Seize the Day

17. Zack
Crossed Another Cold State Line



I drove about 6 hours and Bailey drove about 4 before we stopped at a rest stop for food and to rest. I was more than exhausted, I kept falling asleep in the passenger seat as she drove. She had pulled into a rest stop and I woke up to her taking pictures of me sleeping in an awkward position, my head against the window.


“Charming.” I said huskily, rubbing my eyes. “Prince Charming.” I flexed my muscles and winked at her before stretching and reaching for my coffee in the cup holder. It was empty.


“I figure we’ll stop for some food, then there is a hotel up the road.” She said taking the keys out of the ignition. “Do you want me to go get food and we’ll eat at the hotel or do you wanna eat in there?”


“Let’s eat the food in the hotel.” I nodded. “If you don’t mind.”


We walked in and I grabbed a take-out menu, sharing it with her. The girl at the counter was
bright eyed and bushy tailed waiting for us to order, I did notice she paid Bailey no mind but I didn’t think anything of it.


I told her what I wanted then looked at Bailey, but the girl ignored her and asked if I wanted a drink. I wrapped my arm around Bailey, instantly making her relax in this situation. The waitress sighed before taking Bailey’s order, not even offering her a drink or any sauces. We sat down at a booth like thing in the entrance waiting for the food, I started to doze off and used Bailey’s shoulder as a pillow. She nudged me as the waitress approached us with our bag of food, I thanked her and we went back out to the car.


“You said there is a hotel… up the road?” I said looking around, it was dark I felt like we we’re in the middle of nowhere. I lit a cigarette and started to eat some fries, offering some to Bailey as she drove.


When we got into the hotel I walked up to the woman at the counter, asking her what kind of things they had open. I asked for a double bedded room, I asked if they had two rooms right next to each other.


“I have one room, it has one bed.” She said.


I looked at Bailey who shrugged. “We’ll take it.”


I paid for it on my card and loaded up a bag or so in my arms of stuff, then followed Bailey to the room. I dropped the stuff by the door and went straight for the bed.


“I’m gonna shower.” She said as I fell face first onto the bed.


“Okay. I’m sorry about the bed arrangement… I can sleep on the floor.” I said my face still
buried in the bed.


I must’ve fallen asleep because I woke up and it was all dark except for the TV on with Sons of Anarchy on. I looked around and saw Bailey at the top of the bed eating the food from earlier. She said nothing, just handed me my box and patted next to her on the bed.


“Couldn’t sleep.” She shrugged. “You were too tired to be bothered.”


“I’m sorry.” I said sitting next to her, starting on my burger.


“And you won’t sleep on the floor, you’ll be fine in bed. It’s cold and my anxiety would appreciate you being close.” She said sternly.


“If you insist.” I said nudging her. “I’ll drive the last 8 hours.”


“Or I can drive the first 4 and you drive the last 4.” She shrugged. “It’s all highway, then the last part you’ll have to drive cause you know it better than me.”


I nodded, getting tired again. “You sure you’re okay with me sleeping in the bed?”


“Yes. And take your shoes off. Get comfortable. We’re adults.”


“Actually you’re still a teenager, I’m an adult.” I said getting out of bed to take off my shirt and
pants, I looked at her to see her reaction and by the slight flush to her face she I didn’t know if I was making her uncomfortable or not. She held the covers up for me to get in so I did, and I stayed on my side.


“Goodnight, Zack.”


“Goodnight Bays.” I said groggily, sleep was already taking me.


You know when Johnny told me what was going on and he talked me into coming and getting her I was sure she would slap me across the face and refuse to get in the car. But no, here I am sleeping beside her. I mean, because we had to but I don’t think even if there was two beds that I would be sleeping alone tonight.


This is going way better than expected.

Notes