A/N: This started as a one-shot but what can I say, I'm wordy and it got too big for its britches. So I'm not quite sure how long this will be or where it will go. Right now, I'm just along for the ride. Let me know what ya think. It always helps! Smooches, Scrappy
PS...I forgot to mention. Anything that you recognize is probably property of Stephanie Meyer's and her wonderful of Twilight. The rest is all me!
Line…..Line…..Line. I shook my head trying to break the hypnosis the highway had me under. I had to focus on something other than the long endless blacktop in front of me. The road was empty and I was traveling alone. Normally driving was something I loved but I guess I was a little overzealous in leaving as early as I did. Now there was just nothing to interest me and keep me focused. I leaned my head back on the headrest and let myself zone.
Tree…Tree…Tree. Oh dear God, I have got to do something. I quickly decided to pull off the highway. According to the road sign, there was a gas station up ahead with a diner. It was just past sunrise so I figured there shouldn't be a problem for me to stop. A girl traveling alone can never be too cautious.
As I pulled up the exit ramp, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a well lit and clean looking gas station. I hadn't decided if I was just gonna do a quick grab-n-go or if I was going to sit down and actually enjoy a meal. There really was no rush. I really wasn't on any sort of time schedule. I gave myself plenty of time for this trip so I could just go with the flow. After all, this was the beginning of my new life. I made my own decisions from now on and had no one to answer to. I was free.
When I finally made the leap to go out on my own, leaving everything and everyone behind, I decided that I was also gonna leave the old timid, shy girl behind as well. The girl who was always worried about what everyone else would think and constantly seeking someone's, anybody's approval was no more. I couldn't do it any longer. I was tired of never truly knowing what I wanted, liked, desired or needed. I was always the "whatever you wanna do" girl. I had decided then and there, that from this moment on I would do the very opposite of what the "old me" would do. I smiled at the new power I was feeling. It was an odd sensation but one I was slowly starting to enjoy. I couldn't help but smile to myself.
I made the turn into the station parking lot and couldn't believe my eyes. Parked outside of the diner was the most beautiful car in the world. I know some people consider the love of cars a 'guy' thing but I was definitely a girl who loved her cars. I parked Precious-yep that's what I called my Camaro, sue me- but couldn't tear my eyes away from the thing of beauty I had noticed…my dream car, a silver Audi R8. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen and to find it sitting at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere USA. I had only seen these cars on TV, or the high-end car dealer I visited on my bad days, but here it was in the flesh. I tried to be inconspicuous as I stalked around the sleek body of the engineering masterpiece. I wanted so badly to touch it but didn't dare. After my third time, around it I decided enough was enough. I'm sure the owner would freak if they saw me out here so close to their car. I whipped out my phone, snapped a pic to remember it by and continued into the gas station to buy some snacks.
I strolled up and down the aisles trying to decide what form of junk food to get that would tide my over for a bit. It was still pretty early and if I was honest with myself I wasn't really hungry but driving just meant snacking. It's an unwritten law. Of course, the second unwritten law of road trips is the station you stop at will NEVER have the snacks you want. It must have been on my umpteenth time around the store when I finally saw something I wanted. There was a beautiful male specimen grabbing a few of his own provisions. Of course, he wasn't for sale. But I surely wouldn't mind nibbling on him for a couple of hours. I tried to enjoy the view without looking like a stalker but it was near impossible. The only way to describe him was beautiful. He was tall with broad shoulders, muscles for days, gorgeous caramel colored skin and jet black hair. But it was his back that really did it for me. My hands instinctively flexed as thoughts of running my nails down his back ran rampant through my head. I shamelessly ogled the beautiful stranger a little longer.
I quickly devised a master plan to get closer to him when I noticed him lining up at the register. I hadn't even decided what I wanted to eat but I really needed to get up next to him. I looked back at the snacks, scanning faster than my brain could register, before I finally just grabbed a can of Pringles. I sprinted around to the fridge and searched for my energy drink. It was moments like this I really wished I wasn't so finicky but alas I was. It took me a little longer than I had hoped to find the flavor drink I wanted and by the time I was ready to line up my prey was turning to leave the station. I couldn't deny my disappointment but all wasn't lost; at least I got a clear view of his backside as he left out the double doors.
