Page 25 of Stranded with the Billionaire
“It’s thirty years out of date,” Sterling handed it over.
“That doesn’t mean it’s not still relevant,” Jake’s brows furrowed as he looked at all the different landmarks.
“You grew up in the city right? Do you know how many streets and places get built or torn down in thirty years?” Sterling asked reasonably.
“This isn’t the city. This is the countryside. It’s logical to assume that land is developed more slowly here. There should be fewer changes,” he turned the map, looking out the window, trying to place where they might be in contrast to the logging road.
She smiled ruefully. “I suppose you’ve never heard of the directions story then?”
“What directions story?” he asked absently.
“Well, if you want to reach the Davis’ farm you need to take Second Line out past the Milner’s, turn right before the bridge, take the left fork in the road at Ma Bensons’ old place which is now the Talbot’s since they bought it three years ago and then past the church that burnt down last spring take a left again, it’s on the right past the good peach orchard, not to be confused with the bad peach orchard,” Sterling finished. “If you see the old county schoolhouse, you’ve gone too far.”
“People don’t give directions like that,” Jake gave her a look of disbelief.
“People do where I come from,” she shrugged. “Country life is a little different.”
“How would anyone know where they were going if they didn’t know the landmarks?” he questioned.
“They don’t. Usually then someone will get in the car with them to direct the stranger. They’ll also question the person about why they’re in town,” Sterling smiled at a memory. “Once it was an insurance guy who was overcharging Ma Benson on her life insurance policy. The boys had him turning in circles until he ran out of gas. Then he had to walk back to town in his fancy loafers and suit to purchase a jerry can for the Jaguar he was driving.”
“Ma Benson is a real person?” Jake was entertained and surprised.
“Yes. This was a real life example I just gave you,” Sterling had a smile at his expression. For a moment she thought it would be fun to take him back to her rural roots to see how he’d cope with the people she’d grown up with.
That was a dangerous thought, she sternly admonished herself. Tantamount to wishing to introduce him to her parents. Something that was never going to happen. Sterling needed to stop seeing Jake as a friend. He was just someone to write about.
