Page 9

9

MASON

I stayed in Crescent City for almost two weeks and spent most of the time hanging with Eli and some of the locals I knew well. Eli’s Bar and Grill had become my nightly hangout. With locals frequenting his place, there were nights of interesting conversation and laughs. I barely cooked at home with the great food his kitchen dished up. Those big ideas of grilling at home ended after a few days.

I knew I had to get back on the road again soon, but I wanted to make sure my rig was well-tuned and ready for the stretches of highway I’d be traversing. I also needed to clean out the sleeper cab and stock it with fresh clothing, toiletries, and sheets.

My sleeper cab mattress measured forty-two by eighty inches and was around seven inches high. For comfort, I’d added a custom mattress topper, which provided relief for my back after long days of driving. Next to the bed was a narrow closet with storage. Between the cab’s front seats, a compact refrigerator doubled as a console and offered a practical surface within easy reach. Together, the touches brought me the comforts of home on the road.

After the much-needed break, I finally said my goodbyes and drove out of Crescent City. I’d spent time reconnecting with friends and soaking in the ocean views and the scent of salty air at my condo. I’d relaxed on my deck in the evenings and taken in amazing sunsets, watching the parade of seagulls overhead, serenaded by the crashing surf below. My only wish was to have Connor sitting with me to enjoy the painted view. It was refreshing to embrace the quiet and escape the constant rumble of the highway.

I strolled around town daily and chatted with the locals I knew. A few wanted to know how my life was going since Claudia’s passing, even though it was ten years ago, and I told them I was doing just fine. I didn’t need to have gossip spread about me.

Before hitting the road, I contacted my freight broker, who gave me my next load assignments. The route took me down through California, eventually through Nevada, and up into Utah. There were quite a few pick-ups and deliveries, and with the weather heading toward the winter months, Southern California and Las Vegas felt inviting with warmer climates.

It was the beginning of November and I was heading up to Ogden, Utah, for a delivery and then onto the familiar Interstate 84 up into Idaho. My next stop was Twin Falls, from there to Boise and then up into eastern Oregon. I noticed I had a stop in La Grande again, which would take me to Elmer and Ruthie’s store for another drop-off. My stomach suddenly had butterflies, and I wondered if I would run into Connor. I guess my infatuation hadn’t subsided, and I yearned to chat with him again.

Those damn green eyes!

It was late morning when I rolled into La Grande and stopped at Elmer and Ruthie’s store. I’d had a quick breakfast of an egg white omelet, turkey bacon, and avocado around seven that morning at a roadside restaurant, but I was starving and planned to hit a place in town for lunch.

It was Ruthie who greeted me as I descended from my rig. When I stepped down, she already had her arms out for a big greeting hug. I loved that woman. She was like the mom I’d lost many, many years ago, and her embrace was strong and inviting. I glanced over her shoulder as I hugged her back and noticed Elmer standing in the doorway with a broad smile and a raised hand.

I released her, and she stepped back with her hands on my arms. She looked me up and down with her twinkling eyes, then furrowed her brow and said, “You look thin, dear.” I tipped my head back in laughter, then smiled down at her.

“Oh, Ruthie, you say that just about every time you see me. I know it’s just motherly love you’re exuding, but I’m the same weight I’ve been for years.” She gave me an approving wink and hooked her arm through mine as we headed to the back of the truck.

“I haven’t seen you since this past Spring, I think,” she said once I unlatched the door.

“I was here just before the fall semester started at the university. You stayed home that day, according to Elmer. He said you weren’t feeling well and wanted to rest up some,” I said as I swung the door open. “I assume you’re doing okay now, and all is good with your health?” I questioned as I glanced her way, with not too much concern in my voice.

It was her turn to laugh. “Yes, of course, dear. It was one of those weeks dealing with family, the store, and gearing up for the upcoming onslaught of students. I’m a sturdy sort, hon. Not much can hold me down for long.”

“Okay,” I said, looking back at her as I pulled a couple of crates from the trailer. “I don’t want to have to pump Elmer for information about you.” I gave her a wink.

She threw up her hands in a quick motion and huffed. “That man of mine can be such a worry wart sometimes, especially if I’m feeling a bit stressed. I’m fine and doing very well, Mason.” I looked down at her with my head bowed and a raised brow. “Stop. I’m good. Seriously,” she said gently with a smile.

I threw my arm around her. “Alright, no more badgering,” I said.

“Let me go get you your favorite soda, and I’ll open the back door for you,” she said as she padded off into the store.

There were quite a few crates, and I needed to make about six or seven trips with the hand dolly to get them into the storage room. Taking my time, I organized and stacked them carefully before heading into the store to wish them a happy holiday season. Ruthie handed me my usual soda and gave me another motherly hug. Elmer and I chatted a bit about the mediocre season my favorite football team was having, and as usual, Ruthie brought up the subject of my love life.

“How are you spending your holidays, Mason? Any special lady-friend to snuggle with on a cold night?” Ruthie asked. I laughed.

“No, not really, Ruthie, the road is my holiday mistress. I just took a long vacation at my condo in Crescent City, caught up with friends, and now I’m making up that lazy time back on the road.”

They both laughed as we said our goodbyes and wished me safe travels. Along with friends in Crescent City, they knew I was a widower, and I think that was why Ruthie always hinted at someone special in my life.

After the drive that morning, unloading and reorganizing the freight in my trailer, I was starving, and it was going on early afternoon. I remembered there was a diner not far from the university where I could grab a quick bite before I headed out. It was Friday, the end of the week, but I wanted to stay ahead of schedule and try to make my next delivery by the following afternoon. I’d always made it a point to courteously inform my next delivery destination when I would arrive with their freight, usually by text or phone call.

I parked my truck a couple of blocks from the diner, threw on my jacket, and walked briskly to the establishment. The diner sat on a corner, with windows lining both sides and an entrance angled toward the street corner. Inside, the décor was classic diner style, with booths on one side, tables on the other, and a counter with vinyl-upholstered stools that divided the space. The color scheme screamed red, black, and white—red vinyl upholstery at every table and a checkerboard-tiled floor gave it a distinct 1950s vibe. There was even a jukebox playing contemporary pop hits at a reasonable volume.

A sign on a chrome-plated pole as I walked in read, Please seat yourself . I noticed the diner was a little over half full and decided to allow myself the comfort of a booth.

Within a couple of minutes, a young, uniformed waitress, probably a student, brought me a menu with a smile and asked what I’d like to drink. I glanced up and said, “Coffee, black, please.” She nodded, turned, and headed behind the counter. I perused the menu and decided on a chicken salad sandwich with a cup of tomato soup, figuring that would satisfy me until a late dinner.

I put the menu down and looked up as the diner door opened, and Connor walked in.