As I walked back to my car, my eyes were drawn to marvel of European engineering that was still parked away from the other cars. I let out a dreamy sigh as I opened my driver's side door and tossed the bag of goodies over into the passenger's seat. I situated myself and imagined what it would be like to drive an Audi on the open road. I took one final glance at the car that would always be my 'strike it rich' car before pulling out of the lot. I entered the highway and got myself rolling. I couldn't help but wonder which of the customers in the diner/gas station owned an R8 because no one stood out in my mind. I smiled to myself as I thought more about. "Wouldn't it be amazing if Mr. Luscious owned it," I said aloud to myself. The mere thought of him in that car had my rubbing my thighs together. Wow, I'd be having good dreams tonight.
Now that I had my snacks sorted and the music bumping, my return to the open road was a little more enticing. This was turning out to be a perfect day for traveling. I leaned back and relaxed into the drive as I finally reached my 'illegal' cruising speed of 90mph. I know I was risking a speeding ticket but this was the new me. The 'me' that did what she wanted. And I what I wanted was to drive fast. Of course, if I was honest I still wasn't pushing the envelope as far as I could. I wasn't ready to become the complete balls to the wall, wild child. Not just yet. I rested my hand lazily on the wheel and watched the world pass me by when I noticed a low hum. I wasn't sure where the sound was coming from so I turned down my music so I could hear better. The last thing I needed was for something to be wrong with my car. I slowed the car down a bit to see if the hum changed but it was growing louder. I checked my rearview mirror to see if there was anyone behind me, when I saw it. There was a speck back there and it was moving fast over the hills. Well the mystery was solved, I must be hearing that car approaching.
My smile grew as I realized that the speck in the distance was my dream car. I had left it behind at the station a little bit ago and it had caught up to me quick. It was traveling my way and now I was gonna get to see it in action. I quickly sat straighter in my seat and got ready to see if I my precious could keep up. The silver car streaked past me and I instantly pressed harder on my gas pedal. My car shot forward, passing triple digits and into the danger zone. As much as I wanted to hang with the big dogs I couldn't afford a ticket at this speed so I begrudgingly slowed back down to my cruising speed.
The seconds grew to minutes and finally to hours as the day went on. I was starting to feel a little cramped. I was definitely in tune with my car when I realized my gas meter was low and it was time for a pit stop. I started scanning the signs for something for both my tank and my car's. The chips had kept the hunger pains away but it was time for some real food. The next exit was loaded with multiple stations and tons of restaurants. Yes, it was a traveler's trap, but it was so much easier than continuing past this stop and hoping I would find something further on.
I topped of my gas tank and drove along the strip looking at all the fast-food restaurants hoping for something to strike me. I noticed a Sonic down the far end of the road and knew exactly what I wanted. I parked at one of the drive-in spots and looked up at the menu. Just as I was about to push the button so that I could order, my eyes happened on a wonderful sight. The travel Gods were definitely smiling on me today. Not only had I been able to see my absolutely favorite car in the world…TWICE, but there sitting at one of the tables in the open air dining area was my caramel lover. Needless to say, my plans quickly changed. I pulled down the mirror and gave myself a quick look. I really don't know what I was hoping for I was dressed for travel, so glam I wasn't, but I double checked my face anyway.
I tried to muster up some cuteness and strolled onto the patio. I placed my order and then strategically placed myself at a table near the hottie. I was close enough to sneak a peek so I could enjoy the view without being noticed. And if I could find the guts maybe even have a conversation. I sat down and tried to play it cool. I was fiddling with my phone trying not to be obvious, when he spoke. "Excuse me," he started. "I just wanted to ask if that's your car."
I glanced in the direction he was pointing and smiled. "You mean the purple Camaro?" I knew exactly which car he was pointing to but I just wanted to try to keep him talking.
"Yeah." He said, smiling approvingly. "That's a pretty sweet ride."
"Well thanks. I love her. She was my present to myself." I replied. He approving smile didn't go unnoticed so I continued, "so, let me guess are you a 'car' guy?"
