Page 7 of Loving Hard on the Highway

We spent the rest of the drive to Saddleback reminiscing about our favorite childhood trips and laughing at the travel mishaps along the way.

I breathed easier, feeling like this wouldn’t be so bad.

Chapter 4

Sean

It was after 7 pm when we drove into Saddleback. I was a little worried at first after driving by a run-down, fully operating motel just outside of the town. But once in Saddleback, I got a trendy with a splash of rustic tourist town vibe; you know, the kind that sells t-shirts and Route 14 souvenir mugs. Quaint wood panel and brick shops lined the narrow streets, some with cheerful awnings and chalkboard signs promising you’ll have a good time in this little town you only learned existed ten hours ago.

We were focusing on looking for the hotel when the most glorious aroma of smoked meat wafted into the car. My mouth salivated, and I clearly heard Gabbie’s stomach grumble.

Our gaze drew to a brick, warehouse-style building with a sign that read ‘Roadside 14 BBQ.’

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I asked.

“Hell yeah,” Gabbie said, sitting up. “Let’s hurry and check into the hotel. I’m starved!”

The hotel sat between a diner and a gift shop that sold scented candles and Route 14 key chains. It was a small, two-story building with brick siding and trendy flower boxes under the windows. Not too fancy, but it was nice and fit the town’s ambiance.

Gabbie looked a little surprised, so I held the door open as she stepped inside. The faint dinging of an electric bell followed us, and we stepped into the lobby. A couple wearing I Got Sauced t-shirts were laughing with the receptionist, as their dog sniffed curiously at a brochure stand.

“Oh, he’s so cute,” Gabbie gushed as soon as she set eyes on the little corgi.

The couple smiled at Gabbie and said the little guy’s name was Russel. They made a bit of small talk before heading to their room.

The young lady called back to us, “Oh, you guys have to try Roadside BBQ! Best brisket I’ve ever had.”

The guy with her nodded in agreement. I grinned a little as I faintly heard the lady say, “They are such a cute couple.”

We walked to the front desk, Gabbie adjusting the strap of her backpack as I moved my duffle bag off my shoulder.

“You must be our late check-in,” the receptionist said with a smile.

“I am,” she said tiredly. “Gabrielle Jones. Laurel Young made the reservation.”

The receptionist looked at me. “And you must be Laurel?”

“Oh, no, we’re just riding together,” I corrected her. “I’ll take any room you have available.”

“Oh, you two aren’t together?” The clerk gave us a concerned but polite, blank look and started typing. “Unfortunately, we only have the reserved room available.”

“Oh, damn, I didn’t even think to call ahead. Do you have another hotel in town?” I asked.

“We do. The nicer one is all booked. Our last check-in came from there. There is a motel just outside of town.” She scrunched her face, trying to keep her smile. “They always have vacancies.”

“You know what?” Gabbie interrupted. “It’s fine. We can share.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, not wanting to impose, but I really didn’t want to sleep in the car. The grunge motel was not an option.

“Okay.” The receptionist perked back up. “I can’t use the card on file if the owner isn’t joining you.”

“My friend was just using her card to book the room for me,” Gabbie said, as she started fishing through her purse. “I have cash.”

The receptionist seemed shocked at the mention of cash.

“I got it.” I quickly whipped out my black card and handed it over in a way to keep it from Gabbie’s view. Fortunately for me, the receptionist understood the assignment and slid it back to me under the printed receipt.

“Are you sure?” Gabbie half looked up from her bag. “I have the cash. And besides, you got gas on the last fill-up.”

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