Page 36 of Highway To Destiny

“And that’s a problem, why?” he replied, keeping a smile on his face. Spencer always took a positive approach in any situation. He could be impatient at times, but he was always my supporter, my golden retriever.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure where things are headed. I’m torn between wanting to be with him constantly and knowing our lives aren’t in sync. I'm a college student, and he's on the road all the time up and down the West Coast. Oh, and not to mention our age difference. Not the best scenario for a budding relationship.”

“We’ve gone down this road before, Connor.” He gave me a stern but understanding look and sat upright on the edge of the chair. “You’re overthinking again. Just enjoy it for what it is and stop worrying about what might or might not happen.” I looked at my feet and had to agree with him. Mason and I had only known each other for about four months, and I realized I was obsessing.

“By the way, how was the sex tonight?” He cut right to the chase after his little lecture.

“And there it is,” I replied. I figured he’d eventually go there. I quickly glanced down the hall and lowered my voice. “He fucked me, I mean, royally fucked me. Then he blew me… and swallowed.” Spencer’s eyes were wide with astonishment. “He said it has the consistency of eggnog.”

Spencer slapped his hand over his mouth so as not to wake up my mom. When his laughter died down, he said, “Wow, going from straight to gay in such a short time. And you didn’t even need to get him drunk.”

I rolled my eyes. “He says he’s not gay, just into me. And boy, was he into me a couple of hours ago.” I opened my eyes wide, and Spencer giggled. “What concerns me is this is just an infatuation he’ll eventually get over, and he’ll go back to his old, straight life.”

“Stop it,” he said. “I saw the way he looked at you tonight at dinner and when we were all chatting in the living room. He’s quite smitten, and I predict you’ll be together a long time.” I appreciated his honesty and positive outlook.

“Do you believe in fate?” I asked.

“You mean a path where our lives are determined for us?” He held up a hand and wiggled it back and forth. “I think there’s some truth to that, but I also think it’s how we approach what we consider fate or destiny. The one thing we have going for us is choice. Not everyone makes the right choice, and that’s where I feel that little voice, that gut feeling, needs to be listened to. Some people aren’t attuned to it, but I think you and I are. I bet Mason is too.”

It had always amazed me how Spencer’s wisdom came through his veneer of happy-go-lucky. He smiled and grabbed my hands. “Go with what your gut is telling you, Connor. Your heart can follow.”

He let go of my hands and sat back. “By the way, Evan texted me tonight to wish me a Merry Christmas. It was a nice surprise.”

My mouth dropped open. “Really?” He nodded but didn’t offer any more information. “So, what is your gut telling you about him?” I teased.

“I think he likes me, and I think I like him too. We’ll see how the rest of the year plays out now his football season is over.”

I smiled and hoped Spencer’s choices and fate were in line for him.

25

MASON

Ileft Portland and continued down I-5 through Oregon at a snail’s pace. With my mind so focused on Connor, I’d forgotten how traffic could be after the holiday. I was glad I left early to get a jump start on the commute, but the traffic had increased significantly. At least the weather was clear and relatively mild for the time of year. Thank you, El Niño.

My stops included McMinnville, Salem, Albany, and finally, Eugene, where I decided to spend the night at a rest area. I’d hit Crescent City the next day to check on the condo and hopefully see Eli. I wasn’t sure what he was doing for the holidays or if he was even in town. I’d call him in the morning.

My mind wandered, thinking of Connor again when I took the freeway exit to McMinnville. When he’d left my hotel last night, and I was getting ready for bed, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and saw his black jockstrap hanging on the faucet. Either he’d forgotten it or left it on purpose for my amusement. I was positive it was the latter, and I would treasure that little gift.

I texted him by voice messaging while on the road.

Me: Good morning, babe. You forgot something last night.

Connor: Whatever do you mean?

Me: LOL. I appreciate the Christmas gift, although a little unconventional.

Connor: I needed to give you something that would give me an excuse to see you again.

Me: That is inevitable, mister, but you’re not getting it back. You’ve just created another first for me—a jockstrap fetish.

Connor: I have my work cut out for me then.

Me: I’ll hold you to it!

We signed off after a few more exchanges, and I told him I’d give him a call when I was in Crescent City. Now things had escalated between us, I didn’t want him to worry about me on the road. I figured I’d text or call him once a day to ease his concerns. It felt good to think about someone special all the time, and I hoped he felt the same about me.

Once I arrived in Eugene for my delivery, I drove to a travel center to spend the night. I hit the road again the next morning and got to Crescent City a few hours later. Eli was at the parking lot he owned when I arrived. I parked my rig as he sauntered over, and when I jumped down from the cab, he greeted me with a handshake that went into a quick bro hug.

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