dash again as we pulled out into traffic.
“If you had to choose between your truck and me, who would you choose?” I crossed my arms over my chest, and I watched as Caleb’s face blanched.
“You sure you want the answer to that?” His eyes darted toward me before going back to the road.
“You actually need to think about it?” My eyes widened and I turned to face him.
“This truck has been there for me for years. She’s special.” He seemed baffled that I was asking him this.
“And I’m not?” I knew I was pushing him into a corner. It was funny. I really didn’t care what his answer was, I just wanted to see him squirm a bit. It was entertaining at least.
“You’re special.” He sighed as he pulled into a gas station. “I’d find a way to save you both. I’m smart like that.” He smirked as he cut the engine and climbed out.
While he was pumping gas, I proceeded to change the radio station. We’d been listening to his choices since we left Boston, and I was over it.
As we made our way down the highway, the cities turned to smaller towns, and then it was like we were in the middle of nowhere. The sun was setting, and Caleb yawned. I knew he had to be exhausted. I’d slept on and off all day, and I was tired. He’d been driving since midnight, and hadn’t slept a wink. “You sure you don’t want me to drive a little?”
“I’m fine. We’re going to stop for the night up here anyway.” He nodded to a sign showing gas and lodging on the side of the interstate.
“Where are we?” I glanced around. I hadn’t seen any signs in a while.
“Southern Illinois.” Caleb yawned again as he took the exit off the interstate. He turned at the top of the ramp and into a small gravel parking lot.
I stared at the building in front of us. “We’re staying here?” The pink flamingo sign was only half lit. There were a few rusty cars in the parking lot, and the vacancy sign kept blinking like it couldn’t decide if there was room or not.
“We have to save our cash. California is expensive.” Caleb hopped out of the truck, leaving me there staring at this place. He went inside the office, and reappeared shortly, holding a key in his hand. “Got a room. You coming?”
“A room?” I swallowed. The last time a guy boasted about getting a room, it was Dean and his intentions weren’t the best.
“It’s got two beds.” He rolled his eyes. “I told you, I’ll wait.” He lifted our bags out of the back, locked the truck up, and then took a few strides toward the door of what was apparently our room. This adventure wasn’t what I had in mind. Traveling with my parents, we always stayed somewhere really nice. I’d never had to stay places like this, and I wondered if I’d get any sleep at all.
Chapter 15
Riley
As I stood in the door to this pink and green vinyl nightmare of a room, Caleb bustled about setting up our luggage. “I’ll take the bed by the door.” He glanced over at me before unzipping his bag and tossing a smaller bag on the bed.
“Sure.” I nibbled my lip. He was acting as if this was no big deal, and this room was not gross. I released a giant sigh before stepping over the threshold and closing the door behind me. “You think all the rooms look like this?” I cringed as I tried not to touch anything.
“For fifty-five bucks? Yeah, I do.” Caleb laughed as he picked up the smaller bag he’d tossed on the bed, and carried it into the bathroom. I watched as he removed a toothbrush and proceeded to wash his face. “I’ll shower in the morning; you can have it tonight.” He didn’t look up as he went about his business.
“Ok.” I picked through my bag until I found one of the oversized tees I’d packed to sleep in. I hadn’t really thought about us having to share a room, so I wasn’t prepared for that part. I shuffled over to the shower and reached in to turn it on. It chugged a few times from air in the pipes before it came to life. Caleb finished what he was doing, and stepped out into the room.
After closing the door, I stared at myself in the mirror. Why did I suddenly think that this was not a good idea? “Because you’re running away,” I muttered. As steam filled the small room, I quickly undressed. I stepped into the hot spray, and let the warm water wash away my frustrations. I was still mad at my parents, but now I was starting to feel hurt. Part of me wondered why it was so important for them to keep this from me, and the other part was still mad that they did. What if this Alex guy was a great dad, and I was missing out on a life with him?
After washing up, I wrapped a towel around myself, and stepped on the mat. I prayed that the towels were clean, and I wasn’t going to catch anything from this place. I shivered against the cool air as I
rubbed the towel over my body, doing the best I could to dry my skin. After slipping on clean panties and my tee, I cracked the door open. “Is it ok if I come out?” I called. I wasn’t sure what Caleb was doing, and we weren’t really at that point of our relationship to be walking in on each other.
“I’m good,” he called back. I rounded the corner, and there he was sprawled out on the bed he’d chosen. His eyes were closed and one arm was draped over his stomach. He was wearing nothing but a pair of mesh shorts, and his tanned skin almost glowed in the low light.
I shivered again, this time not from the air conditioning. I took a few breaths to collect myself before removing the towel from my hair. After combing it out, I quickly finished getting ready for bed, and climbed under the covers. My nipples were starting to show through the thin cotton of my shirt, and I didn’t want to risk him seeing them.
“You can turn the light off when you’re settled,” Caleb mumbled.
“Sure.” I reached up, flipped the switch, and then scooted back down as I shook against the cold. “It’s freezing in here. How can you sleep like that?”
“The air has two settings: on and off.” Caleb chuckled. “I don’t feel like sweating tonight.”
“Oh.” I shivered again, and now my teeth started chattering.
“What’s up with the one-word answers tonight, Princess? You’re usually quite the talker.” Caleb yawned.
“I’m not usually sleeping in a bed that I’m worried will get me pregnant, or a hotel that cost less than dinner out somewhere,” I grumbled. “Geez, it’s cold.” I pulled the covers higher.
“Are you really that cold?” I heard his bed squeak as he moved, but I couldn’t see anything in the darkness.
“Yyyeeesss.” My teeth chattered. It took a few minutes, but I heard him sigh, and then my bed dipped behind me. “What are you doing?” I squeaked.
“Warming you up,” he mumbled. “Come here.” I felt him pull on my shoulders, so I slid back. I jumped slightly when my ass brushed up against him. “Just warming you up, Princess,” he murmured. “Go to sleep.” One arm looped around my stomach as another slipped under his head. He shifted a few more times, and then soft snoring ensued. I laid there, stiff as a board, for what seemed like an hour. Caleb’s body heat felt like a warm, comforting blanket. He didn’t shift around or try to make a move on me, he just slept.
Broken Promises: The Broken Series Second Generation Page 8