He chuckled slightly, "You could say that. I like to say I just appreciate beautiful things." My cheeks grew warm as I felt myself blush. Was he seriously flirting with me, I wondered.
"Well then if you appreciate beautiful things I got one for ya. I don't know which way you are traveling but I saw the most amazing car a few hours back at a gas station." I easily fell into the story from this morning, not feeling the least bit nervous talking to this amazing man before me.
When the kid came out with our food, I was sure the conversation would end. I was pleasantly surprised when Mr. "I Should Be a Model" asked if he could join me. I smiled and waved to the bench opposite me. "Jake," he said extending his hand to me.
"Yeah, um, I'm Naomi." I answered as shook his hand. The kid handed my bag to me and then placed two bags in front of Jake. He pulled everything out of his bags, laying it out neatly before he started inhaling what had to be one of everything from the menu. He didn't eat like an animal but it was obvious he really enjoyed food. We continued eating and chatting about anything and everything. We didn't get into anything too personal but it turned out we had a lot in common. He was surprised that I could actually hold a decent conversation about cars and action movies. While I was truly amazed that he shared my love of books and travel. I don't know if it was his smile or those chocolate brown eyes or exactly what it was about him that put me at ease. But stranger or not, I could have sat and talked with him for hours.
"Well, I guess it's about that time." I announced begrudgingly. "There are a whole lot of miles I still need to cover."
"Yeah, I guess it is," he agreed as he gathered up all the trash. We stood and I smiled at his manners because this was definitely not something I was used to. I was a little surprised that I really didn't want to say goodbye to this man I just met. I fell into step behind him as he deposited the trash to the can closest to my car. He motioned me ahead of him as he escorted me to my car. I opened the door but didn't sit, choosing to stand with the open door between us. I crossed my arms on the doorframe and he stood on the opposite side resting his hand on the roof of my car.
"So."…"Well" we started simultaneously. He smirked and gestured for me to go first. "So, thanks for keeping a girl company." I continued.
"Trust, it was my pleasure." His charm was making this even harder to end. "You know in all that conversation, I never asked which way you're heading. I mean maybe…" He trailed off, obviously unsure of how or if he should say what was on his mind.
"West." I blurted out, ceasing his internal debate. "I'm heading west and will be until I reach the Pacific."
His face broke into a big toothy grin, "Well then, Naomi, here's to hoping we meet again on our westward journeys." He gave my car an appreciative pat before pulling the door further open so I could sit. He watched as I settled into the driver's seat and started the car. "Holy crap, woman, you drive a stick."
"But of course!" I smirked as I caressed my gear stick. "You're not threatened by a girl that can handle a stick, are ya?" My meager attempts at flirting were definitely appreciated.
He chuckled deeply, "On that note, I'm gonna go before I say something inappropriate." He closed my door, smiling at me through the window. With a small wave, he turned and walked away. I noticed that he wasn't heading towards any of the other cars parked in the lot.
"Hey Jake," I yelled after rolling down my window. I waited for him to turn around before I went on. "Where's your car?"
"A few buildings up." He thumbed over his shoulder. "I left it parked at the gas station. I figured I could stretch my legs and walk to the restaurant. I don't normally eat in my car anyway."
"Oh, okay. Well I guess I'll see ya then." I rolled the window back up, reversing out of the parking spot. Jake didn't move but watched as I drove off and gave me a final wave as I pulled out into traffic. I watched him in my mirror for a bit before saying out loud to myself, "Best pit stop ever!"
I reentered the highway and resumed my westward trek. I drove with a smile on face for quite a while. I couldn't help it. I had just done so many things that I would NEVER have done before. Not only had I talked to some random hot guy but I actually flirted with him, too. The best part was he was flirting back. How could I not grin? All through high school, I was that girl that all the guys loved to hang with but never wanted thought to date. I was the cool chick that could talk cars and didn't get squeamish over violence in movies. They all wanted to shoot the shit but not once had I had a real boyfriend.
Eventually, I started to think there was something about me that kept the guys from asking me out. I mean I didn't think I was horrible looking. I wasn't the slimmest girl. I was a bit busty and had curvy hips but I wasn't fat. I guess being busty but short may have made me look bigger than I truly was but was that really all that mattered to guys. Obviously, I was unattractive but I thought personality meant something. I soon realized the best I could ever hope for was to stay in the 'friend' zone. But today everything had changed. Today, a red-blooded American man had spent time with me. Sure the subject matter was still cars and action movies but there was just something different about talking with him. And that something had given me boost in my self-esteem that I have needed for years.
