Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (14 page)

“No, that’ll do. Thanks, Will. Oh, by the way, gentlemen, this is my attorney, Will Dixon. Will, go back to sleep, and I’ll call you in the morning.” With that, Libby ended the call.

“Will was being cautious; I guess that’s what I pay him for. But, you see, Mr. Fisher...if I wanted a recording contract, I’d just create a company. If I wanted exposure, I’d hire a well-paid publicist. This ridiculous accusation is completely unfounded by a spoiled, whiny, child who isn’t getting the attention he thinks he deserves!” Libby directed her final thoughts directly to Bret, “If
you
wanna go to court,
have at it
. When I’m done, you’ll not only never see a
penny
, I’ll see to it you lose
everything
, including that
ugly shirt
.”

Joe looked at Libby with a newfound admiration and chuckled to himself. He looked at Fisher, “So...we’re done here? I’ve got someplace to be.”

Fisher’s face was bright red, “Yeah, we’re done.” He turned to Bret and added, ”I guess you’ll just have to decide what you want to do. If I were you, I’d drop it, ‘cause I don’t see where you have a leg to stand on.”

Joe opened the door and held it for Libby as he slid her note into his pocket. She sighed as he closed the door. “I didn’t want you to find out this way, I’m sorry.”

Joe laughed, “Yeah, cause THAT’S gonna change my opinion of you.”

As they made their way quickly back to the stage, Libby struggled with the idea of telling Joe all she wanted to say. “It was an inheritance. Well, it’s more complicated than that…but…I’ll tell you about it sometime. You should go...they’re waiting for you.”

“Libby...” Joe glanced at the stage and back to Libby. He smoothed the unruly curls at her temples, kissed her forehead, then her lips. “I’ll be back. We’ll talk more then. I’m so sorry…about all of that,” Joe stepped away, his hand on her arm. He slid it down to her hand and led her closer to the stage. His firm grip was comforting.

Rick King was standing just offstage, scanning the crowd for Joe. He was younger than Joe and Chuck, with short brown hair, a thin frame and piercing blue eyes. Seeing Joe approaching the stage, Rick waved to the stage manager from backstage as he slipped Chuck’s shiny black guitar’s strap over his head.

“Great Big Colorado welcome for...The Brothers King!” was announced on the stage, and Rick took Chuck’s place amidst a roaring welcome.

Joe quickly stepped back and hugged Libby one more. He kissed her nose and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be back soon,
Lily,
” he grinned, turned and trotted onstage. The crowd screamed twice as loud when Joe took the stage. Libby smiled after him, noticing the crowd go insane with his arrival. Libby walked to the edge of the stage. The adoration of the crowd was overwhelming as the brothers began to play and sing.

“And he picked
me
,” she said, smiling at Joe.

* * *

During the second set, Chuck joined Libby backstage, looking like he’d been in a fight. Joe was constantly watching for Libby backstage as he moved around on the stage. Noticing Chuck, Joe offered to the crowd, “So, I guess you folks may have heard that we sorta made an entrance in Walsenburg this afternoon. [The crowd screams.] Well, I see brotha Chuck is here…if you’re nice to him, he might come out, and say ‘hi’…but
only
if you’re nice!” The crowd went into a thunderous roar that sounded like a stampede.

Chuck looked at Libby and shook his head. “Aww, man…did ya hav’ta? I look like
hell
!” Chuck drew a deep breath and walked out on stage, and there was a gasp of the crowd, followed by thunderous applause. Chuck waved his good hand at everyone—the other was in a sling. He approached Rick’s mic, and shook his hand. “Thanks, folks…thanks. I’ll live!” There were massive screams from women across the fairgrounds in response. Several managed to be heard offering to nurse him back to health. Chuck nodded and acknowledged a couple then waved to the audience. “So, you met my baby brother, Rick? Ain’t he sweet?” Chuck cajoled. Women screamed their approval in the audience. He bumped into Rick’s shoulder, then waved goodbye on his way offstage. Libby could see the pain in his face from that gesture as he walked toward her. Gone was the strut…he was clearly in pain.

When the set was over, Joe and Rick exited the stage where Libby and Chuck were standing. “Bro,” Joe laughed, as he extended his fist. Chuck bumped with his good fist, “I hope the other guy looks worse...how’re ya makin’ out?”

“I’m cool...glad to be among the living,” Chuck replied. At this point, his face was one large bruise.

