Page 31 of Road Trip to Forever
We picked up balloons for three hours and you’re bored?
Next year, I’m going to do a ball pit. Way more fun.
What are you doing tonight?
Nothing. Ice cream and a movie probably.
Want to join?
Who’s turn is it to pick the movie?
I picked Friday the 13th last week. You’re up!
Tough one to follow.
I don’t have any food here. I was going to order delivery. Thai food okay?
My favorite. Do it for pick-up. I’ll grab it on the way over.
And this is why you’re my best friend.
Because I bring food to your door?
That’s one reason.
You have others?
Yeah. A few.
NINE
PATRICK
“This map has seen better days.”Lola wraps her fingers around her mug and taps her nails against the porcelain. “They make phones with navigation systems, you know,” she adds, a twinkle in her eye.
The paper in question is crinkled at the corners. Half the west coast is ripped off, rendering California nonexistent. Random cities throughout the country are circled, and a bright yellow line runs from Montana down to Texas. I bought it for a quarter at an estate sale on my walk home from school last week, not caring that it’s borderline unreadable.
“Do they?” I take the seat across from her on the wood bench in her kitchen. It’s my favorite spot in her apartment, where the sunlight streams in through white, billowy curtains and a breeze drifts through the room. “I like using a map. It’s nostalgic. Reminds me of my childhood when we’d drive up to Maine or New Hampshire on the weekends.”
“Your family did so many day trips. I’m shocked your mom’s old SUV isn’t covered in ‘This car climbed Mt. Washington’ bumper stickers.”
“C’mon, Lo. You know Darla isn’t a fan of bumper stickers,” I say. I fold the map and tuck it under my empty plate. “How are the designs coming?”
“Oh.” Lola brightens. She sets down her mug and a slosh of tea runs down the side. “I’m finished. I was hoping some more inspiration would come to me, but creatively, I’ve felt a bit blocked. There are so many things Iwantto do, I just can’t bring myself to do them. I get like this sometimes. I take on too many projects I’m not able to finish.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure what you have is awesome.”
“Yeah. The outfits were good enough to get accepted into the show. With the updates I did, maybe they’ll be good enough to win it. I did come up with a handful of new designs I’m proud of last week, and I can’t wait to show those off.”
“New designs? Like what?”
“A couple of dresses. A matching shirt and shorts set. My signature style creation I’msoexcited about. It looks like a dress, but it has a jumpsuit underneath. You can take off the train and end up in pants. It even has a cape.”
“I’ve always known you were talented, but I forget how much time and effort you put into your work. It’s so innovative. They’re going to love it.”
She blushes and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “It’s been done before. Hundreds of times, actually.”
“Still. I bet you’re putting your own twist on it, and it’s going to be amazing. You’ve done a lot in a short amount of time. Are you sleeping through the night?” I ask. “Eating all your meals and taking your medicine?”
