Going on a road trip, Alex wrote back. See you Saturday at the wedding. We’ll talk that morning.
Then he temporarily blocked Zach’s number, because fuck that dude. Alex had better things to think about right now. Much, much better things.
Namely, his plans for Lauren. His sweet, recalcitrant Wren.
The woman he wanted to make his, somewhere along the coast of California.
As a kid, he’d considered July the best month of the year, because that was the month his mom usually tried to take off for a week. Or better yet, two weeks. Once she got approval, they’d count their available money, determine their loose itinerary and strict budget, and set off in her tiny Chevette hatchback, venturing up and down the Florida coast.
Those days on the road had seemed endless. Sun-drenched and sticky. Literally sticky, since her car’s AC didn’t work. Even the wind whipping through the windows couldn’t cut the humidity, and his lower legs stuck to the textured vinyl seats, leaving a perfect, pebbled pattern on his skin each time they stopped for gas or a fast-food meal.
Every afternoon, they’d watch the thunderheads roll in and either find a motel for the night or veer onto the shoulder for a few minutes. With the windows up, the glass would turn steamy, and he’d draw pictures in the condensation. A dog. A knight. Stars. Together, they’d wait and talk and pass each other Twizzlers or the Pringles can until the torrential downpours ended and she could continue driving once more.
Those weeks were the best of his childhood, bar none, and his mother had worked herself to the bone to give them to him. He wanted to give Lauren something similar, if he could.
There was no way she’d accompany him to Florida anytime soon. But on a road trip up the California coast instead, he could help her relax. Really relax.
No work, no responsibilities. Just exploration and rest and companionship. Constant proximity and privacy and huge beds in cool, dim hotel rooms.
He wasn’t a kid anymore. His mother—much as he adored her—was nowhere nearby.
This was going to be the greatest fucking July ever.
Texts with Marcus: Saturday Night
Marcus: Sorry, I meant to check in earlier
Marcus: I was busy with normal convention stuff, but also April and I worked things out
Alex: Congrats, dude, I’m happy for you both
Alex: Please give her a hug from me
Alex: Which shouldn’t be difficult, since you’re no doubt clinging to her like plastic wrap
Marcus: Well, you’re not wrong
Marcus: Obnoxious, but not wrong
Marcus: You doing okay? After everything that happened last night?
Alex: Great!
Marcus: …
Alex: No lawsuit + no fines + no press junket = ROAD TRIP!!!
Alex: With Wren, obvs
Marcus: Obvs
Marcus: I hope you noted the sarcasm there, because it was distinct
Alex: Nope, I spotted nothing but sincerity
Alex: Anyway, on Wednesday, we’re heading up the coast to Stacia’s wedding
Alex: I plan to woo her along the way in my own unique, extremely charming way
Marcus: So you’ve finally realized you’re into her?
Marcus: Thank fuck
Marcus: I thought we’d both be sitting in our rockers at a nursing home before you noticed
Alex: Self-reflection is not my strong suit, dickwad
Alex: Also, please note how I didn’t make a dirty joke about the “into her” bit
Alex: This is just part of my transformation into a gentleman worthy of Lauren’s affection
Marcus: She seems fond of you as you are
Marcus: If I were you, I’d just stay an asshole
Alex: I should probably be offended, but we both know it’s true
Alex: Wish me luck, dude
Marcus: Good luck, drive safely, and let me know how it goes
Alex: It’ll be great
Alex: As I always say, CLEAR EYES, SMARTASS, CAN’T LOSE
Marcus: You’ve literally never said that before
Alex: Let me rephrase
Alex: CLEAR EYES, SMARTASS, FUCK YOU
Marcus: Love you, man
Alex: FINE, I LOVE YOU TOO, ARE YOU HAPPY NOW
Marcus: Yes, very much so
Alex: Good, you deserve it
Alex: Still, fuck you
20
“I’M EXCELLENT COMPANY ON ROAD TRIPS.” ALEX AIMED A blinding grin Lauren’s way before turning back to the traffic. “Charming. Witty. A veritable fount of wisdom and knowledge. So stunningly attractive that I’m essentially my own tourist attraction and/or scenic overlook. By the time we’re amongst the redwoods, you’ll be having such a great time, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without me.”
It was just after noon, and they’d only recently hit the road. Because … Alex.