“Some might argue that, man,” Joe laughed, then offered, “I don’t know ‘bout you folks, but I’m ready to get the hell
outta
here!” A crew of fair roadies helped put their guitars into their cases backstage as the next act began to set up.

Once reloaded, the group climbed into the RV. “We’re staying at a motel not far from here. We’ll figure out a plan along the way, okay?” Joe said, climbing into the passenger’s seat.

“Sounds good,” Chuck replied from the sofa, and Libby and Joe laughed at him.

The equipment was stashed more carefully, so more floor space was available. “Hey, I could get used to this,” Rick announced as he claimed his spot on the sofa.

Libby was behind the wheel, and Joe said, “I’ll be your GPS,” as he began fingering his phone for the address.

Chuck asked, “How long you had your RV, Libby?”

“It was Mom and Dad’s. I had it overhauled and got it a couple of weeks ago: This is my first solitary road trip.” She flipped the camera in the middle of the coach around backwards and turned it on. “Okay...for posterity...we’re recording live!”

“Hey, pretty cool!” Rick commented. “So, what, you into porn?”

Everyone laughed.

“No!” Libby laughed, looking in the rearview mirror. “I wanted my niece to come along, but she’s off following her dreams, starting a college career with big plans for her future. This was my way of ‘bringing her along’ I guess you could say. Maybe someday she and I will get to take a trip together...but it’s also good for recording memories and thoughts. I’ve really enjoyed having the cameras...helped me fill the hours while traveling alone. I hope to make a video diary for her.”

“Cool idea,” replied Joe.

A few miles up the road they left the interstate; they found themselves at the Guesthouse Motel. While not very impressive, it seemed clean enough on the outside. Rick and Joe went in for room keys, while Libby turned off the cameras and sat with Chuck as he struggled to find restaurants online. With several choices in walking distance, they decided on a nearby sports bar.

The brothers all retreated to two hotel rooms to clean up. Libby also took a short shower and changed her clothes. Just as she finished dressing, Joe knocked on the RV door. Showered and changed, he stepped into the RV. She noticed his sexy cologne: slightly musky, slightly spicy, and stepped in closer to put her nose into his neck. She breathed, “MMMM....you smell good,” into his neck before laughing as she stepped back.

He smiled as he flipped her and backed her into the wall. He planted a passionate kiss on her lips. “That’s what you get for sniffing me,” he whispered in her ear.

“Hmmm...I’ll have to do that more often, then,” she laughed back. A few seconds later another knock on the door.

“Come on you two...let’s EAT!” Rick called out.

“Yeah...you’ll have time for that LATER,” Chuck added, then he and Rick laughed.

Joe smiled at Libby, “Well, shall we go eat?”

* * *

They took a booth near the back of the sports bar, which only had half-dozen customers. The waitress passed out menus and took drink orders. Libby opened her menu, and Joe put his arm around her, pulling her closer. She slid the menu between them, smiling as they cuddled.

Conversation was lively around the table, with topics of everything from music to girls, recent experiences and upcoming plans. “Hey, yeah, about that...what’re you guys doing this week—since we have almost a week before your last gig? Are you going home or what?” Rick asked.

Chuck answered, “Man, I’m happy to find a pool someplace and just veg.”

“Now, that sounds good to me too: I could use a break,” Rick added.

Joe added “Let’s just go home to Mom and Dad’s, the fresh air, peace and quiet sound good to me. Maybe we can even do some writing. I guess we also need to talk about our next move, after the movie, I mean. I haven’t had time to think about management, but I guess I need to figure something out.”

The food arrived and conversation slowed.

When the meal was over, Rick asked, “Who’s up for pool?” as he rose from the table.

Chuck picked up his beer, slid out of the booth and headed over to the pool tables. He shot a raised eyebrow in Joe’s direction as he purposefully cocked his head toward the tables.

Joe shook his head slightly. “What d’ya say we go watch some TV or something?” he whispered into Libby’s ear.

Libby nodded, then followed Joe out of the booth.

As they were leaving, a road-weary blonde entered, with a duffel bag over one shoulder and a guitar case over the other. Joe held the door for her. As Libby waited for her to enter, she smiled.

Nodding her appreciation to Joe, the weary blonde returned Libby’s acknowledgment with a slight smile. The stranger surveyed the room before heading toward a booth past the pool tables, near the restroom. She dropped her belongings on the seat with obvious relief.