Lost in my internal ramblings, I hadn't noticed that I had slipped below the speed limit. Now even 18-wheelers were passing me by and that was just unacceptable. I flipped through my driving CD until I found some Eminem and got my rap on. I sped up and got back into the world of long-distance driving. I noticed that the big-rigs were rolling pretty fast so it was safe to say that the road ahead was free and clear of cops. I decided this was the sign to let Precious really play. I sped up quickly passing my 90 mph self-imposed speed limit and headed to triple digits. There was a silver car up ahead rolling deep and clearing the way so I decided to follow his lead. I fell in easily with the cars pace and soon realized it was the Audi again. I couldn't help but think what the odds were but honestly I didn't really care. I would follow those taillights for as long as I could.
The miles quickly added up and soon me and Mr. R8 had fallen into a nice routine. I had decided that the driver had to be a man, and had quickly taken to talking out loud to my driving buddy. Mr. R8 would lead for a bit, forcing the 'wanna-be' speeders out of the way and then he'd pull over and I'd take the lead for a bit. It was nice. I no longer truly felt like I was traveling alone; now I was just crazy and talking to myself. We continued like this for well over an hour when the construction signs started announcing road work. My head fell in frustration because this was definitely gonna throw off the 'Emperor's groove'. I was spoiled after the last hour and used to moving fast, this was definitely gonna suck.
I pushed Precious a little faster in hopes of getting around a bit more of the slow moving traffic before the road narrowed, but only made it another mile. Of course, the traffic couldn't just slow down it had to come to a crawl. It never failed to amaze me that losing a lane of traffic when there weren't that many people on the road could lead to a traffic jam…but it always did. I settled in behind the cars in the left lane and rolled down the windows. Now that I wasn't hitting the high speeds a little fresh air was welcome. I looked in my rear-view mirror to see if I could see Mr. R8 so I could finally put a face on the driver but he wasn't behind me. I don't know when I had lost him, he was right there on my tail for miles. Traffic eventually came to a complete stop, so I turned and tried to get a better look. I noticed the silver car in the right lane a few cars back. So much for finally knowing who was driving MY dream car he was just far enough back that I couldn't see clearly.
Traffic started moving again, creeping along at a snail's pace. It would go for a few yards and then stop again. The need to focus was long since gone and I was enjoying my music, singing out loud and not really caring who heard. Every now and then I would glance in the mirror, trying to see if my driving partner had gotten any closer but it just wasn't meant to be. I knew this was a bit odd that I wanted to see this perfect stranger but at the same time we had created a kinship on the road. You can't risk life, limb and finances like we were driving at speeds upwards of 100mph and not feel some kind of draw to each other. Well I couldn't, but I was always a little weird.
Between the traffic and the Route 66 Sweet Tea I had finished, my bladder was starting to get a little bothersome. I could see that traffic wasn't going anywhere and just barely made out a rest stop up ahead. I put my blinker on and hoped that someone in the right lane would be nice enough to let me merge. For once, it didn't take forever and a nice guy driving a mini-van slowed and let me over. I could see the longing in his eyes as I pulled in front and threw up a 'thank-you' wave. I putt putted along until I finally reached the exit ramp off the freeway. I took the first available parking spot and then quick-stepped my way into the rest-stop bathrooms.
As I exited the bathroom, I balled up my paper towel and pitched it towards the trashcan just outside the exit doors. When I made my perfect "3-point" shot, I whisper yelled "She shoots, she scores! And the crowd goes wild!" I hadn't noticed anyone in the lobby area so I continued entertaining myself by adding the fake crowd screams. It wasn't until I heard the slow clap that I spun around to see Jake grinning at my goofiness as he leaned against the wall on the 'MENS' side of the lobby.
"Nice Shot."
A/N: Whose stalking who! Guess you'll have to come back for the next chap to see where this is going. Hope to see ya there. Smooches, Scrappy