ON THE ROAD TO CINCINNATI

Day Three - Captain's Log

Ugh, rain! I hate driving in the rain. Of course snow is worse. I've only got about 150 miles to go, so I'm taking my time. Again I memorized the directions and had no problem. 

Finding decent food was difficult, so I skipped lunch. I arrived at the hotel with no trouble at all. Relieved to say this leg of the trip was easy.

The hotel is lovely and my room is fabulous. Now I'm up at the crack of dawn to get the Secret Cravings Room set up and begin meeting readers. So I'll sign off early today and hope you understand.

Wishing you a fabulous Friday and glorious weekend as well. Smiling broadly here because I made it, even though I was afraid to try. I'm relishing the victory and moving on. Adios, amigos.
 
Day Two - Captain's Log

Driving was pretty uneventful. I followed the directions like a good soldier. Discovered one arm got sunburned. Hoping to burn the other one on the way back to even out the look. 

Had to eat at Burger King. I never eat fast food and forgot how good it tastes going down and how awful it feels once it arrives!

My plan to find a Comfort Inn, my favorite place to stay, in Zanesville worked like a charm. Got breakfast included so I indulged in a piece of bacon or three and still had my yogurt and tea.

At first I was delighted to be parked next to an Olive Garden but my stomach rebelled. Good luck trying to find something light to eat there! Everything is geared for a 250 lb. man. I had brochetta and salad. There was enough left over to take it on the road with me. 

I hate the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It zigs and zags, winding around mountains and it's not in good shape. And a toll road, to boot! Hah! Never taking it again.

It's overcast this morning as I prepare to embark on the last leg of my adventure. I have about 160 miles to go to get to the hotel. Not worried about the directions, for once, as it seems to be pretty straight forward. 

Didn't leave anything at the Holiday Inn, though I did pull over to be certain I had my cell phone. Geez, forgetting my purse once in my life and now I'm freaked out about leaving stuff! Lol. Love this trip. Am feeling like I'll be up for a bigger journey in the near future. Hope your day is good. 

Day One - Captain's Log

By 11 a.m. I was ready for a carefree drive on a gloriously sunny day. Was I listening to my intuition? No. I pulled up to a red light on West 77th Street and remembered...Oops! Forgot my shampoo and special conditioner. I pondered going back for it. Around the block! Ugh. Ten minutes lost. I'll buy another one. 

My intuition kept nagging me to go back but did I listen? NO! At the last possible stop in  New Jersey to buy cheap gas, I pulled in and looked down. I was immediately filled with dread. It wasn't there. My purse. Not there. Check the backseat. Nope. Not there either. Check the trunk. Nope.

My heart started to pound, adrenaline pumping. I had done the unthinkable...the one thing women NEVER do! I'd left home without my purse. I felt naked. Call Larry. No phone. No money, no credit cards. Yipes! I checked the gas tank. Still half full. Thank GOD I didn't wait until it was almost empty.

The young attendant let me use his cell. I called Larry who had left 10 messages before he realized my phone was in my purse in the kitchen. He had to be in court in the Bronx for a client that afternoon. I jumped in the car. Only 67 miles. I can do this! I floored it.

To make matters worse, I zigged when I should have zagged and ended up in The Oranges, instead of on 80 heading East to Manhattan. Lost fifteen minutes finding my way back. I cut off one driver who made the sign for drinking, suggesting I was drunk. I held up my bottle of Cherry Coke and repressed the urge to flip him the bird. I got lost, you idiot! 

One more OMG moment when I realized that luck kicked in when I went for the EZ Pass from the car rental company. It's something I've never opted for in the past. Holy crap! If I hadn't done that, I couldn't pay the toll to get back into NYC! Hell, I'd be selling books on the highway and might still be there...

So I did 67 miles three times by 3:30, before I even reached Pennsylvania! I think that qualifies for some kind of award. Maybe Schmuck of the Year? All comments welcome.

Tuesday Tales - Train

Welcome. Thank you for coming. This week's story is the continuation of "The Rescued Heart". Last week Hack said some harsh words to Rory about her writing. This begins the next day. Please join the fabulous Tuesday Tales writers through a link below.

THE RESCUED HEART

Rory’s pulse fluttered.  The pain of Hack’s insult from the day before still seared her heart. His words stung sharply every time she replayed them; “that stuff you call romance is the worst crap I’ve ever read.” 

 What’s worse, she knew he was right, which made her humiliation more painful. How can I continue to ask him to type for me when what I'm writing isn’t worth his time or mine either?

She sank down on the sofa next to Baxter. He rested his chin on her leg. She petted the pug idly while her stomach churned. Hack would be there any minute and she didn’t know what to say. How can I face him? How can I ask him to come here anymore and yet if he stops coming…

“Rory, you stupid ass. You’re in love with that insufferable man.” She put her head in her hands. “How the hell did this happen? He’s smug. In love with himself and engaged… to the worst excuse for a woman I’ve ever seen. Damn! I’ve bought a one-way ticket on the love train.”  She made a cup of tea and joined Baxter.

 **** 

A few blocks away in his office at the clinic, Hack paced. How am I going to go back there? I’ve insulted her, hurt her, really badly. Not like the little shots at Felicia. Didn’t you see her face, you idiot? She was mortally wounded! And now you have to go back or go to jail. Going back might be worse than jail. She’s so vulnerable, how could you do it?

“I’ll explain...what I really meant.”  The door opened.
“Talking to yourself ?” Felicia walked in. “Ever since you’ve been typing for that bloodsucker…”
“She’s not a bloodsucker.”
“Oh!” Felicia spied the roses. “For me? After skipping out on dinner last night you…”
“Those aren’t for you.”
“What?”
He picked up the roses and headed for the door.
“They’re for her?” Felicia spat at him.
“I need to apologize.”
“Did you make a pass at her?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. See you later.” He moved through the door and out onto the street before Felicia could utter another word.

He buzzed Rory’s apartment. What if she doesn’t let me in? The answering buzz came quickly. He marched up the stairs like he was going to face a firing squad. Her tongue is as sharp as a sabre.

Her eyes puffy from crying, Rory opened the door. Hack produced the flowers from behind his back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It came out all wrong.”

Her face brightened as she took the flowers from him. “They’re beautiful...thank you.”

Just like you. He hesitated on the threshold. “Come in, come in.” She tugged on his hand.
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