Chuck watched her every move, then strolled over, “Hey, how ya doin’?”

“Fine,” she replied flatly.

“I’m Chuck, that’s my little brother, Rick. You look like a road warrior.”

“Yeah. Heading to L.A. Got a gig there...but no ride. Hey, you fellas wouldn’t happen to be...”

“Nah...sorry. Wish we could help you out. You play?” Chuck smiled and nodded toward the guitar case.

“Yeah...you fellas locals?”

“Nah,” Chuck laughed, “Like you, we’re just passing through.”

“Ah. Hey, you fellas wouldn’t steal my stuff if I stepped into the ladies room, would ya? It’s been a hard night already. Don’t think I could…” she looked pensively around the room.

Laughing, Rick returned to his solitary pool game.

“Nah. We get it. It’ll be fine.” Chuck smiled at her, bruised face looking rather impish.

Flashing a weary smile, “Thanks. You look like hell, by the way. I’m Hollie, Hollie Hayes.”

* * *

Joe and Libby walked quietly, hand-in-hand, through the night. At the RV, Libby pulled the keys from her pocket, and Joe took them from her, unlocking the door. Snickering, she walked through as he held it. “Chivalry...nice,” she laughed.

“Manners my Mama taught me,” Joe grinned.

“Good for her! And...thank you,” she smiled back.

“I haven’t had the chance to get to a store, so I’m afraid my supplies are getting low. I can offer coffee or tea?” Libby offered, peering into the refrigerator.

“Whatever you’re having is fine,” he replied, reaching for the remote control. As the TV came on, he spotted the movies in the glass cabinet and made his way to her collection. Opening the cabinet, he laughed.

Libby turned to see the object of his amusement, “Oh, flarflebloo!” she laughed.

“No, I’m flattered, I think. What was that...you said?”

“I haven’t had the chance to watch ‘em yet,” she stepped beside him an coyly replied, “Flarflebloo. There was no such thing as cursing around Mama. So, I made up a word,” Libby laughed through her blush

“Where’s your player?” he asked, laughing. “Flarfle....”

She smiled, “Bloo. Really? You’ll watch them with me?”

“Sure, why not?” he replied. “I might be terribly embarrassed, but, flarflebloo, I’ll suck it up,” he laughed, “I can’t believe you bought ‘em.”

Libby loaded the movie, then poured the coffee as Joe turned down the lights and settled into the corner of the sofa. Setting the cup down, she warned, “Be careful, that machine knows how to heat a cup of coffee! Sugar, milk?”

“Nope, perfect the way it is,” he smiled. She sat next to him and folded her legs beside her, leaning into him. He turned his body toward the TV and to her, placed his arm behind her. In unison, they both contentedly sighed as the movie began.

“Aaagh! Da...flarfle-foo!” Joe exclaimed as his first scene appeared on the screen, hiding his face.

“No, don’t do that! I’m sure you’re brilliant,” she replied as she shot him a glance. “Don’t be so critical! And please don’t do that every time you’re on screen!” she laughed. As the movie played on, the two became more and more settled together.

Joe studied her while sipping the coffee, “Hot!”

Libby laughed, “You were warned!”

“As if I could be,” he smiled.

Half-way through the movie, both were sound asleep in each other’s arms.

Several hours later, Libby awoke with a sharp pain in her neck. Stretching herself upright, she noticed how contorted Joe’s body was on the sofa. Tiptoeing back to the bedroom, she changed into a pajama shorts and pulled the bedspread down. She returned to the sofa and kissed Joe on the forehead. He sleepily opened his eyes as she flipped the TV off with the remote.

Noticing her PJs, Joe straightened with a groan. “Sorry, I fell asleep.”

“No, she said softly,
we
fell asleep.” She took him by the hand and led him to the bedroom. She noticed the smile on his face, “SLEEP,” she said, laughing.

Nodding and smiling, he lay on the covers of the bed as she slipped between the sheets. She looked at him curiously.

“Sleep,” he said as he shifted the pillow under his neck and put his arm above her pillow, inviting her into his shoulder. She snuggled into his side and smiled at the faint scent of his cologne. Very soon, both were once again sound asleep.

Pueblo, Colorado, Day 9 - Wednesday

The sound of a car door slamming in the parking lot woke the two from their cocoon. Groaning, Joe rolled onto his side snuggling close to Libby. “This is nice,” he murmured. He felt her nod as she turned onto her side, and slid into the curve of his body. It was barely daylight, and the two drifted back to sleep.

