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.
oooooooooRiley
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
