Page 75 of Road Trip with a Vampire

In the end, I decided to just lay it all out for him.

“About a week ago, Peter got a nastygram from somebody in Blossomtown, Indiana, who threatened to come get him in Redwoodsville if he didn’t return right away,” I said. “Peter has amnesia, so he obviously can’t remember what’s so important about Indiana or who sent the note. So now we’re on a road trip to visit places he mentioned in his journal in case it jogs his memory before he gets there. I’m calling because I was hoping we could crash at your place since Chicago is on the way.”

There. That wasn’t so hard.

A couple of moments passed as Reginald processed what I’d told him.

And then he began to laugh.

“Let me get this straight,” he said, still laughing. “You’re on a cross-country road trip with a stranger with no memory? Who, as of one week ago, you were still furious with me for sending your way?”

“Yes,” I said, feeling sheepish.

“And who apparently has someone waiting for him at his final destination who’s threatening him?”

When he put it that way…

I speared a tomato with more force than necessary and popped it into my mouth. Then grimaced. It wasn’t nearly as tasty as it looked.

“Yes?” I said awkwardly.

“Grizzy. Why are you doing this?” All humor was gone from his voice. “You know how much I enjoy adventure. Or at least you know how much Ienjoyedadventure back in the day. But what you’re doing seems beyond foolish. Even for past-us.”

He was right.

Could I tell him the truth about my motives? About my magic and the problems I was dealing with?

Yes, I decided. Perhaps the truth was ten years overdue.

But not now. Later, when we were together, I’d tell him everything. I didn’t have the energy to go into it again so soon after baring my soul to Peter.

“I have my reasons,” I said. “I’ll explain when I see you. It’ll all make sense when I do.”

“Grizz—”

“Just give me a few days to work up to it. Okay?”

He sighed. “I’m not gonna argue with you. Not after finally hearing from you again. Just promise you’ll stay safe, okay? And not do anything foolish beyond, well—the obvious?”

“I promise,” I said, grateful he was willing to drop it for now.

“And of course you can stay with me,” he continued. “You’re owed at least one place where you can be sure the bad guys chasing Peter won’t maim or kill you, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “Still a drama queen, huh?”

“It’s one of the things Amelia loves most about me.”

From Reggie’s end, I heard a woman say something I couldn’t make out. Then Reggie’s laughter.

“Amelia just said I’m full of it.” My friend’s voice was bright. Lighter than I’d ever heard it. “Don’t believe a word she says.”

I couldn’t help but smile at how happy he sounded. He deserved happiness. Even if his happiness was taking a form I never would’ve expected.

“I already know you’re full of it,” I said innocently.

“Hey, now.”

I laughed. “I’ll keep you posted on our progress. We should be there in another day or so.”