A few hours later, faint voices and splashes in the pool awoke Joe. He smoothed a few strands of her hair from his chin. He rolled the dark red curls around his finger, then smiled at the way they bounced when he shook them. He slipped his arm around her and smiled.

Libby’s eyes fluttered. She carefully picked up his hand and was about to slide out when his arm tightened, pulling her quickly back. She laughed and turned to see his face.

“And, where do you think you’re going?” he laughed.

“Nature calls,” she giggled.

“Ah, well...okay then.” he replied.

Joe got up as well, and looked at her belongings tucked behind the small railing in front of the dresser’s mirror. In a cubby stood a mist bottle reading
Driftwood Cove Yellow Jasmine Sun Oil
. Joe smiled, then smelled the cap. “Jasmine! Nice!”

When Libby finished brushing her teeth, she stepped into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee while Joe answered nature’s call as well.

“Hope you don’t mind, I used some of your mouthwash,” Joe said, stepping from the bathroom. She shook her head and poured two cups of coffee, handing one to Joe.

“That’s gonna taste great now!” she laughed. She went to the cabinet and pulled out another movie as Joe leaned against the wall blowing into his cup. She slid past him to the bedroom and loaded the DVD player built into the flatscreen. Sliding back into the sheets, she fluffed the pillows. Joe watched with intrigue, then followed. As the video intro played, Libby scooted back into Joe’s side and pulled his arm around her.

“Comfy?” he asked, sarcastically. She propped on her elbow and turned to face him. She kissed him softly, looked deeply into his eyes and nodded before snuggling back into to her previous position. Joe settled in, too, but his intention was to watch Libby, not the movie.

“Jasmine,” Joe said defiantly. Libby giggled.

“Now you know my secret!” The mirror on the dresser was in the perfect position for him to see her beautiful, smiling face. Her attention held by the movie, she didn’t notice his intention.

“Only one.” He watched her in the mirror, waiting for the smile on her face to fade. It didn’t for quite a while.

After some time, Joe spoke: “I bet such a beautiful woman has a trail of broken hearts in her wake.”

Libby laughed, “Not so much,” she turned to look at Joe.

“I don’t believe you. I can’t believe you’re out driving this RV all by yourself – and I can’t imagine why there’s not some guy bustin’ the door down to run me off.”

“Well, there was one guy in high school, but that ended badly a long time ago. He does carry a gun though, so maybe you should just watch yourself,” Libby laughed.

Joe raised an eyebrow as he studied her face.

“Ah, no, it’s not like that,” Libby laughed. “He’s a cop. No, since high school, I’ve been pretty much involved with Megan only—so much that I guess I don’t really make time for dates, much less relationships. I have
friends
; but since Laura moved away, I really don’t hang out much anymore either. It’s mostly me and my Muggs.”

Joe shook his head in disbelief. “Thanks for letting me in,” he said wistfully.

Libby poked his side and turned her attention back to the movie. Still watching her in the mirror, Joe saw her smile as she laid her head back on his shoulder. He nestled his cheek into her hair as he watched her expressions change throughout the movie.

Halfway through the movie, there was a knock at the door. Joe slipped out of the bed and motioned to Libby to stay. Opening the RV door, he saw Rick. “Hey, bro, I thought I could use the Internet to check my email and stuff...you guys mind? I forgot my charger and my phone’s dead.”

“Nah, come on. We were watching a movie.” Joe returned to the bedroom doorway and relayed Rick’s question.

“Keyboard is in the cabinet behind the sofa. Should I help?” Libby called out to Rick.

“Don’t you move!” Joe ordered, pulling the door behind him. Joe walked over to Rick and leaned toward him, “You wanna make this quick, right?” as he picked up the remote and turned on the television.

Rick looked up from the keyboard at Joe’s furrowed eyebrows and glare.

Laughing, Rick replied, “Yeah, man...no problem.”

Joe turned back toward the bedroom and called quietly over his shoulder, “And lock up when you leave.”

Joe returned to the bedroom and shut the door behind him to find Libby had dressed while he was gone and was making the bed. “I wasn’t finished with that,” he said curtly. She flashed a grin as she squeezed past him to the kitchen for a refill.

“Hey, Rick,” she smiled, “Coffee?”

“Sounds good,” Rick replied as he typed on the keyboard, then clearly reconsidered as he remembered Joe’s request. Looking to Joe for confirmation or curse, Joe shrugged, shook his head and sat on the living room chair next to the enclosed bookshelf.

“So, how’s school?” Joe asked.

“It’s cool. Things are good. I’ve worked sound board for some friends, and I may have an internship lined up with an indie label. I should find out next week. I’ve gotten good scores over some of my mixes. Some industry folks came in for a sessions day, and I got pretty good feedback.” Rick tossed the TV remote at Joe, who caught it with one hand.

“Think fast,” Rick replied as an afterthought. “Hey, the old man ain’t too rusty. ‘‘‘Cept for that cracklin’ sound Pappy used to make when he stood up!” Rick laughed.

“Glad to hear it’s working out,” Joe nodded, looking up at the screen. He tossed the remote back at Rick. Sorry we had to drag you out here.”

“Nah, I could use the break. Timing was pretty good-not much happening that I needed to be there for that I can’t do online—it’s all good.” The remote flew across the room again.

Libby sat at the table, watching the brothers interact. She wasn’t used to the way men related to each other...she was intrigued. She’d picked up on a few signals, but thought to herself, “I’m gonna have to be on my toes!” She snickered. All eyes turned to her: everyone burst into laughter. Libby blushed, shook her head, and pointed to the screen.

“Pay attention,” she laughed.

Rick brought up a couple of websites. “Oklahoma State Fair gig is up next, how far is that?” Joe asked. He rotated his chair to get a better view of the screen. He glanced into the bookshelf and saw a scrapbook.

The Internet map displayed, “almost ten hours,” Rick replied.

“Have you guys had breakfast?” Joe asked, opening the glass door to retrieve the book. A photo of Libby and Megan brandished the cover. They posed on the beach with matching
Driftwood Cove
team tee-shirts over their bathing suits. A volleyball was under Libby’s arm while Megan held a large gold trophy. Joe picked up the book and began flipping through the pages.

“No, Chuck’s in the shower, I think. I don’t know about the girl,” Rick answered with a slight hesitation. He seemed uninterested in the conversation, instead focusing on the web page in front of him.

“Girl? Oh, nevermind. Well, let’s light a fire under him...we can decide the game plan over breakfast. You fellas ready to checkout?” Joe asked as he began thumbing through the book.

“Will be,” Rick replied as he placed the keyboard on the sofa and headed for the door.

“Come get us. No, on second thought, I’ll go take a shower in the room and change. I’ll be over in a little while.”

Joe smiled at Libby as Rick closed the door. He flashed the scrapbook at her, “So…this is interesting.”

Libby laughed, “Megan’s work. She didn’t want me to forget her.”

“Driftwood Cove? That sounds familiar.”

“Yeah,” Libby laughed. They make their own line of scented products…lotions, oils, stuff like that. A friend of the family owns and runs it…they have really great stuff.”

“I know…jasmine,” Joe glanced at her as if he shared her secret. Joe flipped the book open to the first page, where Libby and Megan were playing beach volleyball with a couple of blondes.

“Reds verses the blondes, eh? Who won?” Joe grinned.

“Who do you think?” Libby smirked.

“Atta girl,” Joe smiled. “Wish I’d been there,” he smirked. He flipped the page and laughed at a young Libby holding baby Megan on her hip, Libby was all legs and arms with her brilliant dark-red hair framing her face in ringlet-pigtails. “Weren’t you just the cutest little thang!”

Libby blushed. “Hey!” she laughed as she dashed across the floor to confiscate the book. Joe pulled the book away just in time and grabbed her waist and pulled her onto his lap. Libby’s made a final, not-so-sneaky attempt to pull the book away, but failed as Joe slid the book behind his chair and stood up, carrying her to the couch and dropping her. He kissed her on the forehead.

“So, you wanna come too? Get your clothes together and come on over to room 14—I won’t be long.” She nodded, and he touched her chin, turned away.

He grabbed the book from behind his chair and with a furtive glance, considered taking it with him. Instead, he put it back in the cabinet. “I’ll get to that later. And it better be there when I do!”

Libby picked up the keyboard to journal her most recent events. She hadn’t had time for video logs, but at least she’d be able to fill in the blanks with notes.

* * *

Once satisfied that her notes were in place, she picked out clothes and went to Joe’s room for a quick shower. Chuck was standing outside the room with his bag. “Libby, good mornin’!”

“Hey Chuck, where is everybody?”

“Gettin’ it together.”

An attractive, but distant blonde appeared in the doorway of room 14.

“Uh...hi.” Libby looked quizzically at the girl. She was lean, tall and tan. She had a guitar case in her hand and a duffel bag over her shoulder.

“Libby, this is Hollie. Hollie...Libby”

“Hey, hope I didn’t take your room last night.” Hollie smiled. Libby shook her head and glanced at Chuck.

“Nah...we’re all good. Come on Hollie, let me buy you breakfast before you head west,” Chuck lead her out the doorway.

Libby walked into Joe’s room looking back at Chuck and the girl. Joe appeared from the bathroom with a towel around his neck and wearing only jeans. This was the first time Libby had seen him clean-shaven. “Hey...it’s a good shower. You need anything?”

Libby walked in, closing the door. “Who was that?”

“Oh...you met Chuck’s latest pickup. I think she came into the bar last night as we were leaving. I guess Chuck made use of my room. Good thing I didn’t come back last night!” Joe laughed. “That could’a been...somethin’! She’s apparently hitching to L.A.”

Libby nodded slowly...trying to comprehend the scenario. “Happens all the time, right?”

“Hey...life on the road with
Chu
ck, babe. You NEVER know! Someday maybe I’ll write a book…
On the Road with Chuckles
,” Joe laughed. “I’m gonna take my bag out. You okay in here for now? I’ll make sure everybody’s ready to move on.”

“I’m good...won’t be long.”

Joe made his way over to the bathroom door where Libby stood and kissed her. She stroked his smooth face and smiled. He grinned as he grabbed his shirt from the doorknob behind her, then walked away, whistling.

By 10:00, everyone was packed and checked out of the rooms. Libby was behind the wheel of the RV as the others boarded. She intensely studying the GPS as Joe took the copilot seat.

“So, there’s a truckstop nearby—is that okay?”

“Truckstop?” Joe looked unsure of Libby’s request.

Libby smiled and nodded, “That’s okay, right?”

“If that’s what you wanna do…fine by me.” He looked back at the others, “Who cares what they think. Truckstop it is.”

* * *

As Libby pulled into the truckstop, Chuck exclaimed, “A
truckstop
? Seriously?”

“Hey, I hear they have great steaks!” Libby chimed in as she passed by their sign reading
best steaks for 100 miles
. Underneath the truckstop sign, was another sign reading
Bus Terminal
.

“Well, okay then, bring it on,” Chuck responded.

Seated at the table, everyone ordered from the menu and began discussing their trip home.

“With all of us, we should be able to drive straight through today,” Joe commented.

“Is everybody okay with that?” Joe asked. “We can do four-hour driving shifts, that won’t be bad. Or we could do two hours shifts to break it up more. We’ll be there tonight and have the rest of the week to relax. Being still sounds pretty good right about now. Man, I just can’t wait to get past next weekend.”

Everyone agreed.

Joe turned to Libby, “I’m sorry, I’m assuming you’re alright with this plan...do you have some place you need to be?”

She shook her head, “No place at all.”

He smiled. “Good. That’s settled. So you don’t mind if, we take turns driving your rig.”

“Nah...it’s a piece of cake,” she laughed.

Hollie remained quiet for most of breakfast, only answering questions when directed at her. Her eyes were constantly darting outside. When everyone stood to leave, she reached in her duffle bag for a map. Libby sat back down as she waved the gang on toward the door.

“Do you have some way to get where you’re goin’?”

Hollie smiled, “Sure...this looks like a good place to pick up a ride.”

“Hollie, would you please let me buy you a bus ticket. You shouldn’t be trying to hitch a ride. Really I can afford the ticket. Don’t worry about paying me back, you can do something nice for someone else sometime. We’ll call it even.” Libby pulled cash from her pocket and passed it across the table.

“No, I couldn’t. But thanks, I’m sure there’s a truck heading west out there,” Hollie looked out the window with slight apprehension.

Joe appeared over Libby’s shoulder and motioned for her to slide over. “Hey, Chuck mentioned you’re headin’ to L.A. for a gig. I have a friend there. He’s always willing to offer a bed to friends. I’ll give him a heads-up, but here’s his phone number. He’s a good guy...you can trust him.” Joe scribbled on the paper and slid it over to Hollie. The waitress passed with the coffeepot.